South Africa's best beaches

South Africa is a dream if you love to be beside the sea, with some of the most beautiful and diverse coastlines in the world. Whether you prefer lounging on golden sands or gazing out towards the ocean from dramatic cliffs, you can do everything from road trips along the coast to spotting penguins on South Africa’s beaches.

Clifton and Camps Bay in Cape Town are famous for their white sands and curving bays, protected from the Atlantic winds, with the city to their back. Or the Garden Route features more secluded spots like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, perfect for a peaceful retreat and the chance to spot some of the country’s marine wildlife, especially whales.

But whether you’re hoping for an active day at the beach, water spots, wildlife, relaxing or unforgettable scenery, these are the best South Africa beaches to including in your holiday.

Western Cape: Camps Bay to De Hoop Nature Reserve

You’ll find some of South Africa’s best beaches in the Western Cape, especially in and around Cape Town. You don’t even have to leave the Mother City to enjoy some time at the beach either. The white sands of glamorous Camps Bay have some enviable views out to the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and if the Atlantic is often on the chilly side for a swim, there are plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants lining the sand too.

Or head to the four beaches at Clifton, each with their own different vibe. Clifton 4^th has all the facilities and is the most popular, while next-door Clifton 3^rd is one of Cape Towns best-loved gay beaches. Head to Clifton 2^nd for beach sports, or the smallest Clifton 1^st to escape the crowds. Venture around half an hour along the coast, and Bloubergstrand Beach has some spectacular views of Table Mountain; it’s windier so it’s also a favourite of kite and wind-surfers.

For some of the Cape’s more unusual beaches, you’ll need to head outside the city. In Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach has its own colony of endangered African penguins, who you can watch going about their day (from a respectful distance) as you swim and sunbathe – there’s a fee to visit, but how often can you join a penguin on the beach?

Or venture to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope, to Diaz Beach near Cape Point. While it’s not quite the southernmost tip of Africa – that distinction goes to Cape Agulhas 250km to the south-east – this wildly rugged spot is the perfect place to feel like you’ve escaped civilisation and imagine early sailors battling the storms to reach the Indian Ocean.

Travel east from Cape Town and there’s more protected coast at De Hoop Nature Reserve, where high sand dunes back coastal walking trails. Bring your snorkel! If you’re lucky, you can spot whales here between May and November, or for an even better chance, carry on to Hermanus, South Africa’s whale capital, where whales pass close to shore on their annual migration between June and December.

The coastal scenery of the Garden Route is some of the loveliest in the world, let alone South Africa. This 300km stretch of road hugging the Cape is crammed with beaches and tempting viewpoints – if you’re self-driving in South Africa, this is somewhere to add an extra hour to your schedule, so you can stop as much as you want.

Running from Mossel Bay to Storms River, two of our favourites are Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Bustling Knysna is crammed with galleries, independent shops, and wonderful seafood restaurants as well as a wonderful beachfront on the lagoon there the town’s famous oysters are sourced. If you fancy a dip, head to Bollard Bay, one of the shallower areas of the lagoon, or for views, gaze out from Knysna Heads, where the cliffs separate the lagoon from the Indian Ocean.

Wildlife-lovers shouldn’t miss Plettenberg Bay, not only for its mix of golden beaches and impressive rugged coastline but for a chance to seek out the local marine life. Head out on a whale-watching tour or you can even take a dip with the seals, before some dramatic hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve.

There are quieter beaches to discover on the Garden Route too. A little way west of Knysna, the well-named Wilderness Beach is a wide stretch of unspoiled white sand that you’ll often have to yourself if you turn up early or visit out of season. Once you’ve enjoyed walking along the surf, you could head out in a canoe to explore the coast around Wilderness.

Or between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Noetzie is a gorgeous curve of golden sand, backed by a series of ‘castles’ – not authentic fortresses from days gone by, but quirky stone beach houses with turrets and other fanciful castle-style flourishes.

For something a bit different, the Dragon Dune at Mossel Bay isn’t precisely a beach, but you’ll certainly get your sand fix. Towering 170m high, this sand dune lets you try the longest and fastest sandboard ride in South Africa – with a soft landing if you’re a novice.

Eastern Cape: Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth

Gqeberha has its own lovely Blue Flag beaches alongside the 10-mile Algoa Bay, like golden sand King’s Beach, the white dunes of Wells Estate Beach and Humewood Beach, a favourite with families. Hobie is another family-friendly favourite, that’s also good for surfing.

Not far outside the city, Sardinia Bay is an idyllic expanse of sand that stretches for miles if you’re looking for coastal walks or a wilder slice of beach. Or if you’re ready to drive a little further east, Kenton-on-Sea is well worth the effort, with some of the country’s most unspoiled beaches; expect dramatic rock formations, warm Indian Ocean water and golden sands. Kariega Main Beach has Blue Flag status, or check out the natural rock pools and tidal pool for swimming at Middle Beach.

Simply pick and choose your favourite bite-sized trips or ready-made itineraries, add them to your Travel Plan and request a quote. It’s easy. Our Travel Specialists will then put together a holiday that’s right for you. Plus you’ll have the same team for the life of your booking & support from our local partners on the ground 24/7.