Top Beaches in South Africa
Located near Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town, South Africa, Boulders Beach - also known as Boulders Bay - is a small white sand beach with unique granite rock formations. The beach is part of the well-known Table Mountain National Park and is adjacent to Foxy Beach. It has a spectacular backdrop of gigantic granite boulders, dunes, coastal vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, which together add allure to its beauty.
Boulders Beach is immensely popular for its resident colony of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), protected under the Cape Nature Conservation Program. Boulders Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by UK-based financial website Money.co.uk and ranked 12th best beach by Big 7 Travel, and it is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The beach is one of the few places in the world where you can observe these endangered birds up close in their natural habitat. The penguin colony at Boulders Beach started in 1982 with just two breeding pairs. Today, it has grown to over 3,000 birds, making it a major tourist attraction in Cape Town and drawing a large influx of visitors. The beach has elevated boardwalks that allow visitors to observe the penguins without disturbing their habitat. In addition, the beach is a site for educational programs and conservation efforts to protect penguins and their environment. Also, conservationists have installed artificial nest boxes to provide safe nesting sites for the penguins, helping to boost their breeding success. Despite being in a protected area, the Boulders Beach penguins face threats from natural predators, human disturbance, and environmental changes.
Located in the affluent suburb of Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, Camps Bay Beach is a one-kilometer-long and 100-meter-wide white sand beach with many rocky portions, making it one of the largest beaches in Camps Bay. The beach has a stunning backdrop of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, the majestic Table Mountain, and a promenade with many oceanfront buildings, including upscale restaurants, beach bars, nightclubs, and opulent hotels, providing incredible views of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Camps Bay Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards.
The bright turquoise waters at Clifton Beach are cold but also calm due to mountains and boulders that block the notorious southeast winds. By late summer, this unique wind condition causes extra sand to be redeposited onto the shoreline. During this time, the shore is wider and pedestrians can easily walk along the waterline from 1st Beach to 4th Beach. Clifton Beach is only accessible by stepped pathways and narrow staircases. There is a small parking lot located near 4th Beach and limited free parking along Victoria Road. During summer days, these parking options fill up quickly so make sure to plan ahead.
Each section of Clifton Beach attracts a diverse group of people of all ages. 1st Beach is laid-back and dog-friendly so you will usually find a more easygoing crowd. It has the strongest current and is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. 2nd Beach tends to be filled with a younger crowd, particularly college students, while 3rd Beach is usually lively and welcoming to all types of beachgoers and activities. Finally, 4th Beach is most popular among families, locals, and vacationers. It is the only beach in Clifton with Blue Flag status and has the weakest current perfect for casual swimming.
If you need a break from the sand, Table Mountain offers plenty of daily activities and hikes to enjoy amazing views. You can take a cable car 1,000 meters up the mountain to get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and all of its neighboring suburbs. You can easily buy cable car tickets online or at the on-site box office where prices range from $10-$20 (R200-R360).
After your busy day, head to The Bungalow to enjoy a meal while overlooking a view of Clifton Beach and a paragliding landing spot. The Bungalow is also a trendy spot for Sunday brunch where the energetic crowd could fool anyone into thinking it was a Saturday night. Clifton is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, so you’ll find amazing Airbnb and hotel options. 21 Nettleton is a highly recommended boutique luxury hotel that offers spectacular views and a secluded atmosphere.
Stretching almost 15 kilometers, this beautiful coastline offers white sand and turquoise waters. There’s a plethora of activities to enjoy under the sun like volleyball, long walks, sunbathing, and picnics. Also known as “Surfer’s Corner,” Muizenberg Beach is renowned for its massive waves and great surfing conditions for surfers of any skill level. You’ll also find many beachgoers enjoying the waves to bodyboard, swim, kitesurf, and snorkel. If you want a break from the sand, check out the nearby Muizenberg Pavilion that offers water slides, a swimming pool, and a mini-golf course.
If you’re looking to start your morning off right, enjoy a casual breakfast at Hang Ten Café, a typical surfer’s hangout famous for its breakfast crepes. You can also hang out with the locals at Blue Bird Garage Market on Fridays from 4 pm to 10 pm. This unique market is located in an old postal hanger and offers a collection of fresh food, handcrafted jewelry, and clothes from local vendors. For a lively night out, visit the The Brass Bell for a pub-style bar experience where you can sing your heart out with the locals during karaoke night on Wednesdays.
Located only 25 kilometers north of the larger city of East London, Gonubie Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere and comfortably warm weather year-around. This Blue Flag Beach is located at the mouth of the Gonubie River and is next to the Gonubie Lagoon so there is no shortage of activities.
The adjacent Gonubie Lagoon is popular with families and children who want to see small fish, shells, and other marine creatures – and you can occasionally see dolphins and whales from the shore. The Gonubie River is great for canoeing and kayaking. The only access to Gonubie Beach is by walking along a short raised boardwalk. At the start of the boardwalk, there is a small market that sells handcrafted souvenirs, beads, and toys. The water here usually has large waves so surfing and windsurfing are popular activities.
If you get hungry, check out the Heavenly Pancake House, a popular restaurant with ocean views, live music, and delicious breakfasts served all day. Another option is the Slipway Pub & Grill, a casual family-friendly restaurant that has outdoor seating and a lively crowd. If you’re looking for fine dining try The Cricketer, a steak house that’s only a 15-minute drive from the beach and is very popular with the locals.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you’ll find many private Airbnb, bed and breakfast, and vacation rental options here. The Grande Visit Guesthouse is an elegant Tuscan villa that has five private luxury rooms overlooking the Gonubie River. You can also drive less than 5 minutes to The Edge Boutique Bed and Breakfast, a quaint hotel that offers gorgeous views of the river and a swimming pool. We also like Tidewaters River Lodge, a 4-Star bed and breakfast with six private rooms situated right on the Gonubie River.
Located in Plettenberg Bay on the southeastern coast of South Africa, Robberg Beach is popular with families, children, and locals because of its easy access, gorgeous views, and warm waters. This Blue Flag beach has many amenities including public restrooms, showers, lifeguard stations, and food vendors. Robberg Beach has two parking lots with security guards near the entrance of the beach but on crowded summer days, these lots fill up quickly so be sure to plan ahead. There is a stepped pathway that leads to the sand and wheelchair access on adjacent ramps.
The clear calm waters are great for swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The golden sand stretches almost four kilometers and is the perfect place for long walks, jogs, and volleyball games. Robberg Beach is very popular for watching dolphins and seals from the shore – and if you visit from July to December, you can see the annual migration of whales. If you want a little exercise, Robberg Nature Reserve is only a 10-minute drive from the beach and offers many hiking trails on the Robberg Peninsula.
If you get hungry, you can take a short 5-minute walk to Full Circle Plett, a family-friendly restaurant that’s famous for its pizza. In the heart of Plettenberg Bay, you’ll also find many restaurants within a 10-minute drive of the beach. We like Indigo Bay Oceanfront Grill & Bar, a popular restaurant with fine dining and gorgeous ocean views. If you’re looking for casual dining, try Off The Hook for a quick afternoon bite and fresh seafood.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the many beachfront accommodations within walking distance of Robberg Beach. The Periwinkle Lodge is a 4-Star luxury lodge that offers private rooms with balconies and stunning panoramic views of the Robberg Peninsula. You can also stay at The Robberg Beach Lodge, a collection of luxury private beachfront villas with two outdoor pools. At the north end of Robberg Beach, you’ll find the Beacon Island Resort, a large family-friendly hotel that overlooks Plettenberg Bay.
The gorgeous and secluded Kraalbaai Beach is an hour-and-a-half drive from Cape Town on the Western Cape of South Africa. It is located within the West Coast National Park on the Langebaan Lagoon and is Langebaan’s most visited beach because of its fun atmosphere and stunning turquoise waters.
Kraalbaai Beach is easily accessible by either car or boat. It is a 40-minute drive from the town of Langebaan to drive around the Langebaan Lagoon and reach Kraalbaai Beach. If you have a private boat or houseboat, you can travel through Langebaan Lagoon and anchor at Kraalbaai Beach. Despite its remote location, you’ll find parking on nearby side streets and restrooms next to the entrance of the beach.
With long stretches of white sand, Kraalbaai Beach is the perfect place for all beach activities. This crescent-shaped beach is protected from wind and is a great place for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, and jet skiing are other popular activities at Kraalbaai Beach. This beach also has calm and shallow water that is safe for children to swim.
Langebaan is the closest town from Kraalbaai Beach and has many restaurants and hotspots that locals love. Check out Die Strandloper to enjoy an authentic South African meal served right on the beach – the entrée of West Coast rock lobster is a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for a lively night out, make your way to Flamingos Nightclub for cocktails and classic 90’s music. There are no accommodations near Kraalbaai Beach but Langebaan has some hotel options. The Farmhouse Hotel offers country-style rooms that overlook Langebaan Lagoon. You can also stay in the quiet and modern Windtown Lagoon Hotel that’s close to local shops and restaurants in Langebaan.
The waters at Llandudno Beach tend to be cold with slightly rough currents due to mild winds. Surfers are recommended to wear wetsuits while beginner swimmers should stay in the shallow areas. Llandudno Beach is only accessible through a residential neighborhood where parking is available on local side streets. These spots fill up quickly so make sure to plan ahead and get there early. You’ll often run into photoshoots on the beach as this is a popular spot for photographers and models, especially during sunset.
Llandudno Beach is the perfect place for sunbathing, picnics, and sand sports. Since this quiet neighborhood lacks tourist amenities, including public restrooms, make sure to come prepared with all your necessary items such as food, sunscreen, and towels. Hout Bay is only a 10-minute drive from Llandudno Beach and is the closest town to offer nearby shops, restaurants, and accommodations. If you're seeking a different experience, take a short walk along the water of Llandudno Beach to find Sandy Bay Beach, also known as Cape Town's official nude beach.
Coffee Bay is one of South Africa's leading beach destinations, with majestic cliffs, white sands, and rolling sea. This beach has one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, making it a highly sought-after destination for photographers and vacationers alike.
The beach is especially popular among backpackers, as the views from the hiking trails are incredible, and Freedom O Clock Backpackers Retreat offers luxury camping accommodations. Located along the Mdumbi River in Mngcibe, this rustic, family-run destination rents out many types of rooms and camping spaces along the beach. One of the most impressive hiking trails is one that leads from Coffee Shop Backpackers to the Hole in the Wall, a massive rock with a giant hole carved through its center; the hike is a scenic route that passes by the Hlungwane Waterfall and spectacular coastline.
Horseback riding, surfing, and snorkeling are also available at Coffee Bay. Fishermen absolutely love this beach from May to July, when thousands of sardines frequent the waters, attracting many other fish species as well. Coffee Bay also attracts many surfers, as it is known for its consistent waves; there are lessons available, taught by local professionals. The southern tip of the beach is the best spot for snorkeling, where colorful reefs and clear waters await. Looking for a beach snack? Coffee Bay surprisingly doesn’t have much caffeine in the area, but the delicious Papazela’s Pizza might have something you’ll like. Overall, Coffee Bay is one of South Africa's most prized possessions, and with so much beauty and nature, it's not hard to see why.
During summer months, Umhlanga Beach is extremely lively and will have limited space in nearby parking lots, so be sure to plan ahead. The weather at Umhlanga Beach is usually comfortable and warm regardless of when you are traveling. In the winter, sea temperatures are usually around 20°C while in the summer the water can get as high as 25°C.
The warm, calm waters and lifeguards make the beach safe for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Umhlanga Beach is also known for its long stretches of golden sand and the famous red and white lighthouse. The Umhlanga Lighthouse, that's used to warn passing boats of the treacherous seas and welcome newcomers into the Port of Durban, is located in the center of the main beach and is a popular photo-op for many visitors. On the shore beachgoers can sunbathe, play volleyball, and explore small tide pools. A paved walkway lines the entire shoreline and provides easy access to the beach – and it’s the perfect place to go on a long walk.
The town of Umhlanga is home to many delicious restaurants just a short walk from the beach. If you want to enjoy fine dining with the locals, check out The Grill Room that’s located inside The Oyster Box Hotel. If you’re looking for a perfect way to relax after a long beach day go to Elements Café Bar, a chic restaurant famous for their strawberry daiquiris. This restaurant is located in the Beverly Hills Hotel Uhmlanga Rocks – one of Umhlanga’s most popular beachfront hotels. For family-friendly accommodations, check out the Cabana Beach Resort to experience large apartment-style rooms at a relaxing seaside oasis.
With golden sand and warm waters, Hobie Beach creates the perfect atmosphere for you to spend your day under the sun. Hobie Beach is most recognized for its scuba diving and snorkeling throughout its rock pools, vibrant coral reefs, and old shipwrecks. The on-site lifeguards make it a great place for family-friendly swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. During low tide, there are sheltered tide pools that are exciting areas to explore.
Hobie Beach is also home to Shark Rock Pier, the only pier in Nelson Mandela Bay. This famous pier extends 150 yards into the sea and is the launching spot for jet skis, sailing catamarans, and kitesurfers. It is also the venue for the Splash Festival in March and April that showcases beach volleyball, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
The Hobie Beach Boardwalk offers many delicious sidewalk restaurants and bars for your quick afternoon bite, romantic date, or a fun night out. The Boardwalk Casino is also a premier luxury hotel with unique entertainment, fine dining, and conference venues. For quainter accommodations, just a short walk from the pier, check out The Beach Hotel. This hotel is also home to the fine dining restaurant Ginger, which is famous for its entrees of South African game.
Located only a 20-minute drive from Cape Town in the suburb of Bloubergstrand, Blouberg Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in South Africa for its amazing views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. This beach is a popular spot for families, locals, and visitors because of its many amenities including public restrooms, lifeguards, a playground, and two parking lots.
The crystal clear blue water is usually very cold so we recommend wearing a wetsuit if you want to swim, surf, or snorkel. During low tide, the small tide pools are fun areas to explore. Blouberg Beach has strong winds and is known as one of the world’s top kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations. The long stretches of white sand are great for walking, running, and playing volleyball or other sports.
If you get hungry, you can take a short 5-minute walk to Café Blouberg to try their famous homemade pies and all-day breakfast menu. Another option within walking distance of the beach is On The Rocks, an oceanfront seafood restaurant that locals love. We also like Ons Huisie, a casual restaurant built inside a historic house that offers classic local dishes and beautiful beach views.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, Bloubergstrand has many high-quality hotels and vacation rentals. The Blouberg Manor is a beachfront boutique hotel and guesthouse that offers 12 individually designed suites and a swimming pool. Another option is The Blue Peter Hotel, a larger hotel within walking distance of local shops that has a restaurant with live music. We also like Pinard on Sea, a 5-Star hotel that offers three suites and two luxury apartments situated right on the beach.
Located on the north Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal inside the Sodwana Bay National Park, Sodwana Bay Beach offers a secluded atmosphere and warm weather year-around. An entry fee is required to enter the national park to gain access to the beach but tickets are only R 35 for adults and R 30 for children. Once inside the park, cars are allowed to drive and park on the sand.
The warm water makes for great swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. Sodwana Bay Beach is a very popular recreational diving destination because of its clear water, tropical coral reefs, and various species of marine life. Dive boats launch every day to take divers to the outlying reefs to experience this magnificent underwater treasure – we recommend Triton Diving, one of the most used diving companies in Sodwana Bay. Deep-sea charters are also available for avid fishermen. If you’re visiting Sodwana Bay Beach from November to February be sure to check out the annual Turtle Tours where you can watch sea turtles nest on the shore.
If you get hungry, the main town of Sodwana Bay is only a 10-minute drive from the beach and has many delicious restaurants. We like Mseni, a casual restaurant that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and delicious cocktails. Another option is The Lighthouse Restauraunt, a family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Sodwana Bay with a full bar and outdoor seating. Tree Pub & Kitchen is another highly-rated restaurant with an indoor pool table and some of the best burgers in town.
If you’re looking for a place to stay check out the Vis-Agie Resort, a large property that has self-catering houses, rustic wooden cabins, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Another option is the Sodwana Bay Lodge, a diving and fishing resort that offers luxury wooden thatched chalets and a wide range of activities, like whale watching tours. We also like Triton Dive Lodge that has spacious cabins, an on-site restaurant, and a communal barbecue area.
