Beaches in Whale Coast

The Blue Flag Grotto Beach is one of the most striking South African beaches with its rolling waves and mountainous backdrop. Enjoyed by locals, visitors and whales, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and long romantic walks at sunset.

Feeling fit and adventurous? Walk 18 kilometres along the unspoilt and exquisite Walker Bay coastline from Grotto Beach to the seaside hamlet of De Kelders.

At Grotto Beach you will never have to share your towel with the person sitting next to you on the soft white sand. You will probably return again and again to this relaxing haven!

Pringle Bay beach is a stunning long and wide beach with sugar white fine sand. This beautiful sandy beach is surrounded by sand dunes on the one side and the ocean on the other. It is set against a backdrop of mountains covered by unique fynbos. It's a great place to watch the sun set over the distant Table Mountain.

Situated on the Whale Coast in the little coastal village of Gordon's Bay, the family friendly Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town's six Blue Flag Beaches, indicating a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety. Along the False Bay coastline there are four Blue Flag Beaches, these are Mnandi Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay right out on the easternmost side of False Bay.

Bikini Beach is an excellent swimming beach as the water is usually warm, calm and clear. Named after the numerous bikini clad Stellies students (Stellenbosch University) who are regulars, this intimate little beach has its own particular charm. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is howling.

From Bikini Beach you have a never-ending view of the entire False Bay which curves in a huge arc from Gordon's Bay right round to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. The shops are not far away and there are good changing room facilities. Also on the eastern shore of False Bay is Gordon's Bay Beach and Strand Beach, which are both great family beaches.

Muizenberg Beach, situated in the corner where the rather wild northern shore meets the rocky but well populated eastern side of the peninsula, is a long family-friendly beach where almost every Cape Town surfer learned to catch a wave. Recently awarded Blue Flag Beach status, this is one of the most popular Cape Town beaches and is a hit with kids. Muizenberg Station is conveniently situated right on Muizenberg Corner.

The whole beachfront is pretty crowded with loads of kids, families, dogs and noise. Muizenberg Beach has all the usual facilities, like showers, surf shos & schools, a couple of nice restaurants and coffee shops on the beachfront and close by. There is a useful walkway from Muizenberg to St James, just on the seaward side of the railway line. Muizenberg Beach is one of the most racially integrated of Cape Town's beaches, with a good sample of the whole spectrum of the Rainbow Nation.

Boulders Beach, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park, is home to a sizeable colony of African penguins. These cute and comical birds waddle around quite unperturbed by the hordes of tourists who flock towards them. Huge boulders create sheltered little coves and the resident penguins often swim past for a look at the people.

Boulders is the most fabulous swimming beach in Cape Town. A swim in the calm, warm waters of Boulders Beach is always fun on a hot summer day but - you never know - you may just see a sleek black and white penguin swimming past. You can also do a fun paddling trip past the penguin hangout. Of all Cape Town beaches, Boulders Beach is one of the most popular beach spots for kids and an absolute haven for toddlers. It’s safe and you can relax while pipsqueak splashes around or totters after penguins without having to watch out for unpredictable waves. It is the most sheltered beach on the False Bay side when the South east wind blows.

Fish Hoek Beach stretches for just over a mile at the head of a beautiful bay. It's one of the most popular Cape Town beaches for families, and there is loads of space for them to spread out. The northern side, Clovelly, is usually relatively peaceful. Fish Hoek often has a nice little wave and it's very popular with swimmers and young surfers.

From the southern end of the beach another one of those great walkways hugs the southern end of the bay. It's a great walk, especially in whale season, and there are lovely tidal pools.