Cape Town is renowned for having the most beautiful beaches in the world. Situated at the very tip of the vast African continent this city is blessed by two oceans that break on kilometre after kilometre of coastline; from the warm, welcoming waters of the Indian Ocean to the icy, bracing breakers of the Atlantic Ocean.
As a visitor you may be overwhelmed by the variety of Cape Town beaches and be unsure which one is best for families with young children, or where to find great waves for surfing, or which provides the perfect beach location for an idyllic sunset picnic.
As always, Book Cape Town is here to help - with our list of Cape Town's Top Ten Beaches.
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Top Ten Cape Town Beaches
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Blouberg / Big Bay
Situated in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town city, this is the beach with that world-famous view of Table Mountain. The 20 kilometre stretch of sandy beach is perfect for kitesurfing, windsurfing, hobie cats, paddle skiing and kite flying, thanks to the strong south-easter wind that allows wave-jumping kitesurfers and hobie-cat enthusiasts a chance to impress the public. Contact Book Cape Town to experience any of these fun action activities.
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Boulders Beach
Far down south, situated just past the historical navy village
of Simons Town, Boulders Beach is a sheltered series of little
coves with enormous smooth boulders and soft sand lapped by
calm aquamarine water. Ideal for families, sheltered swimming
(this is on the ‘warm’ side of the coast), snorkeling
and kayaking, the most famous feature of Boulders Beach is the
colony of African penguins that have made this place their home.
A small entrance fee is charged.
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Camps Bay
Arguably Cape Town's most popular beach, Camps Bay is 10 minutes from the city centre. The combination of fine white sand, palm trees and the 'Golden Mile' - a strip of trendy cafes, cocktail bars and restaurants - makes Camps Bay a hub of activity from early till late. Avoid parking difficulties in summer by hiring a retro vespa scooter from Book Cape Town, then spend the day tanning, playing volleyball and scuba diving before enjoying a sundowner.
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Clifton
Cape Town's glamorous Clifton is divided into four beaches by large boulders. Here the beautiful people come to see and be seen. If you enjoy gorgeous scenery - from bronzed bodies lazing on the sand to streamlined yachts moored in the shallows - this is the place for you. Enjoy the site of paragliders drifting down from Lion's Head to land on the lawns of the popular La Med beach bar. Fancy a flight with yourself? Contact Book Cape Town for a tandem paraglide experience.
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Fish Hoek
If you're on a Cape Town family vacation with granny and all the kids you can't go wrong with Fish Hoek beach! Situated on the warm Indian Ocean - a curved smile of sand all the way to Clovelly's wilder beach - Fish Hoek offers fantastic swimming and snorkelling, plus waves which are ideal bodyboarding. An on-the-beach restaurant serves takeaways and sitdown meals so you can enjoy a basket of calamari and a beer while the kids play in the park or on the sand.
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Hout Bay
Sitauted at the base of Chapman's Peak drive, Hout Bay is a picturesque fishing harbour town with a kilometer-long beach. Ideal for swimming, paddle skiing and body boarding, Hout Bay also offers delicious fresh seafood eateries and popular boat trips out to Seal Island. Contact Book Cape Town for details on pre-booking a place on the boat. The craft market and 'Mariner's Wharf' centre offer an ideal opportunity to purchase local curios and gifts.
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Llandudno
The prettiest beach in Cape Town, Llandudno is a sheltered crescent of sand. This idyllic spot is equally popular for romantic picnics and family days out. The hidden places amongst the rocks provide perfect sunbathing opportunities. Bring your own picnic along as there are no shops on this beach which is set in an elite residential area. While the water is chilly and the under-current strong, surfers flock to Llandudno and the brave swim. There is a resident lifesaving club.
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Muizenberg
Ever wanted to learn how to surf? Surfer's Corner at Muizenberg beach in False Bay is so perfect for beginners that the stretch of beach-front shops has numerous surf schools back to back. Don't try book on the day - contact Book Cape Town in advance to ensure a space at one of the best surf schools and avoid long queues and disappointment. The rest of Muizenberg beach stretches unbroken for miles and is also popular for on-shore fishing and swimming.
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Kommetjie to Noordhoek - Long Beach
This 8 kilometre pristine stretch of beach is ideal for long walks, kite flying and horse riding. Experienced surfers also flock here when the conditions are suitable for some serious action. Book Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in the Kommetjie area, and can also pre-book sunset horse riding at Long Beach for you. The wreck of the Kakapo makes the stroll along the beach even more interesting and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
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Platboombay, Cape Point Nature Reserve
Nature-lovers will love this unspoiled beach for its unique flora and fauna, explorable rock pools, beachcombing opportunities and birdlife. The dunes are covered with the Cape's uniqe fynbos vegetatation. Bird watchers will enjoy viewing a range of species, from black oystercatchers and avocets to brilliantly-coloured sunbirds. Keep an eye open for baboons who might invite themselves to your picnic! Why not enjoy a cycle tour of the Reserve with Book Cape Town?
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