Swap snow for sand dunes during the festive season at Morukuru Family De Hoop. Christmas by the seaside offers a chance to experience the magic of the holidays in a completely unique way, surrounded by Mother Nature’s best work and adventure in every moment. The festivities here are all about reconnecting with the world around you and those you love, from splashing through rock pools to heading out on guided nature walks steeped in discovery. Here's a closer look at the seaside celebrations that lie in store… you might even spot Santa on the beach! If you are really lucky, he may be seen sneaking into Morukuru Beach Lodge or Morukuru Ocean House to leave that something special.

Christmas rock pool explorations

Who needs snowball fights when you can splash around in De Hoop’s sparkling rock pools? The coastline in this Marine Protected Area is spilling over with life, from colourful starfish and purple sea urchins to darting fish and sea snails. Exploring rock pools is an exciting family-friendly activity that brings you up close to the incredible biodiversity of the Indian Ocean – and it’s great fun for kids and adults alike!

Guided nature walks and beach days

Every guided walk during your stay is a fresh opportunity to connect with nature, whether you’re spotting wildlife like Cape mountain zebra and bontebok or marvelling at views of the dunes meeting the sea. If you’re swapping adventure for relaxation (or enjoying a balance of both), the beach and its silky sand is always just a few steps away. Build sandcastles, sunbath (don’t forget to slap on plenty of sunblock), and let the sound of waves carry you into the holiday spirit.

Two Oceans Aquarium

For families eager to learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants, we recommend adding on our Coastal Conservation with a Purpose on to your stay. This includes a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town with a behind the scenes turtle tour.  A marine conservation treasure, besides seeing many incredible marine species, you will learn about the journey of turtles like Bheni, the green sea turtle who is sporting a satellite tag the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation sponsored. Since being released from the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, Bheni has been tracked travelling over 18,000 km – and counting! It’s an inspiring success story and an example of the importance of protecting our oceans, their creatures, and the ecosystems they sustain.

Bheni’s holiday adventures

This year, Bheni’s a big part of the festive season fun in the form of a meaningful holiday craft. Download instructions to create your very own Bheni Christmas tree decoration. It’s a wonderful activity for families around the world… and it’ll be so interesting to see just how far Bheni can ‘travel’ this Christmas! Simply hang your paper turtle on your Christmas tree or on display at home, snap a photo, upload it to Instagram, and tag us!

Christmas magic, the Morukuru Way

At Morukuru Family De Hoop, the warm sunlit days and golden evenings always make the perfect setting for a different kind of Christmas celebration. Spend time outdoors as a family, sharing meals al fresco, delighting in stunning sunsets, and unwinding to the gentle lapping of the ocean. Wherever you are, we wish you a festive season filled with rest, adventure, and those special moments that bring joy, gratitude, and perspective for a purposeful year ahead! We hope you will be joining us next Christmas. Contact our reservation team or your travel agent and plan ahead. Ho Ho Ho!