Hartenbos is one of the most popular resorts along the South coast of the Western Cape and thousands of residents from the northern provinces spend their annual summer holiday here. "Everything Under the Sun" is the slogan that personifies Hartenbos with its whitewashed beaches, calm sea and Mediterranean climate. As part of the Garden Route and the Whale Route, situated between Mossel Bay and George, this tranquil town is the ideal destination for family holidays (as for hundreds of other families).
The beautiful and safe lagoon of the Hartenbos River excellently lends itself to family holiday sport from swimming to surfing, while angling for shad and white steenbras is the favourite pasttime of the more patient. Colourful kiosks vending anything from delicious calamari to colourful clothing, line the main street during the holiday season.
The Hartenbos Museum has an impressive display depicting the various stages of the "Great Trek". Whale, dolphin and seal watching are other attractions that draw tourists from far and wide each year. There is an abundance of birdlife, particularly near the river mouth, which is an active breeding ground for sea birds.
The beach front boasts a heated indoor pool, supertube, bowling green, tennis courts, amusement centre, conference facilities and a stadium where festivals and festive activities take place.
