Once renowned as a surfer’s paradise, St Francis Bay has evolved into South Africa’s Calamari Capital, a title the town is celebrating with a week-long festival starting September 20th.
This transformation from a quiet fishing village to a bustling culinary and cultural hub is rooted in its rich history, beginning with the pioneering efforts of Leighton Hullett in the 1950s.
Hullett, a Natal sugar cane farmer, purchased land in St Francis Bay after seeing an ad in Farmer’s Weekly in 1954. He initially established a modest fishing camp but soon expanded his vision, developing South Africa’s first marina along with a golf course, airfield, luxury hotel, and the Santareme Bay area. His efforts laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and economically significant community.
The turning point for St Francis Bay came in the 1980s when the value of “Chokka”—the local term for calamari—was discovered. Previously used primarily as bait, Chokka began to gain recognition in European markets for its quality, comparable to Mediterranean squid. The decline of the rand in the mid-1980s further fueled international demand, turning Chokka into a lucrative export and earning it the nickname “White Gold.”
This economic boom led to the establishment of Port St Francis in 1997, a privately owned commercial harbor that now serves as the base for the region’s Chokka, hake, and pilchard fishing fleets. The port has become a cornerstone of the local economy, providing employment for over 3,000 people and solidifying St Francis Bay’s reputation as a seafood powerhouse.
In recognition of its calamari heritage, St Francis Bay has hosted the Calamari Classic for the past 25 years. Initially focused on golf and bowls tournaments, the event expanded in 2017 to include the Calamari Festival, which now spans an entire week. This year’s festival, running from September 20th to 28th, will feature live music, art exhibitions, whale watching safaris, dune walks, and a special celebration of the town’s 70th anniversary.
A key highlight of the festival is the official launch of the Calamari Route on September 21st. This culinary trail will allow visitors to sample freshly caught calamari at 14 local restaurants, showcasing the area’s rich gastronomic offerings. The route is complemented by the Chokka Trail, a 62km hiking adventure, and a unique calamari boat trip with tastings at the well-known Chokka Block Restaurant.
“St Francis Bay’s transformation from a quiet fishing village to a leading culinary destination is a testament to its unique history and community spirit,” said Dionne Collett, Chair of St Francis Tourism. “Despite its growth, the town has maintained its charm, with architectural guidelines preserving the village feel and attractions like the Seal Point Lighthouse and world-class golf courses drawing visitors from near and far.”
For more details on the Calamari Route and the upcoming festival, visit St Francis Tourism.
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