Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
📍 Summerstrand · Gqeberha · Eastern Cape
Beachfront boutique comfort — 300 m from Hobie Beach, dolphins at breakfast
About the Property
Dolphin Bay Boutique Hotel & Spa sits directly on the Summerstrand beachfront in Gqeberha, 300 metres from the Blue Flag waters of Hobie Beach. The hotel earned its name honestly — resident bottlenose dolphin pods are visible from the breakfast terrace on most mornings, and southern right whales pass close to shore between June and November.
The hotel is a genuine boutique property: 12 rooms including a self-catering 3-bedroom luxury apartment, a full day spa, an ocean-view pool deck and an in-house restaurant built around fresh linefish and Karoo lamb.
Gqeberha is malaria-free and mild year-round, making Dolphin Bay a comfortable, low-hassle base for exploring the Eastern Cape. Addo Elephant National Park is a little over an hour away.
Guest Review Scores
"Woke up to dolphins playing right outside our window. The location can't be beaten — literally on the beach. Staff went above and beyond to make our anniversary special."
★★★★★ — Verified guest, Booking.com
"The spa treatment was incredible and the ocean-view suite was worth every cent. Breakfast spread was excellent with fresh seafood options and a proper espresso machine."
★★★★★ — TripAdvisor reviewer
"Perfect base for exploring Addo and the beaches. Room was spacious and clean, and the pool deck views at sunset were genuinely stunning."
★★★★ — TripAdvisor reviewer (Addo day tripper)
Rooms & Pricing
Prices are approximate and vary by season and booking platform. Check the current rate with the stay.
5 available · Private bathroom · King bed + private balcony
6 available · Private bathroom · Queen bed
Ocean-view function deck for weddings, conferences and celebrations. Full catering and event coordination available. Can accommodate up to 80 guests.
Facilities
Nearby Attractions
All distances by road from Marine Drive, Summerstrand. Shuttle bookable for major attractions.
Africa's Big Five, Malaria-Free
South Africa's third-largest national park and home to over 600 elephants — the highest density anywhere on Earth. Malaria-free and just over an hour from Dolphin Bay.
Tours & Activities
Guided game drive through Addo's Big Five territory. Malaria-free, no long transfers.
Full day · 72 km · Guide included
Boat trip from Algoa Bay harbour. Dolphin pods sighted year-round; whales June–November.
~3 hrs · Departs harbour · Seasonal whales
Beginner-friendly surf lessons on the doorstep. Board and wetsuit hire included.
Year-round · 300 m · Equipment included
Self-guided or guided walk through 67 public artworks telling Nelson Mandela's story.
Half-day · 6 km · Free entry
Casino floor, cinema and a strip of restaurants on the beachfront.
Evening · 1.5 km · Shuttle included
Seal and penguin displays with an active marine education and rehabilitation centre.
Half-day · 2 km · Family friendly
Getting Here
GPS COORDINATES
Plus Code: 3JPG+7H Gqeberha
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
From Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ): Head south on Allister Miller Drive, following signs to Summerstrand via the beachfront route. Continue onto Marine Drive — Dolphin Bay is on your right, opposite the Hobie Beach parking area. Approximately 12 minutes.
From the N2 Highway (Cape Town or Durban direction): Take the Summerstrand/University off-ramp and follow signs south. Join Marine Drive and continue along the coast for approximately 20 minutes.
Local taxi / Uber: Uber operates reliably throughout Gqeberha. A ride from the airport to Dolphin Bay typically costs R120–150.
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