Cape Town Beaches, Coastline and Water Sports

(Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa)

The beaches of Cape Town are just simply awesome and a great reason to come to this part of South Africa. However, many stretches of the coastline are rocky, and the strong tides mean that swimming can be dangerous.

Sea Point is one such place in Cape Town, where although swimming in the sea itself is not possible, two large tidal swimming pools have been created, meaning that this beach is highly suitable for families. Cape Town also provides some outstanding locations for scuba diving, both next to the shore and further out, and the surfing possibilities are awesome, with some beaches boasting truly monster waves, suitable for expert surfers only.

General Information

The following beaches are located around the Cape Peninsula's Atlantic Coast:

• Camps Bay
  Just 15 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, the beach of Camps Bay enjoys a particularly spectacular setting, with the Twelve Apostles of Table Mountain providing the backdrop. However, this beach can be a little too windy for some, and the waters are somewhat chilly, with a strong surf.
• Kommetjie
  Kommetjie Beach is often referred to in Cape Town as simply the 'Kom' and is a very good place for surfing. The village itself is quite appealing and is well known for its crayfishing.
• Llandudno and Sandy Bay
  Around 20 km / 12 miles from Cape Town, Llandudno and Sandy Bay are quite different to all of the other beaches, appearing to be isolated and very natural, apart from the wreckage of the tanker Romelia, which has stood off Sunset Rocks since 1977.
• Clifton
  The suburb of Clifton, next to Sea Point, features four very popular connected beaches, which can be reached via the steps next to Victoria Road. These beaches rank as some of the trendiest spots to sunbathe in the whole of Cape Town, being very sheltered from the wind and easy to reach. The fourth beach is most suitable for families.
• Noordhoek
  Situated right next to Chapman's Peak, the beach at Noordhoek (the 'Hoek') stretches for around 8 km / 5 miles and is a favourite with visiting surfers. Many locals also come here to walk along the sands, while horse riders are also often seen, galloping along the beachfront.

False Bay
The beaches of False Bay lie on the south-easterly outskirts of Cape Town and whilst they may not be the prettiest or most fashionable spots when compared to those on the Atlantic side, they are quieter, and the water here is considerably warmer, being quite suitable for swimming. Popular beaches include those around Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg and Simon's Town.

Boulders Beach offers the perfect day trip and something to be remembered, and is situated right next to Simon's Town (Simonstad), just a short drive from Cape Town.

Tourists flock to Boulders Beach each year not only because the water tends to be slightly water and the scenery quite breathtaking, but to enjoy the friendly and rather comical black and white penguins, which live here is great numbers. Boulders Beach really does belong to its penguins, which have taken over the whole area and even nest in the gardens of some nearby houses.