Best Surfing Beaches in South Africa

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Cape Town, South Africa, Long Beach is a stunning stretch of natural beauty that spans several kilometers. With its soft, shimmering sands of a pale, almost white hue, Long Beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to the beach can indulge in a variety of serene activities such as walking, sunbathing, picnicking, and horseback riding, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its serene allure, Long Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly; although, the pristine beauty and tranquility of the beach itself compensate for the lack of facilities. The absence of lifeguards on duty, bathroom access, and prohibitions against dogs and camping underscore the untouched, natural state of the beach, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more authentic and undisturbed beach experience.

Muizenberg is an easygoing surfer’s village located along False Bay that’s only a 30-minute drive southeast of Cape Town. Home to colorful, Victorian-style beach shacks that sit on the shoreline, Muizenberg Beach is South Africa’s most iconic beach. This Blue Flag beach is popular among families, children, and surfers because of its easy access, pristine cleanliness, warm waters, and awesome facilities.

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.

Supertubes And Dolphin Beach is a stunning coastal destination located in Kouga Local Municipality, South Africa. This pristine beach boasts a lengthy shoreline with golden sands, offering a breathtaking view of the turquoise Indian Ocean

Muizenberg is an easygoing surfer’s village located along False Bay that’s only a 30-minute drive southeast of Cape Town. Home to colorful, Victorian-style beach shacks that sit on the shoreline, Muizenberg Beach is South Africa’s most iconic beach. This Blue Flag beach is popular among families, children, and surfers because of its easy access, pristine cleanliness, warm waters, and awesome facilities.

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.

Addington Beach is a popular beach destination located in Durban, South Africa. It is approximately 1.2 kilometers long and is known for its golden sandy beaches

Mdumbi Beach is a hidden little gem of a beach located in the area near Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape Province. It is rather popular with locals and backpackers, meaning that the beach avoids the typical tourist crowds. Peace and quiet are in full supply those who make the trip to Mdumbi Beach.

Glen Beach, located in Cape Town, South Africa, is a picturesque beach nestled between Clifton Beach and Camps Bay Beach. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers a pristine sandy beach that is approximately 200 meters in length, with soft white sand that is perfect for sunbathing and leisurely strolls

Noordhoek is a peaceful beach surrounded by natural beauty. Due to its large size, Noordhoek beach is wonderful to walk along, fly kites, and play with the family. The unique dunes along the beachfront make the spot a popular horse riding destination.

Big Bay Beach in the city of Cape Town is a destination for all types of beachgoers. This spot is known for great surfing and many different other water sports. If you want to relax on the beach and take a swim, this is the perfect spot for you too! In the distant, you can see the very famous Table Mountain as well.

Nahoon Beach is a big draw for visitors to the East London region because of its cleanliness and its waves. Nahoon Beach is especially popular with hardcore surfers, which means that regular visitors should take caution when they dip their feet into the water. If you're lucky, you may catch one of the various surfing competitions that are held at Nahoon Beach.

Victoria Bay is a tiny cove located near George on the south coast of South Africa. The pier is a great place for fishing, and the surf break is ideal for different types of boarding. Adjacent to multiple nature reserves and parks, Victoria Bay is the perfect pit stop for ecotourists.

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.

Nestled along the breathtaking stretch of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, Mbizana, Wild Coast Sun Club offers an unparalleled beach experience with its stunning location and a plethora of activities to indulge in. The beach spans across a remarkable distance, adorned with the unique golden sands that the area is famed for. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities including surfing, showcasing the beach's versatility and appeal to both adrenaline seekers and those looking for a serene getaway. Wild Coast Sun Club has many amenities including lifeguards on duty ensuring safety for all beachgoers, accessible bathroom facilities for convenience, and is also wheelchair friendly, making it an inclusive destination for everyone. Note, however, that dogs are not allowed on the beach, and camping activities are also not permitted, ensuring the beach remains pristine for all visitors.

Nestled between the boulders of Cape Town's coastline, Oudekraal Beach is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustling life. Stretching modestly along the Atlantic Seaboard, this beach is famed for its pristine white sand, which contrasts sharply with the deep blue of the ocean. Activities at Oudekraal include sunbathing, swimming in sheltered coves, picnicking amongst the boulders, and snorkeling in the clear waters teeming with marine life. Oudekraal Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have bathroom access. The absence of amenities such as lifeguards, dog allowances, and disability access emphasizes its untouched, natural appeal, making it essential to come prepared.

Cape St. Francis is a small, smooth sand beach located in a secluded beach town in the Eastern Cape Province. If you are looking for crystal blue waters, breathtaking views and most importantly a peaceful getaway, look no further than Cape St. Francis. Although the town is small and amenities are limited, there is plenty of time for relaxing on the beach and enjoying the beautiful shores. Don't forget to visit Seal Point Lighthouse while you’e there!

Situated approximately two hours from Cape Town, Elands Bay Beach is the ultimate getaway from the hectic pace of city life. Although Elands Bay is a small town with few amenities, it certainly fits the definition of a "hidden gem" perfectly. If you are looking for a serene, white sand beach and a quaint town to explore, Elands Bay is the perfect spot for you!

Nestled along the picturesque coast of South Africa, Still Bay, also known simply as Stilbaai, is a serene escape into nature's embrace. This stunning beach stretches for a considerable length, cloaked in fine, golden sand that sparkles under the generous sun. Although activities such as surfing might not be available, visitors can indulge in a variety of other pursuits such as swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and simply relishing the coastal scenery. Stilbaai has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers during peak seasons. It's essential to note that facilities such as bathrooms, dog-friendly areas, disability access, and camping sites are not available, which emphasizes the untouched beauty of the area but requires visitors to come prepared.

Nestled in the quaint suburb of St. James on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, St. James Beach is a picturesque strip famed for its sheltered cove and vibrant beach huts. This serene beach, with its relatively small length, is complemented by soft, golden sand that becomes a playground under the South African sun. Visitors flock here for a range of activities such as swimming in the tidal pool, sunbathing, beachcombing, and photography, capturing the contrast of colorful huts against the backdrop of the azure ocean. St. James Beach has many amenities including restrooms, catering to the needs of visitors, but lacks facilities like dog access, disability access, and provisions for activities like camping and surfing.

Nestled along the vibrant eastern coast of South Africa in Durban, Durban Beach, also famously known as the Golden Mile, boasts an impressive stretch of soft, golden sands that extend for several miles, mirroring the warm Indian Ocean it borders. Durban Beach is a bustling hub of activities for all ages and interests; from leisurely beach volleyball, to jogging, skateboarding, and enjoying the various water sports available minus surfing. Although Durban Beach has many amenities including vigilant lifeguards on duty ensuring the safety of all beachgoers, it notably lacks certain comforts such as bathroom access, and it does not accommodate dogs, people with disabilities, nudism, or camping, which visitors should plan for ahead of their visit.

Located in a quiet suburb of Cape Town along the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, Llandudno Beach offers a unique experience for travelers due to the absence of any commercial activities, shops, or street lights. Surrounded by large boulders, Llandudno Beach provides a secluded atmosphere that beachgoers love. Upscale mansions also sit in the mountains overlooking Llandudno Beach, which makes this area a prime spot for luxury real estate.

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.

In comparison to more popular beaches in the area, such as Camp's Bay and Clifton Beach, Bakoven Beach is a hidden jewel replete with large boulders and tide pools. Few accommodations and amenities are available at Bakoven Beach itself, but don't underestimate what this stretch of sand has to offer. One can witness the most spectacular sunsets at this beach, which makes this spot is popular with local photographers and romantics.