Smaller protected areas occur in False Bay and at Betty's Bay where perlemoen are abundant. De Hoop nature reserve, north of Cape Agulhas, has a magnificent stretch of coastline with a combination of rocky shore and extensive dune fields. The Southern Right whales can be seen breeding in the sheltered bays. Trails go through the reserve which is also used as an education centre for school camps. Tsitsikamma coastal national park is a well-managed wild stretch of coast which boasts an underwater diving trail and the famous Otter Hiking Trail.
Knysna lagoon is the only estuary given any protection.
If one travels north from East London to Kosi Bay, the coast becomes more tropical and mangroves line the river banks. Dwesa, Hluleka and Mkambati nature reserves protect part of the beautiful and gentle coast of the Transkei. They provide a stark contrast to the heavily exploited neighbouring shores where the local population harvests the edible shellfish and also the seaweed Gelidium which is used commercially as a source of agar. This area contains the only coral reefs in the country. Access to these beaches is strictly controlled as they are the breeding grounds of the loggerhead and leatherback turtles which come ashore in early summer to lay their eggs.