Beaches

SUN, SAND AND SURF BESIDE CAPE TOWN’S TWO OCEANS

BAKOVEN If you’re in the Camps Bay area and looking for a more private day on the beach, sans waves of bronzing bodies, head a bit further along the road (away from the city centre) to Bakoven. It may be tiny in comparison, but it’s a lovely boulder-strewn beach and is usually quiet enough to sunbathe with a book.

BLOUBERGSTRAND Blouberg offers the iconic postcard view of Table Mountain, so have your camera at the ready. Kids will love exploring the rock pools, but this is also the place for water sports – when the wind is blowing, while away the afternoon watching the aerobatic skills of wind- and kitesurfers.

CAMPS BAY Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most iconic beaches, and summer sees it packed to capacity with overseas visitors and holidaymakers from upcountry, as well as local families and the city’s trendy set. Upmarket cafes, restaurants and bars jostle for space on the palm-lined promenade against the dramatic backdrop of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. The water is chilly, but the shallow waves are generally tame enough for the little ones to swim in too.

CLIFTON Divided by colossal granite boulders into four somewhat unimaginatively named beaches (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th), Clifton as a whole is hugely popular with locals, thanks in equal part to its convenient location and general splendour. The blue waters may look inviting, but they’re icy: Clifton is really more the spot to see and be seen at – preferably in the latest swimwear. Surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy the waves over at Clifton 1st. BOULDERS Just outside of Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is home to a 3 000-strong colony of African or ‘jackass’ penguins (named for their distinctive braying call). Often seen wandering over the white sand, these endangered tuxedoed birds are quite at ease with humans, so you can interact and even swim with them – but do not touch them. It’s a good spot for children too, who will love these charming residents. Plus, the massive boulders that give the beach its name shelter the cove from wind and strong currents, so it’s relatively safe for young swimmers.

DIAZ Given its location in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Diaz is slightly more difficult to visit than most of the Cape’s beaches, but its secluded beauty and breathtaking views more than make up for this. Far from the madding crowd, you can relax on its protected sands before exploring the rest of the reserve.

FISH HOEK With several kilometres of pristine beach, it’s no wonder Fish Hoek draws so many local sunbathers, joggers and families out for a day in the sun. Warm shallows invite swimmers for a dip, while surfers are well accommodated (the left-corner Clovelly Beach break is good for beginners). Rock pools keep the kids occupied searching for hermit crabs and anemones.

GLENCAIRN Between Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town, this pretty little beach may be small, but it has the benefit of being far less crowded than its larger neighbours. Gentle waves, a tidal pool and warmer water make it perfect for a swim, or you could sit on the beach and watch yachts sailing by from Simon’s Town. It’s also popular for windsurfing.

HOUT BAY This stretch of powdery sand is divided almost down the middle by the estuary where the Hout Bay River flows from iconic Table Mountain to meet the sea. Equestrian access from nearby stables makes this a popular spot for horse riders, plus the views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the distance are nothing short of spectacular. After a relaxing walk along the beach, head down to the pier for some good ol’ fish and chips.

KOMMETJIE Kommetjie is best known for its prime surf: A clean-breaking, long-riding wave means that the bay is often dotted with boards. With one of the biggest drops in the world, it’s great windsurfing territory too. Don’t miss a chance to check out the view from Slangkop Lighthouse around the corner.

LLANDUDNO One of the most beautiful beaches in the Cape, Llandudno is bookended by rocky outcrops on either side (clamber over those on the city side for some outstanding views across the beach). During daylight hours, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, and popular with surfers too, but linger a little longer and you can catch one of the gorgeous sunsets that Llandudno is famous for. MUIZENBERG Driving into Muizenberg, you can’t miss the colourful beach huts along this stretch of white sand. With waves on the gentle side, the family-friendly beach is good for swimming and surfing. If you tire of soaking up the sun, there are two 18-hole putt-putt courses and the Muizenberg water slide to keep you occupied. For the nautically inclined, nearby Zandvlei estuary is home to the Peninsula Canoe Club and Imperial Yacht Club.

NOORDHOEK Beautiful in its isolation, the lonely expanse of Noordhoek is a haven for horse riders and surfers (with good waves out at the Hoek and Dunes). Also known as Long Beach thanks to its eight-kilometre length, this stretch of sand can be followed all the way to the seaside town of Kommetjie, passing the Kakapo shipwreck of 1900 en route.

SANDY BAY For an all-over tan, head to Cape Town’s nudist beach (swimwear is, of course, an option if you’re not yet ready for the full monty). The beautiful patch of coastline is usually uncrowded (for obvious reasons, as well as the 15-minute walk from the car park) and is sheltered from most winds by the mountains.

SMITSWINKELBAAI This quiet beach on the edge of the Cape Point Nature Reserve can only be reached via a short hike. It’s worth the effort, though, if you’re a fishing, diving or snorkelling enthusiast. Watched over by Cape Point’s mountains and barely a handful of beach houses, the cove is sheltered enough for a leisurely swim.

ST JAMES The St James tidal pool offers a warmer, calmer sea-swimming experience, and the natural rock pools are great for kids to explore and discover sea creatures. You can also enjoy a walk along the 1.5 km boardwalk connecting St James to Muizenberg.