Best Nude Beaches in South Africa

Sandy Bay is a special place. It is not directly accessible by car, and visitors must park and walk half of a mile down a trail to get to the beach. The beauty of the beach makes the journey entirely worthwhile. In perfect isolation, you can see the waves wash calmly over the rocks and admire the plateau that towers above the beach. Because it is so secluded, some take the opportunity to go nude at Sandy Bay, so beware.

The beautiful Umhlanga Beach is a 20-minute drive north of the city center of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This Blue Flag beach was voted one of the world’s best city beaches in 2018 by Flight Network due to its cleanliness, beauty, and proximity to facilities and accommodations.

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.

Secrets Beach, nestled along the captivating coast of Gqeberha in South Africa, is a hidden gem that beckons the adventurous and the peace seekers alike. Spanning a modest length, the beach is acclaimed for its fine, golden sand that gently warms the feet of its visitors. Unlike the bustling and crowded mainstream beaches, Secrets Beach offers a serene ambiance where the only sounds are the rhythmic waves crashing against the shore and the distant calls of seabirds. An array of activities await those who visit; however, it's important to note the unique nature of this beach as a designated nude beach, making it a special place for those seeking freedom and a deep connection with nature. Secrets Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of tranquility rarely found elsewhere.