If there’s one place where water sets the pace of daily life, it’s Velddrif. Perched along the lower Berg River as it winds toward the ocean, this West Coast village invites you into a world of paddling, cruising, angling, beach time and great food with a view.
Here, you can drift along the river with a sundowner, relax with a fishing rod in hand, or enjoy something delicious right on the water’s edge. Velddrif blends adventure and tranquillity in that wonderfully effortless West Coast way. Whether you arrive seeking action or a slow exhale, here’s why Velddrif’s water-based escapes deserve a spot on your travel list this year.
Where the River Tells Its Story: Slow Cruises & Champagne Moments
One of the must-do activities is a river cruise — a fun, scenic and relaxing way to experience the Berg River from a completely different perspective. Once the boat pulls away from the jetty, you get a front-row view of the river’s natural beauty as reeds, birdlife and long peaceful stretches drift by.
Cruises operate throughout the day, and local operators such as Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours, Knot Xtreme Bergrivier Boat Cruise and Step Lightly River Cruises offer everything from daytime outings to sunset trips with sundowners. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate Velddrif’s calm, wide-open landscapes.
Paddle Power: Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP on the Berg River
If you prefer setting your own pace, paddling is one of Velddrif’s best-loved activities. The Berg River’s broad, calm stretches make it ideal for canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddling. Early mornings are especially rewarding, with smooth water, gentle light and plenty of birdlife along the reeds.
Visitors can bring their own craft or hire equipment from Canoe & Kayak World, making it easy for both beginners and confident paddlers to get onto the water.
Bokkom Laan: Old West Coast Traditions on the River’s Edge
Along the riverbank lies Bokkom Laan, Velddrif’s oldest road and a recognised Heritage site. This rustic strip is the historic heart of the bokkoms industry, where mullet have been salted and dried for generations. Today, it’s a charming blend of working heritage and laid-back riverside leisure.
Visitors wander past old vishuise and drying racks, browse small shops, enjoy a drink on wooden jetties and watch the tide shift just metres away. Ek & Djy, the lane’s most-loved eatery, captures its unpolished, authentic West Coast character.
Laaiplek Harbour: A Front-Row Seat to Fishing Life
Further downstream, the Berg River meets the sea at Laaiplek — a working harbour rich in traditional West Coast character. Fishing boats move in and out with the tides, nets are repaired on the quayside, and the rhythm of harbour life is always on show.
It’s a great place for a wander before stopping at the Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli for ice cream or a light snack with a view of the trawlers.
Salt on Your Skin: Beaches, Surf & Ocean Energy
Just north of Velddrif lies Dwarskersbos, a peaceful coastal village known for its long stretch of unspoilt beach. It’s ideal for long walks, beach days and photography. On calm days, the shallow water becomes a family-friendly swimming area; when the swell rises, surfers enjoy uncrowded waves. Consistent West Coast winds also make the area popular with kite surfers.
Dwarskersbos is close enough for a quick seaside outing and offers a refreshing contrast to the quiet river scenes upriver.
Casting Off: River Fishing, Beach Angling & Deep-Sea Adventures
Fishing is woven into Velddrif’s identity. The Berg River estuary supports healthy fish stocks, making riverbank angling both accessible and rewarding. Knor Varkie is a favourite spot where fishing and relaxed riverside gatherings often blend into one.
Surf anglers head to the beaches around Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, targeting deeper channels beyond the shore break. For offshore enthusiasts, deep-sea charters leave from the harbour and marinas, offering outings into St Helena Bay in search of larger species. The mix of river, beach and open ocean makes Velddrif a standout fishing destination.
Wildlife in Watercolour: Birding in a Ramsar Paradise
Velddrif’s Berg River estuary is a Ramsar wetland and a magnet for birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded. Flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, terns and migrant waders are regularly seen across the tidal flats and salt marshes.
Birdwatching is rewarding almost anywhere — along Bokkom Laan, on a river cruise, at Rooibaai, from the harbour wall, or at nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Even casual visitors often leave with memorable sightings thanks to the area’s rich bird diversity.
Eat, Sleep and Stay by the Water
Good food in Velddrif usually comes with a view. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed meal at De Brug or Teyana’s, or heading to Soverby Lapa for seafood on the beach, dining here is unfussy and full of West Coast flavour. River Shack at Knor Varkie offers a rustic riverside stop, while Suikerbekkie at Kuifkopvisvanger brings countryside calm beside the water. The Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli remains a go-to for harbour treats and ice creams.
This waterside lifestyle extends to the accommodation. Throughout Velddrif, Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, you’ll find everything from cosy riverside cottages to relaxed self-catering units and simple seaside stays. Wherever you choose, water is never far away — and neither is that unmistakable slow West Coast ease.
A Place Where Water Writes the Itinerary
“Velddrif offers the kind of variety that turns a simple trip into a memorable one. You can spend a morning paddling on still water, an afternoon exploring Bokkom Laan or the working harbour at Laaiplek, and a sunset on the beach in Dwarskersbos,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism.
“It’s an easy, welcoming destination where the water is always close and every day can look slightly different from the one before – a perfect must-do adventure for the fresh new year ahead.” For more information, visit Bergrivier Tourism & Accommodation South Africa Bergrivier Tourism
