Beach Life
Cape Town is lucky enough to border on both the Atlantic Ocean to the West and Indian Ocean to the South. The Indian Ocean is a few degrees warmer as it enjoys the warm and salty Agulhas Current which flows down from the tropical Indian Ocean along the east coast of South Africa. The Atlantic Ocean is quite a bit cooler due to the Benguela Current which flows north from the Antarctic Ocean and hits South African shores on the West Coast. The two oceans meet at Cape Point and in certain weather conditions you are able to see a distinct line where the two oceans collide. Quite spectacular!
Please be aware that the sun in South Africa can be very harsh and a waterproof sunblock with at least a factor 30 is recommended.
Atlantic Ocean Beaches
Camps Bay
By far the most popular tourist beach, Camps Bay is large and picturesque. The Table Mountain cableway can be seen from the beach as well as the 12 Apostles and Lion's Head. Absolutely idilic. Enjoy playing volleyball, beach bats or suntanning on a rented sun lounger. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars a a few shops so an entire day can be spent from start to finish without having to go further than across the road from the white sands of the bay.
Clifton
There are 4 Clifton beaches which are by far the trendiest in town. Clifton 4th is the largest and most popular of the four. It is advised to get there early in the summer months to get a good spot - this beach fills up quickly!
Clifton 2nd is the next along with 3rd and 4th following on, getting progressively quieter.
Please be aware that access to all 4 beaches (especially 3rd, 2nd and 1st) requires walking from Victoria Road (the main road coastal road) down many steps to the beach. This is not recommended for the elderly. If you do wish to visit one of these 3 of the Clifton beaches, they can be accessed from 4th beach by walking along the beach and over the rocks which demarkate the 4 separate bays.
Llandudno
Llandudno is an exclusive area of the Cape Town coast and has a beautiful, quiet beach which is easily accessible by car. Llandudno is a small bay which lies between Camps Bay and Hout Bay and boasts some gorgeous, top class property, some of which are available for rent.
There are no restaurants or bars, so if you head to Llandudno for the day, remember your picnic baskets and refreshments.
Hout Bay
Hout Bay is becoming increasingly popular for tourists. The Hout Bay locals have named it the 'Republic of Hout Bay' as it lies separate from other coastal areas and is a village unto its own.
This long white beach lies between the Hout Bay harbour to the right and Chapman's Peak to the left. There are many good pubs and seafood restaurants, including Mariner's Wharf, Dunes and the Chapman's Peak Hotel.
Bloubergstrand
This long stretch of beach lies to the north of Cape Town and is the beginning of the Cape's West Coast. It is well known for watersports such as kite surfing and windsurfing due to the strong south easter which blows along the beach, especially in the summer months. There are also a few good surfing spots along this stretch of coastline.
Noordhoek
Noordhoek is well known for being the longest beach in Cape Town. It is not recommended for sunbathing or swimming, but is popular for horse riding and there are many horse farms in the area which offer rides along the beach.
For more info on horseriding in Noordhoek, please call +27 (0)21 789 2341.
Indian Ocean Beaches
Muizenberg
Muizenberg beach is part of the False Bay coast line and is a haven for surfers, from first timers to experienced wave riders. There are many surf shops who offer surf lessons at an hourly rate. There are also restaurants and bars along this beach where the water is warmer and you are able to swim to your hearts content.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is famous for the African Penguin who roam freely in this area. Visitors are able to view the penguins in their natural habitat by following wooden walkways running parallel to the shoreline. There is a small entrance fee of R15 per person which is used for the upkeep of this area. The ocean is warm and swimming is safe for all ages.
Kalk Bay
The small fisherman's village of Kalk Bay is situated 30 minutes from the centre of Cape Town. Kalk Bay is known for it's interesting and colourful history and was named after the lime (kalk) deposits found and extracted from seashell deposits. Trawlers make their way to the shore peddling their fresh catches almost every day of the week.
Apart from the history, Kalk Bay is also known for the many antique and jewelry stores which are perfect to browse around for the day. You are likely to lose yourself in the many side streets full of quaint stores selling bric-a-brac, clothing, old books and fine china. You never know what you may find! Once you have worked up an appetite shopping, try one of the 20 something restaurants in the area, from tapas to Italian to the freshest seafood. A very well known and popular choice is the Brass Bell which has been around for years. Delicious food with a great setting.
The St James pool and the Kalk Bay Theatre are also not to be missed.