Struisbaai Harbour, nestled along South Africa’s southernmost coastline, is not just a haven for fishing, seaside relaxation and fresh seafood; it’s also home to a group of resident stingrays that have become local celebrities and a must-see Struisbaai attraction.
At the heart of the harbour’s charm are the stingrays, led by two large stingrays that some locals even refer to as being tame. Stingrays love the Harbour’s shallow coastal waters and spend most of their time looking for fish scraps discarded by fishermen. In fact, is is believed that the stingrays were first lured to the harbour because of the many fishing charters, and have now become permanent residents.
The stingrays at Struisbaai Harbour are, believe it or not… short-tail stingrays. Native to the Southern Hemisphere’s coastal waters, they can be found along Southern Africa, Australia, and even New Zealand.
Did you know that short-tail stingrays are the largest stingray species? They can reach impressive sizes of up to 2.1 m (6.9 ft) in width, 4.3 m (14 ft) in length, and 350 kg (770 lb) in weight.
If you want to catch a glimpse of these interesting though peculiar sea creatures, timing is key. Although short-tail stingrays can be seen all along the Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas coastlines, the harbour’s stingrays are most active during the warmer months—often basking in the sun near the shoreline and harbour pier.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to witness their graceful movements as they sway in the current and perhaps even watch them search for food.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Struisbaai, be sure to swing by the harbour, say hello to the stingrays, and perhaps take a picture or share a moment with Struisbaai’s unique marine ambassadors. After all, the stingrays are not just an exciting attraction, they’re a reminder of the beautiful coexistence between humans and nature.
Come for the fishing boats, stay for the beach, and don’t forget to look out for Struisbaai’s resident stingrays!
