Top 10 hidden gems that deserve a visit in December

ZAMANDOSI CELE

SUMMER is synonymous with being outdoors, swimming, enjoying water activities and having fun.

With December upon us, there are off the radar beaches you can consider visiting for a fun family day under the sun.

Most local beaches tend to get overcrowded, but these are some beautiful South African beaches, with Blue Flag status, that you can visit in peace.

According to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators to have Blue Flag status, they must comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.

To receive this world-recognised ecolabel, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

From the West Coast to the East Coast, here are some beautifully maintained hidden gem beaches for this summer.

Umzumbe Beach, KZN South Coast

Umzumbe Beach is a gorgeous beach in the seaside resort town of Umzumbe.

The beach offers a quiet spot for families to enjoy, with a tidal pool for the little ones. It is also popular with those interested in surfing.

Between July and December, visitors should keep an eye on the salty blue for some of the whales that come past this section of the coast.

UMZUMBE Beach on the KZN South Coast. | Supplied

Point Beach, KZN

Point Beach is on Durban’s popular Golden Mile and features a stunning promenade for joggers and walkers. The beach is close to uShaka Marine World and Durban on Point Waterfront, perfect to explore with kids.

The beach is safe and is patrolled by security, with lifeguards around. You can also watch ships coming into the harbour, which can be fun and educational for kids.

A SHIP enters Durban’s port, which separates the Bluff and Point Beach.

Kelly’s Beach, Eastern Cape

A special feature of Kelly’s Beach in Port Alfred on the Sunshine Coast is the two viewing decks from which you can view the beach, perhaps spot a whale or two, and observe the most spectacular sunsets, if you are passing at that time of day.

The actual beach is at the Kowie River estuary mouth and attracts beachcombers to its fine sand and safe swimming. The beach offers good facilities and provides a lovely day out with the children. Always take sunblock and plenty of water with you.

KELLY’S Beach in the Eastern Cape. | Instagram

Kariega Beach, Eastern Cape

Kariega Beach is a secluded treasure on the Eastern Cape coastline and part of the quaint seaside resort of Kenton-on-Sea, which is on the route between Gqeberha and East London.

This little town is a quiet retreat away from the city, occupied by a small number of local residents (mainly retirees) and holiday homes.

Kariega Beach and its surroundings are ideal for families who want to spend time together, appreciating the beauty of the South African coastline. The beach lies just in front of a nature reserve, where visitors can stroll at leisure.

Bikini Beach, Western Cape

This man-made beach is close to the marina in the small coastal town of Gordon’s Bay, giving it added appeal to locals and tourists alike. It’s popular as a swimming beach because the water is usually temperate and relatively calm.

This also makes for excellent snorkelling, as the conditions are also often clear, giving visitors the opportunity to see the marine plant and animals.

Warm summers + Cool beaches

A GLORIOUS sunset at Kariega Beach in the Eastern Cape. | Instagram

Camps Bay, Western Cape

Camps Bay Beach is the campground of sun-tanners and sundowners, above the ocean between Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. Cafés, bars and restaurants stand mountainside of the beach drive while sand and palm trees fall oceanside.

A cosmopolitan lifestyle of “see and be seen” fashionistas meets a beach town dream-style of “sea and be scene”. No stairs make for easy beach access, with stares into the ocean blue making for easy beach days.

CHILDREN enjoying the sea and sun at Camps Bay Beach.

Stilbaai Wes, Western Cape

Stilbaai Beach, or Still Bay, is a peaceful, relaxing beach to visit yet has a fantastic atmosphere and always seems to be brimming with activity. Surfers take to the waves, with the water skiers and kite surfers not far behind them.

This is a safe area to swim in, children can splash away while moms and dads soak up the sun on the soft sand.

If you happen to be in the area in spring or winter, you may be lucky enough to see our annual Southern Right whale visitors and watch them floating around on the surface or flipping their fins and tails in the air.

Hartenbos Beach, Western Cape

Hartenbos Beach near Mossel Bay is a wide sandy beach perfect for families, swimming, surfing and walking. Near the beach are many restaurants, shops and a heated indoor swimming pool.

Wheelchair access to the beach is via a number of ramps. The public ablutions and other facilities are excellent and there is adequate parking.

HARTENBOS Beach near Mossel Bay. | Instagram

Kleinmond Beach, Western Cape

Kleinmond is a popular holiday destination in the Overberg region of the Western Cape and boasts the beautiful Kleinmond beach.

The beach is at the mouth of the Kleinmond lagoon in a natural and unspoilt environment.

It’s not hard to see why tourists flock here all through the year. Having the option of enjoying the sea or fresh water from the lagoon makes this an ideal location for getting those paddle skis and boats out and makes it a great place for children.

Santos Beach, Western Cape

The newest of the Garden Route beaches to achieve the coveted Blue Flag status (2013), Santos Beach is a delightful beach frequented by holiday-makers and locals all year round.

MOSSEL Bay and Santos beach. | Henk Kruger African News Agency (ANA)

It is a popular beach for families with kids who have a great time here playing in the soft white sand and enjoying the safe bathing conditions. There are also many restaurants in Mossel Bay to enjoy.

BEACH-GOERS enjoy the water at Bikini Beach. | Bheki Radebe