Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Lauren Melnick
Growing up in Johannesburg, I was severely deprived of Vitamin Sea and South Africa’s beaches.😢
So much so, I bought a surfing magazine every single month (anyone else remembers Salt Water Girl?!) and devoured the articles about riding waves.
My obsession led to me watching Blue Crush on repeat and picking up a bunch of surfing lingo like I wasn’t a city slicker girl who had never touched a surfboard in her life.
Flash forward a couple of years, and I’m finally living my coastal dream life in Cape Town. Gone are the days of staring at pictures of the beach, these days, I just need to hop into an Uber, and BAM!
I’m sunning my bum on one of the best beaches in South Africa. 🏖🍹
If you’re looking for some new spots to worship, or you’re heading to the coast for the first time, and you don’t know where to go – this post is for you!
Below, I’ve broken down the best beach holiday destinations in South Africa that will have you running for your suncream, umbrella, and beach towel.
Ready to get your dose of Vitamin Sea? Here are the best beaches in South Africa!
Psst…Want more South Africa travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary for One Incredible Week
- The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
- An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
- Hiking Robberg Nature Reserve: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Swim With Penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town
- 24+ Incredibly EPIC Things to Do in KZN, South Africa
Table of Contents
- The Best Beaches in South Africa
- Clifton 4th, Clifton, Cape Town
- Boulder’s Beach, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
- Kogel Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town
- Island Beach, Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
- Diaz Beach, Cape Point National Park
- Hole-in-the-Wall, Coffee Bay, Wild Coast
- Second Beach, Port St Johns
- Llandudno Beach, Llandudno, Cape Town
- Dolphin Beach, Jeffrey’s Bay
- Shark Bay, Langebaan, West Coast
- Even More Top Beaches in South Africa
- Beaches in South Africa FAQ
- Final Thoughts
The Best Beaches in South Africa
Clifton 4th, Clifton, Cape Town
If you ask any Cape Townian to name one of the best beaches in Cape Town, Clifton 4th will be right at the top of the list.
Why?
Well, not only is this strip of sand absolutely mindboggling gorgeous, but it’s usually protected from a Cape Townians worst enemy – the wind.
If the gusts are howling up a storm in Camps Bay, there’s a good chance you won’t feel more than a breeze on Clifton 4th.
With the Twelve Apostles mountain range towering in the background, pristine white sand, and the Atlantic Ocean sparkling in various crystal-clear shades of blue, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa to watch the sun go down.
Read More: 45+ Incredible Things to Do in Cape Town [Updated 2021]
Where to Stay in Clifton
Clifton is one of the (if not the) most affluent areas in Cape Town. If you want to stay within walking distance of Clifton 4th, you’re going to pay a pretty penny.
Clifton YOLO Spaces is a drop-dead gorgeous villa you can rent right by Clifton 4th. Sleeping a maximum of four adults, you’ll wake up to uninterrupted ocean views and a private pool if you can’t brave the icy Atlantic waters.
For something a bit cheaper, book a night at Primi Seacastle. It’s a luxurious four-star hotel within walking distance of Camps Bay Beach (50 meters) and only 1km from Clifton 4th.
Boulder’s Beach, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
When was the latest time you swam with penguins and had a raft waddle past your beach towel?
If you said none, bump Boulder’s Beach to the top of your South Africa bucket list.
Home to the African jackass penguin (tee hee), the small Cape Town beach is protected by SAN Parks. To gain access, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee which goes towards protecting these adorable creatures who are on the endangered list.
With a limited amount of space for your beach towel, do two things before you arrive:
- Check the tides: If it’s high tide, there is even less sand to sit on, and you won’t be able to explore the rest of the beach.
- Go early: Boulders Beach is a full-day affair. Pack a picnic, bring an umbrella, and camp out here with a good book and plenty of sunblock.
Oh, and please DO NOT touch the penguins or get too close. Give the creatures their space. Don’t be a d*ck and stress them out to get a photo.
Read More: How to Swim With Penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town
Where to Stay in Simon’s Town
Want to stay right by Boulder’s Beach? Like 0.1 kilometres away?
Then check-in to Boulders Beach Hotel. It’s an affordable mid-range hotel with spectacular views of one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town.
You’re also within walking distance from the other beaches in the area like Windmill and Water’s Edge.
Kogel Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town
Secret caves, golden sand, and breathtaking sunset views…
…Those are some of the things you can expect to find at Kogel Bay.
The beach is part of Kogel Bay Resort (access is free) on Clarence Drive in Gordon’s Bay, and it’s worth the 1-hour drive from Cape Town.
Park your car, walk onto the beach, and turn right to find the cave. Keep walking until you get to a bunch of rocks. If you time your visit with the low tide, you’ll be able to walk around the rocks and enter the cave.
Please DO NOT try to get to the cave if it’s high tide. It floods, the ocean becomes rough, and you can get stuck there.
Read More: 20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town
Where to Stay Near Kogel Bay
As mentioned, you can stay at Kogel Bay Resort. Bring your caravan or tent, and spend the weekend camping right by the beach.
Not a camper?
Stay in Gordon’s Bay. The town is about 8km from the beach, and there are dozens of adorable BnBs, hotels, and lodges to choose from.
Some of my favourites are:
Island Beach, Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
With its ideal location along the Garden Route, one of Plettenberg Bay’s strongest bragging points is its spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve.
It’s home to one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in South Africa, easily accessible via a gorgeous hiking trail through the reserve.
Island Beach is a bit rough for swimming, but it’s still an idyllic strip of sand to spend a few hours.
The refreshing waters are a welcome reprieve if you decide to tackle the longest hiking trail, The Point. It’s a 9.2km loop around the reserve that will take you past rugged coastal scenery, lazy seals, and towering white sand dunes.
The best part? It’s relatively quiet compared to the other beaches in Plettenberg Bay. The trek to get here keeps the tourist masses at bay and makes it an appealing beach bum sanctuary.
Read More: Hiking Robberg Nature Reserve: Everything You Need to Know
Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
As someone who goes to Plettenberg Bay at least once a year (more if I can help it), I’m constantly finding new places to stay and returning to old haunts.
My current favourites?
Emily Moon and The Bungalow by Cape Summer Villas.
Emily is a hidden gem tucked away further inland with spectacular views over the Bitou River. It’s a four-star boutique hotel with quirky African-inspired decor with a restaurant serving some of the best wood-fired pizza in Plettenberg Bay.
The Bungalow is right on the beachfront. Hobie Beach is mere footsteps away from your room, and you can watch dolphins play in the surf from the in-house restaurant.
Even if you don’t end up staying here, come here for some of the best sushi along the Garden Route!
Read More: 10+ Incredible Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay [WARNING: High FOMO Levels]
Diaz Beach, Cape Point National Park
When it comes to the best beaches in SA, Cape Point National Park hordes pristine sandy havens like a gold-hoarding dragon.
There are five stunning and unspoilt beaches inside the park in the national park.
One of the most beloved? Diaz Beach.
Located right at the top of Cape Point, 200 metre high cliffs flank the white sand beach while the sapphire Atlantic Ocean sparkles in the distance.
But if you want to visit Diaz, don’t forget your hiking shoes. It’s a 20-minute walk down a winding staircase to the beach and a 40-minute walk back to the top.
Despite the Stairmaster workout, the thigh burn is well worth it to have this slice of paradise all to yourself.
The other Cape Point beaches you can visit are:
- Buffels Beach
- Maclear Beach
- Ollifantbos Beach
- Platboom Beach
Read More: The Ultimate Cape of Good Hope Hiking Guide
Where to Stay Near Cape Point
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cape Point is to stay inside the national park.
You can do this by signing up for one of the Cape Point overnight hikes. I host a guided trek through the reserve every couple of months.
Alternatively, you can book a night at the Olifantasbos Guest House. It’s located in the southern part of Cape Point and offers guests complete seclusion right by the beach.
Hole-in-the-Wall, Coffee Bay, Wild Coast
Hands down, Hole-in-the-wall is one of the best South Africa beaches.
Not only is it ridiculously good-looking, an amazing astrophotography destination, and a firm-favourite with the beach-bum-dwelling Xhosa cows, but it’s steeped in local folklore.
According to the legend, a beautiful young girl lived in a village near a lagoon cut off from the sea by a giant cliff. One day her beauty caught the attention of one of the sea people.
The sea people are semi deities who are part human part fish (the Xhosa version of mermaids).
Like most epic love stories, the girl’s father didn’t approve of the sea man trying to woo his daughter and forbid the two from being together. The sea people asked a huge fish to ram the cliff and create a “hole in the wall” in response.
The sea people swam in through the hole and swept the young Xhosa maiden away into the ocean.
Read More: The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip
Where to Stay in Coffee Bay
On a budget and don’t want to skip out on the incredible Eastern Cape views? Book a night at Coffee Shack Backpackers.
There are dorm rooms and private Xhosa-style chalets. Each accommodation option is a short walk away from the beach, and you book surfing lessons or a guided walk from the backpackers to the legendary Hole-in-the-Wall.
But the closest you can stay to this South African beach is the Hole in the Wall Resort. It’s 0.1 kilometres away from the beach, boasts an on-site restaurant and plenty of room options for every budget.
Second Beach, Port St Johns
I have a soft spot for Port St Johns.
Since my solo road trip here in 2019, I am hook, line, and sinker for this untouched part of the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast.
Driving into the town, you pass towering cliffs that look like something out of Jurassic Park, meandering through thick forests and a rugged coastline.
Second Beach is the must-visit destination for many tourists thanks to its reputation for being one of the best swimming beaches in South Africa.
Set against the dramatic backdrop and tropical rainforest, it’s an otherworldly kind of place. It feels like the rest of civilisation doesn’t exist, and you’ve somehow slipped into an episode of Lost.
NB: While you can swim at Second Beach, bull sharks and shark attacks are common in this area.
Where to Stay in Port St Johns
Only 3km from Second Beach, Uzuri Lifestyle is a beautiful resort in Port St Johns.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best places you can stay in the area. A lot of the backpackers and guest houses have poor quality control and don’t seem to have cleanliness high on their list of priorities.
Llandudno Beach, Llandudno, Cape Town
If the crowds in Clifton and Camps Bay are getting to you, plan a beach day in Llandudno.
The affluent area surrounds a relatively isolated Blue Flag beach that’s one of the best spots in Cape Town for surfing, sundowners, and catching rays of sunshine.
Judas Peak and Little Lion’s Head rise on either side of the beach, giant granite boulders flank the ocean, and you can explore secret caves between the rocks.
A word of caution if you’re hunting for warm water beaches in Cape Town:
- Such a thing doesn’t exist. There are only varying temperatures of cold.
- Llandudno’s waters are f***ing cold. It’s some of the iciest you’ll find around Cape Town. Prepare yourself for the brain freeze.
Some other smaller hidden beaches in Cape Town you should definitely add to your itinerary are:
- Cosy Beach: Tiny beach that’s popular with snorkelers and paddleboarders.
- Oudekraal Beach: Only open on weekends and costs R35 to enter.
- Sandy Bay Beach: Cape Town’s unofficial nudist beach.
Read More: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views
Where to Stay in Llandudno
With Llandudno being an area that’s the physical embodiment of money moves, you can expect A LOT of outrageous villas to rent.
The crown jewel? The 5-story Llandudno villa. Situated less than 400 meters from the beach, it sleeps 14 people and has everything you need for a luxurious stay.
Check out the Llandudno Sunset Apartment or the Hout and About Guest House for something more affordable.
Read More: 10 Magnificent Sunset Spots in Cape Town You Need on Your Bucket List
Dolphin Beach, Jeffrey’s Bay
Dolphin Beach in JBay is the holy grail for surfing in South Africa.
Why?
It’s the home of Supertubes.
Supertubes is one of the top five right-hand breaks in the world and attracts a steady stream of surfers to Dolphin’s every year.
But even if you aren’t a surfer, Dolphin’s Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. It received Blue Flag status in 2013, and the sandy beach stretches all the way to the Gamtoos River.
If the weather is calm, grab your snorkelling gear. The reef by Dolphin Beach offers an exceptional experience!
Where to Stay in Jeffery’s Bay
What makes Jeffery’s Bay one of the best beach towns in South Africa are the accommodation options.
No matter your budget, you’ll find something either right on Dolphin Beach or only a short walking distance away.
Nine on Uys is a B&B that’s only 100 meters from Dolphin Beach. It’s a super affordable hotel, perfect for solo travellers or couples. Breakfast is included, and the property is right by all the shops, restaurants, and bars.
Beach Music is another exceptional find in Jeffery’s Bay. Overlooking Dolphin Beach, the views here are hard to beat! With prices starting at R400, it’s another great find for travellers on a shoestring who aren’t keen on backpackers.
Shark Bay, Langebaan, West Coast
Ahhh, Langebaan.
The Jewel of the West Coast.
Langebaan wins all the awards for photogenic beach towns in South Africa. With almost year-round sunshine, azure waters, and a short drive from West Coast National Park, it’s a place of unsurpassed natural beauty.
And Shark Bay?
It’s more than another white sand beach in Cape Town. It’s one of the best places on earth to learn how to kitesurf, and if the wind plays along, you’ll see dozens of kites in the sky.
Plus, you might catch a glimpse of the sand sharks that call the bay home!
If you’re not a strong swimmer (or you have young children), Main Beach in Langabaan is another option. It’s the perfect place to spend a sun-drenched day with calm, shallow waters.
When you add up the good weather, sparkling blue ocean, and serene waters, it’s easy to see why Langebaan is one of the best beach holidays in South Africa!
Other Beaches in Langebaan to Check Out:
- Kraalbaai
- Paradise Beach
- Shark Bay
- Calypso Beach
Read More: 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
Where to Stay in Langebaan
Langebaan is one of those time suckers.
I could spend (and have spent) hours browsing all the beach-style Airbnbs, hotels, and guest houses.
It’s one of those beach towns with outrageously good-looking places (and reasonable prices to boot!) that make it so hard deciding where to stay.
Windtown Lagoon Hotel is a resort that’s made for water babies. You can rent out SUP boards and sign up for kite surfing lessons in the summer.
And that’s not all! The hotel is 200 meters from Main Beach and boasts a delicious on-site restaurant and spa.
For something more private, check out Shark Bay Hotel & Spa. Bordered by a nature reserve, stay in one of the private villas and get exclusive access to the hotel’s sandy white beach.
Need something with fewer frills but decent beach access? Hydra is a stunning studio apartment in Langebaan, 100 meters from Calypso Beach and 1.4 km from Main Beach.
Even More Top Beaches in South Africa
I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to the best beaches in South Africa.
To be honest, I could easily add another 2000 words to this blog post, and there will still be more to include!
But to save us all from an obscene amount of screen time, here are a few more gorgeous strips of sand to add to your beach bum bucket list.
- Camps Bay Beach: Looking for famous beaches in Cape Town? Your search is over. Camps Bay Beach has a Miami vibe with a strip of beach bars and restaurants parallel to the beach.
- Cape Vidal: A hidden beach in iSimangaliso National Park. It’s one of the best places in South Africa to see nesting sea turtles, and the snorkelling here is excellent. No wonder it’s consistently thought of as one of the best beaches in KwaZulu Natal.
- Wilderness Beach: Heading to the Garden Route? Don’t miss out on spending an afternoon on Wilderness Beach. With Blue Flag status, it’s a top-tier beach in the Western Cape that lives up to all the hype.
- Middle Beach: Located in Kenton-on-Sea, this lesser-visited Eastern Cape beach is spectacular. Hike from Middle to Shelly Beach to take in the epic rock formations.
- Thonga Beach: Thonga Beach is a private strip of sand. You’ll need to stay at Thonga Beach Lodge to experience this untouched paradise and see why it’s considered one of the best beaches in KZN.
- Gonubie Beach: Never heard of Gonubie Beach? It’s time to plan a trip to the Eastern Cape! Situated near East London, the beach has a beautiful boardwalk and is the Sunshine Coast’s best-kept secret.
- Noetzie Beach: Noetzie Beach is a unique beach in South Africa. Just 10-minutes from Knysna, it’s a secluded place surrounded by castles. Yup. Castles! Besides its eclectic collection of beach houses, Noetzie is also the home of the rare African Black Oystercatcher, and it’s an established conservancy.
Beaches in South Africa FAQ
How many beaches are there in South Africa? There are 46 Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.
Which city in South Africa has the best beaches? Cape Town has the best beaches in South Africa. Fight me.
Is the water warm in South Africa? On the West Coast (Cape Town side), the Atlantic Ocean is a freezing 13°C. If you travel on the East Coast (Durban side), the warmest sea temperature is usually 20-25°C.
Which beach is warm in Cape Town? Muizenburg is your best bet. The beach has warmer water compared to other beaches in Cape Town. It also has Blue Flag status and a collection of colourful beach huts.
Final Thoughts
I won’t lie.
It took a while to whittle down all the beautiful beaches in South Africa to a mere handful.
We are extremely lucky to have such an abundance of natural beauty along our coastlines. 😍
Did I leave out any of your top beaches in South Africa? Hit ya gurl up and let me know in the comments!
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