The weather is finally heating up in Cape Town, and that means everyone is looking for the best beach spots and tidal pools to cool down from the summer heat.
Check out our list of some of the best and most underrated beaches and tidal pools in and around Cape Town.
Clovelly Beach
For those who prefer the southern coast and its less crowded beachfronts, Clovelly Beach is arguably one of the Cape’s best spots, with white sands, a great location near cafes and shops, and 100% pet-friendly space.
This is a prime spot for swimming, surfing and kayaking, whether you’re lazing alongshore or heading out with your surfing crew – this beach offers good vibes and great scenery. Clovelly is a local favourite for many beach lovers and those who just want to open a book and catch up on the next chapter.
Where: Just off the Main Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
Bali Beach
Bali Beach is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets, and is only a few minutes’ walk from the bustling Camps Bay beachfront. Enjoy crystal-clear waters and cold but refreshing ocean dives at this scenic beach spot, often frequented by snorkellers and anyone looking to take a refreshing dip after work.
It’s also one of the best spots for sundowners, as the big rocks make for great picnic spots to relax on as the sun sets.
Where: Bakoven, Victoria Rd, Cape Town
Boulders Beach
One of the city’s most popular spots, Boulders Beach offers everything for the perfect family outing, including a warm welcome from the African Penguins. The beach is a nature reserve and a top local attraction, with amazing vantage points and a natural habitat.
The best time to visit is during low tide if you’re heading out with the kids. Calmer waters open up the shore for more activities and are safe for swimming. Boulders Beach is ideal for picnicking, walking trails and cooling off.
Cost: From R55 per adult (SA residents) | R245 per tourist | R20 – R120 for children. Contact the Boulders Visitor Centre for more information, or call 021 786 2329.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 7.30pm
Where: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach
With its colourful buildings, white sands, and gentle waves, Muizenberg Beach is the surfer’s haven. With warmer waters and the prestigious Surfers Corner, it’s a great spot to lie down, spend time with family and friends, paddle into the ocean, or join the ever-present beach soccer games.
Where: Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
De Kom Tidal Pool
This is one of Kommetjie’s finest summer attractions, situated near the Slangkop Lighthouse, which has stood tall since the 1900s. It is a great spot for families, with plenty to do for hikers and thrill-seekers.
Visitors can reach the tidal pool via the De Kom catwalk, near the milkwood trees. This destination is a must-do day trip along the Cape’s Atlantic Ocean coastline, with a picture-perfect beach escape unlike most other beaches in Cape Town. Birding enthusiasts and nature lovers are spoiled with great views of gulls and a few migratory birds that may pop in too.
Where: Lighthouse Road, Kommetjie, Cape Town
Froggy Pond
A little beach alcove known affectionately as Froggy Pond lies silently in the heart of Simonstown. This wonderful nook makes for a peaceful retreat among the mountains, with calmer waters and a picturesque setting.
Located along the False Bay coast near Fishermen’s Beach, this somewhat secret spot is a natural wonder. The boulders offer great views, and the relaxed tide adds to the harmony in this setting. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so be careful when making your way down to the cove.
Where: Near Fishermans Beach, South of the Golf Course in Simonstown, Cape Town
Bloubergstrand Beach
A treat for laid-back sunbathing and tons of watersport spectacle, Bloubergstrand Beach offers endless summer fun and relaxation with gorgeous views of Table Mountain arching over the coastline.
Fondly known as Blue Mountain Beach, this magical place is perfect for soaking up the sun, enjoying the unique panorama of the Mother City, and watching kitesurfers fly across the bay.
Where: 2 Marine Drive, Table View, Cape Town
Windmill Beach
Windmill Beach is tucked away behind the golf course at Froggy Pond. Like its neighbour, Boulders Beach, it is surrounded by giant granite outcrops which act as a windbreak, making it a great escape on a windy day.
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.
The beach is often used as a scuba diving training site, offering easy entry and exit points, good visibility, and minimal wave action. Sea-kayakers are also often seen paddling through the channel on their way to or from Simon’s Town.
Where: Cnr M4 and Bellevue Road, Simon’s Town
Camps Bay Tidal Pool
Camps Bay tidal pool lies at the southern end of the beach, offering calm, clear water protected from the Atlantic’s waves. It’s a popular spot for an easy swim or for children to paddle safely, with two sandy beaches separated by a changing room with toilets.
The location is especially convenient, as it is within a stone’s throw of Camps Bay’s strip of restaurants, cafés, and bars, making it perfect for a post-swim meal or coffee. Backed by the Twelve Apostles and with sweeping ocean views, the tidal pool is a quieter alternative to the open sea while still being right in the heart of the action.
Where: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Water’s Edge Beach
Water’s Edge Beach, located at the far end of Simon’s Town, is a Cape Town secret – hidden away behind a wooden gate. However, the beach is a beautiful oasis for swimming and exploring the warm Indian Ocean. The beach is particularly good for kids due to the rockpools and safe swimming.
Where: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town
Oudekraal
Another SANParks, this time tucked between the busy beaches of Llandudno and Bakoven, Oudekraal is a calm beachfront that’s great for sunbathing, swimming, and picnics. The calm tide makes it easy to snorkel, and the scenic landscape is great for photos. Several smaller beaches mean every family and friend group can have their own space.
Visitors must note that there is no lifeguard on duty, and alcohol, dogs and music are prohibited in the picnic/braai areas. All visitors must bring a form of identification.
Cost: From R44 per adult (SA residents) | R200 per tourist | R22 – R100 for children. View the website for more information.
When: Monday – Friday
Where: Oudekraal Nature Reserve, Victoria Rd, Oudekraal, Cape Town
Dalebrook Tidal Pool
One of Cape Town’s most iconic swimming spots, Dalebrook Tidal Pool has seen a resurgence, inspired by the many cafes and shops just across the road, which have become popular destinations for a post-swim coffee or meal. Swimmers warm up by languishing on the large boulders, and – unusually for a tidal pool – it also has an outdoor shower and a changing room.
Where: Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
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