The reserve is closely linked to the famous Sacramento Trail, a loop of about 8 km that traverses roughly 320 hectares of the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve (proclaimed in 1980). The walk begins at the west end of Schoenmakerskop near the historic cannon and follows the coastline to Sardinia Bay, returning inland via bridle-tracks and a path along the top of the vegetated dunes. It’s recommended for reasonably fit walkers, and standard precautions apply: go in a group, wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and take sun protection. Dogs are allowed on the lower coastal section.

A major part of Sardinia Bay’s appeal is that the coastline is strongly protected. The trail passes markers for the adjacent Sardinia Bay Marine Reserve, where removal of marine life (including angling) is prohibited—so you get a noticeably “alive” shoreline experience compared with many heavily used urban beaches. In the same area, the Sardinia Bay MPA is described as a no-take marine protected area (no fishing/harvesting) managed by the Nelson Mandela Metro.

On the ground, the route delivers constant detail: freshwater seepages along the coast, and rugged strata of the Table Mountain Sandstone group jutting into the sea to form sheltered gullies. From the rocks you may spot seabirds offshore—and sometimes dolphins. Near the far end of the sandy bay (often referred to as Cannon Bay), there are even the ruins of a mill once used to crush seashells, adding a subtle layer of local history to the walk.

The dune system is also part of the story. Sardinia Bay is described as the source of a large drift-sands area, and the guidance is clear: avoid disturbing pioneer dune vegetation (by foot, vehicles, or animals) because it can trigger “blow-outs” that destabilise dunes and threaten nearby infrastructure over time. If you want the best light and the calmest conditions, aim for early morning or late afternoon—Sardinia Bay is especially well known for big skies and sunset views.