Leisure Island Beaches

Locals claim that one of the most wonderful beaches in the world lies right on the other side of the Knysna Western Heads, in Brenton-on-Sea. There are rocks to clamber on, little pools to cool off in and a long bay for beach walks and shell seeking. Hot Tip: walk to Buffels Bay, have lunch or an icecream, take a shower, and stroll back.

Cola Beach is one of Sedgefield’s five beautiful beaches, all running into each other starting at Swartvlei Beach in the west to Platbank in the east. It never gets crowded, even in peak season. At low tide, it’s easy to walk the 6 km stretch. Access to Cola Beach is via a long boardwalk with a decent viewpoint and bench at the top. Rock and surf fishing is a popular activity, with a number of good spots at rocky points towards Platbank and Groenvlei.

One of the Garden Route’s best-kept secrets, the golden sandy beach at Myoli has much to offer. The beach itself is conveniently situated near a restaurant, beach bar, parking and a good selection of holiday accommodation. Myoli Beach is one of the top wave-riding beaches along this coast, drawing surfers, kite surfers, wake boarders and stand-up paddlers. It’s also a great place to chill out, sip on cocktails at the PiliPili Beach Bar, spot dolphins or watch whales from the observation platform.

Sedgefield Beach is an easy stroll down a boardwalk from the parking area. This family-friendly beach offers great swimming in the lagoon mouth and has spectacular views. Also known as Kingfisher Creek, the lagoon is a fun spot for little kids to paddle about. Picnic alongside the estuary – there is shelter from prevailing wind and you can easily spend the entire day here. Ablution and shower facilities are easily accessible.

Swartvlei Beach is an amazing sandy beach for walking or horse riding – make sure you go all the way to Gericke’s Point. The walk to the point offers great opportunities for whale and dolphin watching. Look out for pods of common, bottlenose and humpback dolphins surfing the waves. Southern Right whales can be seen from July to October. This spectacular beach is also the breeding ground for the rare African Black Oyster Catcher. There are some lovely safe swimming spots but exercise caution – there can be riptides and dangerous currents.

Popular with locals and nature lovers, Gericke’s Point is one of the Garden Route’s best-kept secrets. You can easily spend an entire day in this stunning and fascinating place. This rocky landmark resembles a lion’s head and the top offers a great vantage point to watch Southern Right whales during their calving season. You might even see the resident pod of Humpback dolphins that frequent the Swartvlei bay. Shy of boats, they avoid harbour areas and that is probably why they keep returning to this lovely quiet bay. Gericke’s Point has impressive weathered sandstone cliffs that are actually fossilised dunes – some of the highest dunes in South Africa are right here. Colonies of Cape and White Breasted Cormorants nest on the cliffs. Seagulls, herons and oystercatchers can often be seen from the shore. At low tide the exposed rock pools are fascinating to explore – take along the excellent Two Oceans - field guide to South Africa's marine life. The deeper pools are great for snorkeling and swimming. Keen for a nocturnal beach adventure? Do a guided ‘Moonlight Meander’ from Swartvlei Beach to Gericke’s Point with local expert, Judy Dixon and witness the nocturnal antics of rocky coastline creatures. Moonlight Meander & Starlight Stroll – contact Judy Dixon +27 (0) 44 883 1015

Popular for shore based dolphin and whale watching, striking views of Robberg Peninsula as well as lengthy strolls, Robberg Beach is a knock out! This snow white sandy beach stretches for kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and Beacon Island. The beach has lifesavers in season, ablution facilities, a deck, boardwalks and benches as well as chair and umbrella rentals and various parking spots. The closest parking area is roughly 2 km from Plett Central.

Wilderness Beach is unspoilt, safe and breathtakingly beautiful. Warm Indian Ocean waves break onto this golden sandy beach that stretches for seemingly endless kilometres. Time almost stands still as the hours slip by while you wander and enjoy this coastal Eden and its creatures. It's a good spot for whale and dolphin watching.

Set in a stunning cove enclosed by rugged cliffs, Victoria Bay Beach is one of the smallest and most hidden bays on the Garden Route. Travelling from the N2 it is only 3km away, roughly situated between George and Wilderness. A number of cottages are clustered along the beach front. The gently-sloping tiny sandy beach offers safe swimming as well as big waves in deeper water that provide surfers with a long ride.