The Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Looking towards the west, from the coastal cliffs above Cape Point, overlooking Dias beach. Photo via Adobe Stock
If you’re visiting the Cape and you’d like something other than the most famed shores, then this list is for you. Herewith are the top ten beaches to visit for a day out in the sun, where you can enjoy an adventure and private time.
Preekstoel
Preekstoel beach is located inside the West Coast National Park, on a 25km coastline stretch. It is near the Langebaan Lagoon, named after a rock formation in the sand and is home to a rusted shipwreck. The waters here are warmer and suited to swimming, snorkelling and fishing.
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Smithswinkel Bay
Situated in False Bay, one can reach Smithswinkel by taking a steep 20-minute walk down to the shore. This beach is down a steep cliff, just before the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve and is well protected from the wind. Swimming, angling, snorkelling and diving are all possibilities here, with five wrecks and marine life to spot in the bay. There are also rock pools and caves at the during low tide.
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Queen’s Beach
This is known as Sea Point’s forgotten beach, hidden from plain sight. Expect chilly waters from the Benguela current when visiting. It is within walking distance of the promenade, and is a haven for surfers and families who can opt to get in the tidal pool or sands to lay on.
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Glen Beach
This is a secluded option that neighbours the ever-popular Camps Bay strip, though it is a spot to seek refuge from the crowds. You’ll spot this small beach hidden behind sand dunes and boulders with the Twelve Apostles mountains as a backdrop.
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Oudekraal
Being part of Table Mountain National Park, hence visitors will need to pay a conservation fee to visit and are encouraged to go in the early morning. Another neighbour to the Camps Bay strip, en route to Llandudno is Oudekraal Beach. It is a small sandy spot with historical and spiritual ties to the Cape Muslim’s. If you’d like to scuba dive, this is the place to be. If not, you can swim sans waves and enjoy some snorkelling. There are picnic and braai areas above the cove.
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On the rather scenic coastal road between #campsbay and #landudno in #capetown lies this beautiful #secretbeach… magical #africansky pic by photographer, musician and hiker @_brian_i_am – #takemethere #sunset #beach #ocean #oudekraal #southafrica #loveafrica #reflections #thisIssouthafrica #waves #lovecapetown #instagramcapetown #aboutsouthafrica #instagram_sa #ig_photooftheday #traveladdict #travel #luxurytravel #cometoafrica #travelphotooftheday #magicalspot #outinafrica
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Maclear Beach
For a secluded beach, visit Maclear by following one of two fynbos-lined footpaths. Itis situated near the Cape of Good Hope, with tidal pools and beautiful views. Visitors can fish, swim and dive here.
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Olifantsbos Beach
This is in a marine protected area, situated near local fynbos and a shallow lagoon. It has three shipwrecks for those who’d like to see some history, while for those who would like to explore the area further, there are hiking trails. This spot is known to attract both surfers and marine birdlife to its shores.
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The final resting place of the SS Thomas T. Tucker a liberty ship built by the Houston ship building Corp. #olifantsbosbeach #capeofgoodhope #naturereserve #capepoint #capetown #southafrica #shipwreck #libertyship #vsco #vscocam
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Beta Beach
Just beyond the famed Clifton beaches are a series of smaller ones in Bakoven. It is generally quiet and has a great view of Lion’s Head. Visit the coves and white sands.
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Haai haai in die baai baai #capetowndivinglocations #capetowndiving #betabeach #bakoven #campsbay #diving #sharky #shark #freedive #snorkel #kelpforest #nature #adventure #dive
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Buffels Beach
In the Cape Point Nature Reserve is Buffels Beach, a sandy strip fitted with braai facilities. There is a tidal pool for families to enjoy.
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Picnic drop off at Cape Point.. Cape Town winter is looking pretty damn fine. 😍😜 #ovenlove #capetownpicnics #capepoint
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Scarborough Beach
Located in Camel Rock Road is Scarborough Beach, the perfect destination on a road trip in the Western Cape. It is situated between Noordhoek and Kommetjie that is frequented by surfers and dogs and their owners. This is also known for windsurfing, the foraging of mussels by chefs and on the beach itself, you’re likely to spot kites in the air.
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Ready to head out into the waters less frequented? Any one of these ten hidden gem beaches will make your private adventure to the shorelines of the Cape all the more memorable.
