Cape Vidal – Stunning Coastal Get-Away
If you’re looking for one of South Africa’s ultimate coastal destinations along the country's eastern shoreline, Cape Vidal has to be it. This stunning coastal area is situated within the St Lucia Marine Reserve, not far from the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. While this means that you can't go blazing through the marshy thickets or destroy any natural vegetation or animal life, it does mean you can expect to be surrounded by the bounties of nature. Known for its sport fishing and snorkelling, Cape Vidal has plenty to keep the average nature lover or water enthusiast busy.
Cape Vidal is a pretty bay which has a variety of accommodation to meet various needs. You can choose between log cabins with either five or eight beds, each of which is equipped with a kitchenette and a lounge. For those who wish to try their hand at fishing, you can try one of the five multi-bed cabins situated on the shore of Lake Bhangazi. There are also plenty of campsites for those who prefer to pitch a tent. However people don’t come to Cape Vidal for the accommodation, they come here for the marine life. The coastal resort is set in a sheltered bay that features a number of shallow pools and rock ledges, which make for excellent snorkeling. Miles of pristine beaches are perfect for walking, swimming and sunbathing while self-guided trails make for interesting day-hikes through the wetlands and coastal forest that is prevalent here. Because you are in the midst of a nature reserve, you can see hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, whales, dolphins, turtles and a wide variety of birds.
The bay has a designated launch site for those who want to launch ski boats or deep-sea fishing boats. Deep-sea fishing and spear fishing are popular sports which are supported here – though it is advisable to check on the rules before you cast your line. For the more adventurous, the shipwreck of a wooded barque called Dorothea is reputed to rest somewhere nearby. However the only clue to her whereabouts is a chain which still rests on the floor of the bay. The Dorothea was said to be carrying a large amount of gold when it sank somewhere off the coast on 31 January 1898 and many snorkelers and scuba divers casually take up the search for her sunken treasure whenever they are in the area. So whether you want to see some beautiful animals, catch some big fish or both, visit Cape Vidal in St Lucia. You wont regret it.
