Sun and sandy bays just have a special ring to them, especially when it comes to Cape Town summer. Check out our list of some of the best beaches and tidal pools in Cape Town.
BOULDERS BEACH
One of the city’s most popular beach spots, Boulders Beach offers everything for the perfect family outing along with a warm welcome from the African Penguins. The beach is a nature reserve and offers a top local attraction with amazing vantage points and natural habitat.
The best time to visit is during low tide if you’re heading out with the kids. The calmer waters really open up the shore for more activities and are safe for swimming. Boulders beach is ideal for picnicking, walking trails and cooling off.
Contact the Boulders Visitor Centre for more information 021 786 2329.
Where: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town | When: 7am to 7.30pm | Cost: R39 – R152 for Adults, R20 – R76 for children
BLOUBERGSTRAND BEACH
A treat for laid back suntanning and so much more, 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 is a magical place to soak up the sun during summer and have a blast with friends and family.
Where: 2 Marine Drive, Table View, Cape Town
CLOVELLY BEACH
Clovelly Beach keeps its reputation as one of the Cape’s best beach spots with a warm ambience along the Fishhoek coast and just perfect for all ages, family activities and it’s 100% pet friendly!
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
DE KOM TIDAL POOL
This is one of Kommetjie’s finest Summer attractions and situated near the Slangkop Lighthouse that stands tall since the 1900s. It is a truly great spot for a family with a range of things on the cards for hikers, thrill-seekers.
Visitors can reach the tidal pool along the De Kom catwalk and near the milkwood trees. The beachside destination is a must-do day trip along the Atlantic ocean. De Kom is a blissful beach escape for anyone looking for picture-perfect views. Birding enthusiasts and those who love nature are spoiled with great sights of gulls and a few migratory birds who may pop in too.
Where: Lighthouse Road, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
MUIZENBERG BEACH
One of the most popular picks for a lot of Cape Townians has to be Muizenberg Beach. Home to the prestigious Surfers Corner, all are welcome to enjoy this iconic beachside experience in the Mother City.
Best for anyone who enjoys any water sport and has no age limit here. This is a cultural highlight and one of the best places for pictures.
Where: Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
FROGGY POND
A little beach alcove known affectionately as Froggy Pond lays silently in the heart of Simonstown. This is a wonderful nook that is beautiful in every sense and makes for a peaceful retreat among the mountains.
Located along the False Bay coast near Fishermen’s Beach, this is somewhat secret spot is a natural wonder. The boulders by the cove are picturesque and the tide adds to the harmony in this setting. One of the hidden gems in Cape Town, where visitors can unwind and enjoy the calmer waters. There are lots of rocky terrains so be careful when making your way down to the cove.
Where: Near Fishermans Beach, South of the Golf Course in Simonstown, 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. 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 snorkeling in deeper water.
The beach is often used as a scuba diving training site, as it offers 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
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 to swim and explore the warm Indian Ocean. The beach is particularly good for kids due to the rockpools and safe swimming.
Where: Kleintuin 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 makes it especially convenient as it is within a stone’s throw of Camps Bay’s strip of restaurants, cafés, and bars, so it’s 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
DALEBROOK TIDAL POOL
One of the most iconic swimming spots in Cape Town, Dalebrook Tidal Pool saw a resurgence inspired by the Chardonnay Deli across the road, which has proven a popular destination 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
BALI BEACH
Bali Beach is one of Cape Town locals’ best-kept secrets, and is only a few minutes walk from the bustling Camps Bay beachfront. Enjoy crystal-clear waters and cold but refreshing dives into the ocean at this scenic beach spot, often frequented by locals after work or simply wanting to enjoy the refreshing ocean.
Where: Bakoven, Cape Town
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