Swimming, Splashing & Snorkeling
You can go for a wander around the Island (be mindful of residents' property), or splash about in the calm, warm river water. The Southern side of The Island is very protected, but a favourite swimming hole is on the East side of The Island beneath the opposite bank near the bottom of the Vishoek Trail.
For the more adventurous and stronger swimmers, you can ride the waves in the river mouth - preferably an incoming tide.
During the holiday season, lifeguards keep their watchful eyes on swimmers in the ocean at the mouth - be sure to keep between their flags (see LifeSaving South Africa and the NSRI websites for safety tips). It's an important, but often thankless job - why not give them a wave the next time you see them?
Be sure to bring your mask and snorkel, as you've be amazed at the underwater creatures that are swimming about (besides harders, grunters and, of course, shrimp, even small rays, a little river shark and an ink-squirting octopus have been spotted!).
If you're looking for something less energetic but even more sublime, grab an inflatable toy or inner tube and ride the gentle river current during the changing tide (when the river mouth is open, of course). With perfect conditions, you can find yourself bobbing along all the way from the mouth, around The Island, and past the single-lane bridge.
Ah.... blissful!
Ah.... blissful!