Witsand known as "The" whale nursery of Southern Africa is a delightful seaside resort, situated at the mouth (east) of the Breede River, perched on hills that roll down to meet the blue waters of St Sebastian Bay.

The Breede River estuary is a breeding ground for oysters - and sharks are known to dwell here too. In spring calving Southern Right whales cruise up and down the coastline, close to shore. St Sebastian Bay has the largest concentration of Southern Rights on the South African Coast. The official helicopter count done in October 2000 revealed 34 cow-calf pairs in the Bay, and 74 off de Hoop. On a good day you can see up to 50 Southern Right Whales. (Between May and December, boats should be wary of colliding with whales.)

Port Beaufort, lying slightly upriver (3 km) from Witsand, was named by Lord Charles Somerset in 1817 and was later used by Barry and Nephews as a busy harbour serving the Overberg districts. Today this small resort still retains some historical landmarks, including the Barry Church built in 1859 by Thomas Barry and an old inn that used to be a customs house.

Witsand is the only village on the Bay that has the infrastructure to accommodate visitors and has plenty to do for the whole family. The most popular ways to reach Witsand and Port Beaufort are either via the Malgas pont or from Heidelberg. To access Infanta from Witsand, either via the Malgas pont or across the Breede River with your own boat / canoe.

Infanta is a small holiday resort and fishing hamlet, framed by a rocky headland, situated on the western side of the Breede River. Infanta is named after Joao Infante, commander of the second caravel under Dias.

Access to Infanta is along a roller-coasting gravel road that turns off the N2 just west of Swellendam. St Sebastian Bay and the surrounding hills cloaked in fynbos are a nature lover's and fisherman's delight. There is a slipway for launching powerboats at Infanta and a rocky shoreline with good diving and angling spots. Witsand is accessible via crossing the Breede River by your own boat / canoe or via the Malgas pont.

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