Cape Town has wonderful places to take a dip, from stunning beaches to sheltered tidal pools to dams or waterfalls found along walks. The Saunter focusses here on some of the beaches and tidal pools. Camps Bay and Boulders Bay have both been listed as world top beaches. Different beaches are cited as favourites as each of us has different expectations and requirements.
There is one common denominator along the Atlantic seaboard …very cold water. Forget memories of floating in the Med or jumping waves until your fingers get crinkled in KZN. Sometimes legs go numb as you are getting in! Remember when looking south, there is nothing between you and Antarctica. Refreshing after sunning in our hot summer, yes, and after the first moments when you are thinking “not a chance”, it is delicious.
False Bay’s waters are warmer, but still cool. We have grouped together the warmer spots along False Bay. Whichever spot you choose, you will have beautiful scenery around you.
Blue Flag status is for the cleanest of water but it can change season to season. Please find out about rip currents before swimming and swim between the flags where you see them.
South Africans love the beach and most times of the year visiting the beach is a very pleasant experience. However, we suggest you avoid New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and public holidays when the pressure of humanity spoils any pleasant beach experience on the popular beaches.
The Atlantic Seaboard – brrr side
1.Blouberg Beach and Big Bay, Small Bay
In sequence travelling from Seapoint to Cape Point:
2.Seapoint – The Seapoint Pavillion, Milton Tidal Pool, Queens Beach and Saunders Rocks.
3.Clifton Beaches
4.Glen Beach
5.Camps Bay Beach
6.Bakoven- Beta and Bali Beaches
7.Oudekraal
8.Llandudno Beach
9.Sandy Bay
10.Noordhoek
11.Long Beach, Kommetjie
12.Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
13.Cape Point Beaches: coming soon (Diaz and Buffels)
14.Smitswinkels Bay
False Bay Beaches– warmer waters
In sequence if driving from the Cape PointNnational Park towards Gordon’s Bay.
15.Miller’s Point
16.Windmill Beach
17.Boulders Beach
18.Waters Edge Beach
19.Glencairn Beach
20.Fish Hoek Beach
21.Woolley’s Tidal Pool
22.St James Beach & Tidal Pool
23.Dalebrook Tidal Pool
24.Muizenberg Beach
25.Strand
26.Gordons Bay- Bikini Beach
27.West Coast: Kraalbaai, Langebaan Lagoon
For walking, kitesurfing, kayaking and beach picnics
“Bloubergstrand is one of the most memorable, picture-perfect beaches in Cape Town.” The views across Table Bay to Table Mountain are breath taking and change as the light changes, ending in stunning sunsets.
Bloubergstrand (Blue Mountain Beach) is a gorgeous, long beach with a lovely shoreline. It loosely includes a number of beaches. This beach is perfect for long walks. It is ideal for kite- and wind-surfing as the beach is exposed to the elements with constant trade winds bringing a 1–3 m surf for a majority of the year.
If you want an invigorating walk on a quiet, beautiful beach, with views to sooth the soul, you can’t do better than Bloubergstrand. A long, long beach, Bloubergstrand is a lovely place to chill on calm days. On windy days, its long coastline is dotted with kite surfers.
No lifesavers… so stay in the shallows. No toilets but many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Small Bay (or Kleinbaai) is for family day out. It has soft beach sand for children to run around on, a jungle gym with a slide, and a grassy braai area. Choose a less- windy day.
At Pelegrini Street – you’ll find a park with wide steps that lead straight onto a smaller section of beach with calm waters. There is lots of parking and Small Bay has toilets.
Big Bay is a great family beach, offering spectacular views across the bay of Table Mountain and Robben Island. Two rocky points that extend out into the sea create a small bay in which surfing, windsurfing and swimming are popular. It’s also close to many shops and other amenities and families as well as water sports enthusiasts flock here on weekends.
No dogs on any of the beaches.
Vibrant promenade with mix of locals and visitors
“The Prom,” is for joggers, sun-chasers, or peaceful strolls. It spans some 7 kilometers, running from Mouille Point’s candy-striped lighthouse to the cliffs of Bantry Bay. The walkway is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a lush greenbelt on the other, with views of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill in the distance. It is a hub of restaurants, bars and cafes. Near Bantry Bay it is Riviera like.
Most of the coast is rocky, with strong currents and kelp. We highlight spots worth mentioning.
The Seapoint Pavillion pool complex is excellent with Olympic sized salt water pool with sea view, a diving pool and kiddies splash pools. It’s open from Monday to Sunday from 7am – 6:45pm. It costs R36 for adults and R20 for kids, and it has its own changing rooms etc. Its best during the week, when it’s less busy, as it can get packed during summer! Kept nicely clean.
Milton Tidal Pool
The Milton Tidal Pool is a natural seawater tidal pool at Milton Beach. It is a rocky tidal pool which is very accessible and perfect swimming for kids as it is has shallow. Kids can also look for small sea creatures in the rock pools.
It has good ocean views and is less crowded for sunbathing. It is also a perfect spot to see the sunset. Facilities include parking areas and drinking fountains.
Sheltered and peaceful sunbathing, sea dipping and sunsets
Queen’s Beach is a little off the beaten path and private from passers-by. It is sheltered from the wind There’s a shallow gully between the rocks to take safe dips and there are rock pools for kids to explore. Due to the rocky coastline the beach is made up of broken shells, with very little sand and it can be hard on feet. We suggest you wear shoes.There is parking plus a MyCiti bus stop. There are toilets. No dogs.
Sunbathing, tidal pool and sunsets
Photo by Jay Caboz
Saunders’ Rocks Beach, so named because of the imposing granite rocks that are a feature of this mostly wind-free beach
There’s a small tidal pool for swim and a sandy beach. During the summer months, it’s a sunset hotspot for the locals with snacks. Note that alcohol is not allowed on SA’s beaches, if you want a cocktail with your sunset, there are lots of options along the promenade. The views of the ocean are breath-taking and the sunsets quite magical. You will find a friendly, welcoming vibe – there’s a real community here!
Saunders’ Beach is a fairly popular beach but is not over crowded. The rock pools and gullies are fabulous spots for exploring, as they are home to rich marine life. The beautiful white sand of the beach is dotted with rocky outcrops, which add a distinctive character to Saunders’.
Saunders’ Rocks Beach has toilets and shower facilities, as well as nearby parking.
For excellent swimming and sunsets
Clifton’s four idyllic beaches are separated and sheltered by large granite boulders. They are famous for wind-free conditions and fine soft white sand plus brilliant views of The Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. 2nd, 3rd and 4th have very calm waters, so great for swimming. The beaches are quieter during weekdays, and locals recommend the steps near 4th Beach and 2nd Beach for the best sunset views as Clifton faces west. Bring snacks as vendors are limited. These is not much parking but the MyCity bus stops opposite 4th beach.
Each beach has its own character and vibe and attracts a different crowd:
1st is for seclusion with families and dog walkers. In summer from 5 to sunset, join a free game of volley ball with Friends who Volley. It is a fun crowd and a great way to end the day.
2nd always has sports and caters for all, from movie stars, to sun-worshippers to families. It is popular for modelling shoots. There are ice cream hawkers and you can hire chairs and umbrellas.
3rd attracts the young crowd and is popular with the LGBT community
4th is a Blue Flag beach, so great for swimming. It also attracts an image conscious set. There are toilets and outdoor showers and you can hire chairs and umbrellas. You will find lifeguards plus hawkers sell ice cream.
To swim and sunbathe
Set against a backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountains and the Lion’s Head, Camps Bay Beach is a Blue Flag beach with fine white sand and turquoise waters. It’s very accessible. You can just walk right off the sightseeing bus and you are at the beach. It gets busy, but it is spacious. There are giant rounded boulders on one side and there is a tidal pool. Often voted as one of Cape Town’s best beaches, it is popular and there is a palm lined promenade with cafes, restaurants and bars, making it a great spot to watch the sun fade with a cocktail. The restaurants, sea and mountain views and the palms give this a Riviera feel and it attracts celebrities, as well as hawkers, unfortunately. The mountains give some shelter from the South Easter winds.
There is parking all along Victoria Road, but it can fill up quickly (There’s also paid parking at The Promenade Mall). There are a couple of MyCiti bus stops. There are toilets. No dogs from 9am to 6pm and never at the tidal pools.
The Tidal Pools:
Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool Camps Bay Tidal Pool
Maiden’s Cove is on the northern end, between Clifton 4th Beach and Glen Beach, and Camps Bay Tidal Pool is on the southern end.
Maiden’s Cove is a little quieter, usually. It’s framed by boulders, lawns, and panoramic views of both Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles. Two tidal pools sit side by side; the smaller one is shallow and safe for children, while the larger pool is ideal for longer swims.
Camps Bay Tidal Pool is one of Cape Town’s most popular and picturesque swimming spots, bordered by smooth granite rocks and a stretch of soft white sand. The pool is large enough for a proper swim yet calm enough for children. The setting between the ocean and the Twelve Apostles gives a striking backdrop. Shoals of tiny fish dart through the clear water, and a small patch of lawn nearby is perfect for sunbathing or sitting after your swim.
A quiet escape close to the action, especially mid-week.
Glen Beach is a relaxed little gem between Clifton and Camps Bay, popular with locals and surfers. The water and waves can be choppy so it is better for experienced surfers. The beach’s golden sand, tucked-away blue water, and laid-back vibe offer a peaceful alternative to the busier beaches. The boulders flanking the beach create a scenic backdrop.
There is a public toilet and the MyCity bus stop is nearby.
Good for a dip, snorkelling and secluded sun tanning.
These are small beaches in coves and well sheltered from the South Easter with limited space. Bakoven is a rocky beach with the NSRI boats. Beta Beach is the beach cove to the right of Bakoven with a sandy beach and granite rocks, which looks out to Lion’s Head. Beta is quite beautiful. Head down the Beta Close footpath with private properties which give the feeling that the beach is private. There is a toilet here. The water is calm and fairly shallow. Some shade in the morning making some of the rock pools arctic! Even though the beach fills quickly, the rocky coves give some privacy. Good spot for photo shoots and if you are on your own.
Bali Beach: Quiet and protected swimming. It’s easy to find free but limited parking nearby along Victoria Road. Bali Beach is accessible via a scenic coastal walk from Camps Bay tidal pool. The little cove is protected by rocks, which makes a nice, calm bay for swimming in. It’s a great choice for families with young kids! However, it is a pebble beach and there’s nowhere to rent sunbeds. There aren’t any toilets or other amenities.
There are 2 MyCiti Bus stops. No dogs.
Swimming, braaing, snorkelling, views
Oudekraal is one of Cape Town’s gems. It is gated as part of the Table Mountain National Park. This means that you will pay a small fee to get in. There are huge boulders, the sand is soft and white, there are coves to explore and the water is calm and azure blue making it a great swimming spot. Great for kayaking too. There are stunning views towards Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. It is a great place to picnic. There are shaded places to sit and 35 well-maintained braai spots dotted across the site, many of them tucked under milkwood trees or between boulders that lend privacy and shade. There are toilet facilities here too.
As a “Marine Protected Area, the cove teems with sea life: Schools of Hottentot, red and orange sea anemones, striped klipfish and even harmless pyjama sharks weave through kelp forest and rocky gullies’.
You feel miles from the city, in the midst of nature but it is actually close to Bakoven. If you want a braai spot, get here early in summer as it can get crowded. The site is open all year round from 8am to 6pm for weekend visits but week day visits are closed from June 1st to September 30th. Please note that as with all SA beaches- no alcohol is allowed, nor here, are freestanding braais or gazebos. No dogs.
Fees for 2026 are R44 for local adults, R22 for kids and R200 for internationals.
021 712 7471 table.mountain@sanparks.org
For surfing
Situated at the bottom of a winding road, bordered on either end by outcrops of giant granite boulders; the rocky headland to the left is called Sunset Rocks and can be a haven on windy days. Luxurious homes hug this secluded cove, making Llandudno Beach a wonderfully peaceful spot to unwind. It is a beautiful white sandy beach with crystal clear waters.
This is a surfers’ haven with a long stretch of white sand and excellent surfing conditions. The water is icy and the waves are perfect for experienced surfers. Llundudno attracts a laid back and diverse crowd. The beach is also family oriented and perfect for a game of beach bats on a sunny Sunday or a summer sunset picnic.
You can explore a few hidden caves amid the boulders where ancestral Khoi-San strandlopers once lived. You can also climb over the rocks to the far left side of the beach and follow the path beneath the milkwoods to the rock jumping spot known as Funbox. Be sure to explore the rocky outcrop on the right, and watch the surfers from beyond the break. On a day when the ocean is calm, you can also go kayaking here. You can also walk along Sunset Rocks to Sandy Bay which is a very pretty nudist beach and further to the wreck of the Romelia.
Make sure to bring anything you may need (food, drinks, etc) as there are no shops, just a few vendors in season. It is a great beach for a family picnic or a beach game with friends.
If you can tolerate numb limbs from the icy water, this is a Blue Flag Beach but be careful as there is a strong rip current.
Beach parking is limited but some is possible in residential streets. There are toilets. No dogs from 9am to 6pm.
Clothing optional beach, sunbathing, swimming
This beach is loved by those who enjoy nude tanning. It was never officially designated as a nudist beach, but over time, it became accepted as a clothing optional beach. It is the only one in South Africa. It is also a favoured destination for photographers and nature lovers. With panoramic views over the ocean and stunning sunsets, Sandy Bay is a prime spot to capture Cape Town’s wild coastline in all its glory.
This 200-metre long stretch of sand – which is flanked on either side by massive grey granite boulders and has a dramatic mountain backdrop of the Little Lions Head – is sanctified largely by its inaccessibility. You have to get there on foot! Most visitors to the beach park at Sunset Rocks in Llandudno and take a relatively easy 15 to 20-minute walk through the fynbos, shady forest and dunes to reach the spot. The parking is often insufficient – so get there early or walk a little further.
There are no facilities nor vendors, so at the very least, bring lots of water. During the high summer, cape cobra snakes can be seen, slithering between the rocky beaches and the trees Visitors need to keep a sharp lookout for these golden-yellow reptiles. Just stand completely still until they have passed on their way.
Due to its proximity to Seal Island, it’s common to see seals on the rocks and in the waves. Whales and dolphins also regularly visit the bay.
Do not go to Sandy Bay alone as there have been some unpleasant incidents over the years.
Surfing, dog walking, horse riding
This long sandy beach continues to Kommetjie and is known as Long Beach.
We do not recommend that you use this beach unless you are riding or in a big group. There have been sporadic incidents of robbery and there are continuous moans about dogs off leash causing problems for other dogs, plus inconsiderate owners not poop scooping, which spoils what could be a fantastic beach for walking. The parking does have security. Contact Komwatch on 082 327 7783 for safety alerts.
Surfing and walking
In lovely laid back Kommetjie, Long Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Cape Town. When the southeaster’s pumping on the other side of the Peninsula, the waves here are good.
This lengthy, beautiful beach is also great for uninterrupted beach walks. You can walk for 8 kms, all the way to Noordhoek Beach. Edged by turquoise waters, this clean, powdery-white beach is a really lovely offering on all fronts and has great views of the majestic mountains that encircle it. Sadly, the beach is quite exposed so it gets pretty windy – but the view and overall setting is sublime.
The water is beautiful to look at but very cold. Try walking the 4 kms to the 1900s Kakapo shipwreck. For a dip, or a safer spot for little kids, there’s a large tidal pool, Die Kom, with a beach and rock pools near the lighthouse. Be alert on the less-populated part of the beach (if you’re walking towards Noordhoek). Contact Komwatch on 082 327 7783 for safety alerts.
A limited amount of parking in Surf Way and overflow in residential streets. There are toilets and there is a food truck at weekends. Dog Friendly.
Best for families
A wilder, but pristine natural beach with a laid-back vibe, great for surfing and enjoying nature. There are rock pools, rocky outcrops and scattered patches of beachmaking it an interesting mix. It is in a conservation village, known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Scarborough has safe swimming conditions close in for the little ones and its size gives you plenty of space to spread out. Kids can enjoy creating sandcastles and observe marine life in the low-tide pools. For older swimmers and body boarders, careful of the rip current.
It is very rarely busy. Scarborough Beach is perfect for viewing a memorable sunset or sunrise with nice rocks to perch on.
There are no facilities but there are restaurants and cafes quite nearby. It is dog-friendly but please poop scoop!
Swim and sunbathe
Photo Brian van Heerden Photo by Soroya
This hidden gem needs a winding steep hike to get down to a small scenic cove. As parking is at the top…what you need , must be carried down and all brought back up again. There are no shops or facilities just residential cottages and “shacks” (South African speak for a simple beach cottage) There has been some recent development but it has kept its low rise, beach cottage feel.
It is a fantastic little swimming beach with perfect waves. You can snorkel here or just sunbathe and intermittently dip… heaven. Visit at low tide before the beach shrinks. A non pretentious place where nature rules. Expect to see baboons which roam through the area.
For swimmers looking for warmer, more comfortable water in Cape Town, the False Bay coastline is unbeatable. False Bay sits in a different current system than the icy Atlantic, allowing summer temperatures to sit a few degrees higher. The Bay has shallow, protected bay areas which warm faster, especially places like St James, Boulders and parts of Gordon’s Bay. Also, wind patterns and shelter help retain warmer surface water, especially on calm summer days.
Picnics, big tidal pool and water sports incl. scuba.
Beautiful and remote Miller’s Point is divided into two sections. The first turn-off leads to a caravan park, a restaurant and a beach. Take the other which leads to Rumbly Bay, with boat-launching sites, another boulder-dotted beach and a stunning and spacious tidal pool. The pool has a shallow end and a fun slide into the water.
There are incredible views across False Bay, well maintained toilets and changing rooms and a grassed picnic and braai area. It’s great for kayaking, snorkelling, surf skis and scuba-diving, with popular dive sites nearby. You may also get to see seals and dolphin.
There is a small fee for entering and there is parking. Careful of the baboons. No dogs.
For snorkelling and kids to paddle.
Photo by Peter Southwood.
It’s a beautiful little spot with plenty of tree shade to sit under. But much more importantly, is what’s in the water!
The 80m beach is surrounded by giant granite outcrops which act as a windbreak. The white, sandy beach slopes gently into two gullies separated by a rocky point. Here the water is flat, calm and crystal clear, providing safe swimming and paddling for children in the shallows and good snorkelling in deeper water. There are easy entry and exit points, visibility is good and there is minimal wave action.
Exploring the underwater life of the kelp forest is fascinating. The best time is winter but whenever, you will need a wetsuit to explore in. “The entire area is packed with marine life ranging from sea stars, urchins and brittle stars to octopus, small sharks, cuttlefish, otters, seals and penguins. The varied topography and diverse ecology make this site very interesting no matter how many times you have snorkelled or dived here. It falls within the Boulders Restricted Zone so no fishing or any other marine harvesting activities are allowed.”
There is limited parking and there are basic changing and toilet facilities with a cold shower. Dogs on leads.
Swimming with penguins
This is one of the most unique beaches in the world and it was voted the top beach in the world last year for both beauty and interest. It is a wildlife protected area. You’ll walk along a short forested path and board walk which protects dunes and nests, before emerging onto the beach. This is home to many of South Africa’s endangered and adorable little African Penguins.
You cannot swim at the main beach but alongside are great small coves where you have the incredibly rare opportunity to swim with free penguins. There are fees: Adults R55 for ID holders and R245 for internationals but check the SANPARKS website in case updated.
Do not invade the penguins’ space or attempt to touch them. They actually bite! This is a great experience for the whole family but please ensure that children keep their distance from the penguins. Dogs are not allowed.
For swimming, at this Blue Flag Beach, choose the beach to the left of the main penguin habitat. It is small a gem and very well protected from wind.
The nearest bus stop is in Simon’s Town, with short walks to the beach entrance. There are toilet facilities and eateries fairly nearby.
As the beach is small, there is a cut off number for visitors, so get there early.
Open every day from 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Snorkelling, rock pools, families, swimming
Waters Edge is quiet and secluded with beautiful views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range in the distance. It is not well known, but still, it can get busy. The beach lies in a little bay, out of the main body of the sea. There are few waves, the water is (slightly) warmer, and the beach dotted with rocks and boulders between which are sandwiched countless salt water pools inhabited by bright orange starfish, salmon anemones, molluscs and other exciting sea creatures. It is a kiddies delight.
Directions: Limited parking at Seaforth Beach. Head off in a southerly direction from Southforth beach, Simonstown (i.e. veer right when the grassy verge behind the restaurant is in front of you), and you’ll find the path and sign for Water’s Edge beach.
Enter via what looks like a garden gate, which makes it appear to be a private beach. The beach may be regarded as part and parcel of boulders Beach, but it is between Boulders and Seaforth.
Toilets only at Seaforth Beach. No dogs.
Walking, dog walking, windsurfing, small tidal pool.
Photo by Tazz Adams
Glencairn is a beautiful long beach with a newly refurbished small tidal pool for the kids to swim and snorkel safely. The beach is popular among families and dog walkers, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Shark spotters keep an eye on the beach during the summer months, so be sure to check the colour of the shark flag is out if you plan on getting into the water. Careful of the rip. Glencairn Beach is one of the best windsurfing spots in Cape Town, with the prevailing south-easterly wind providing excellent conditions.
Glencairn is also a great spot for whale watching in season (July to November). The wreck of the Glencairn barge lies just off the coast and serves as a popular diving spot, given the reef that surrounds the wreck.
Parking is available right at the beach and although the beach is easily accessible, you must cross the railway line to get to it.
Wide, calm and warm swimming conditions.
Summer water temperature is consistently 19–22°C. If you are not surfing, this is quieter and better for swimming than Muizenberg with gentle waves plus it has Blue Flag status. A golden oldies swimming group swims here in the early mornings. On the lighthouse side, the beach is known as Clovelly. There are summer lifeguards, lots of toilets, showers and changing rooms, a great bakery across the road- C’est la Vie, and lots of parking at R26 for the day or R12 for the afternoon.
Fish Hoek has an eco- friendly shark net barrier which separates swimmers from sharks temporarily in summer.
No dogs. Great place to walk along the beach or you can walk on the paved Jager’s Walk on the south side which curves along the side of the bay.
Photo by Jay Caboz
After Clovelly Beach side of St James, a little further along Main Road towards Kalk Bay, find this excellent tidal pool.
Woolley’s tidal pool is a well-kept locals’ secret. Found hidden from the road and accessed via subway under the railway line, it is a much quieter swim.
The sunrises are spectacular on windless days. This is a large safe pool with a shallow and deep end.
There is parking but no facilities.
This is a lovely, very small and often crowded, beach where families can splash around in the shallow rock pools, providing hours of fun. Change in the multi coloured Victorian changing huts which are great for photos.
St James Tidal Pool
Found below St James Station, it is sheltered with sandy-bottomed water making it especially popular with families. The area is tiny, so get there early.
The shops and restaurants of Kalk Bay are just a walking distance away, making this a very popular tourist spot.
Between St James and Kalk Bay, Dalebrook Tidal Pool offers one of Cape Town’s most atmospheric swimming experiences. Built in 1907 and located opposite Chardonnay Deli on Main Road, it’s reached through a subway under the railway line. The pool faces east, so it catches the first light of day — early-morning swimmers often gather here to watch the sunrise over the water.
Large boulders in the middle of the pool act as natural resting points, and marine life like starfish and sea anemones are often visible in the shallows. It is very sheltered.
For swimming, surfing and families.
The bay is shallow, allowing water to warm quickly and meaning that long swims are possible. Summer water temperature is around 19 to 21 degrees C. The beach is a long stretch of soft sand with gentle waves and is big enough to accommodate everyone. It is vibrant with surfers, those on boogie boards, SUPs and windsurfers. Learn to surf here, ideal for kids to learn, hire a wetsuit or rent a surfboard.
Muizenberg is well known for its postcard-perfect, candy-coloured Victorian beach houses that stretch across the sandy shoreline. The beach is great for walking and there are lots of eating options, just steps away. there are lifeguards and shark spotters in summer. If you see a white flag with a shark on it, stay out of the water as it means that one has been seen. Avoid the south eastern corner as there were a couple of incidents many years ago.
It is a Blue Flag Beach with lots of parking and there are toilets. No dogs from 9 to 6.
Long sandy walks, family days, consistently warm water
Strand boasts wide sandy beaches and excellent swimming conditions. As part of the broader False Bay system, Strand warms rapidly in summer and maintains some of the region’s highest water temperatures. It’s a great choice for truly balmy water.
Excellent water quality for swimming
With Blue Flag status, this is a wonderful swimming and sunbathing beach beneath the Hottentot Holland Mountains and with the harbour and seafood eateries next to it. There are good changing, shower and toilet facilities and there is some parking. It is a small sandy beach and a favourite of Stellenbosch University students (from whence the name came!) Quite well sheltered by the harbour wall, even on a windy day.
Surfers enjoy the fact that the slope on this section of Gordon’s Bay drops down suddenly and sharply, resulting in formidable waves (which can break as ‘dumpers’ if you’re not playing your cards right). You’ll spot them riding the left-hand break off the harbour wall, landing on the beach and then going back for more of the same.
Both lifeguards and security guards are here in summer.
Swimming and watersports
Photo by Soroya Bhamjee
Stunning, clean place to swim with little fish and sometimes, rarely, a dolphin to keep you company. Azure blue water which is luke warm in summer and soft white sand for as far as you can see. Kraalbaai is on the opposite side of Langebaan Lagoon and it is part of The West coast National Park, so there are daily conservation entry fees. The beach can be accessed by driving through the Park. It is found just before you start heading towards the Postberg section This fairly secluded spot, is possibly the best beach in Cape Town, and just 1.5 hours away from town.
From surfing, water skiing, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding, to boating, fishing, angling, kayaking, water skiing, canoeing, and so much more – Kraalbaai Beach is perfect for watersports.
There are toilets and fresh water taps at the Preekstool Information Centre. Bring a cool box with all you need. This place looks and feels like a Greek beach and if you cannot bear to leave, stay on one of the brilliant Kraalbaai Lifestyle Houseboats which you can see floating in the bay.
The entrance to the West Coast National Park is some 100km north of Cape Town, off the R27 highway. Summer opening times 7am to 7pm.
2025/2026: SA Residents Adults R134, Children R67. International Adults R602, Children R300.
