An interesting new stop to make in the sunny coastal town of St Francis Bay!
St Francis, South Africa (19 December 2025) – The St Francis Shipwreck Museum officially opened its doors on 15 December 2025, giving the idyllic little thatch-roofed town a permanent spot for its surprisingly deep maritime history.
It started in October two years ago: a modest shipwreck display went up at the entrance to Cape St Francis, near the Irma Booysen Nature Reserve. It was driven by local historian Dave Bowmer, who had previously run a tiny shipwreck museum alongside his ice cream shop.
Things grew from there. Bowmer teamed up with Matt Gennrich, chairperson of Friends of the St Francis Nature Areas (FOSTER), and soon discovered that the respected maritime historian Malcolm Turner, author of Shipwrecks & Salvage, lived nearby. Turner’s involvement helped shape the collection and ensure the stories being told were accurate and properly researched.
Momentum picked up in September 2024 during the Wildflower and Shipwreck Experience, hosted as part of the town’s annual Calamari Festival.
“Anene Jonck and Heidi Halgryn from the municipality’s Finance and Economic Development section (which includes tourism) were inspired by the region’s shipwreck heritage and championed the establishment of a dedicated museum. Their efforts led to the identification of a suitable building, the securing of funding, and the necessary permissions to bring the project to life.” shares the Kouga Municipality.
The museum was developed in partnership with the Humansdorp Museum Association, which also oversees the Shell Museum, Humansdorp Museum and Surf Museum.
When word spread, the community got involved and helped grow the collection.
“As news of the initiative spread, community members began offering items for donation or on loan. Only artifacts verified to have originated from specific wrecks between Plettenberg Bay and Bird Island were included in the final exhibition.” shares the municipality.
One of the museum’s strongest links to the town itself is how its surprising maritime history shows up in its streets.
“Many of the town’s street names are named after shipwrecks that lie along this stretch of coastline. The museum gives these names context, transforming familiar roads into reminders of the untold stories resting beneath the waves.”
The St Francis Shipwreck Museum is located at 2 Diana Crescent, St Francis Bay and is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00. Entry costs R20 for adults and R5 for children.
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