South Africa is an extremely beautiful country, with a wide and varied landscape. From the soft white sands of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, to the choppier seas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa has beaches with the right energy to suit absolutely anyone.
5. Coffee Bay – Wild Coast
Coffee Bay is one of those beaches that truly lifts your spirits. Set in the heart of the Wild Coast, Coffee Bay is known for its soft sands, warm water, and gorgeous scenery. Take a walk on the wild side, and swim through the Hole in the Wall to find true paradise on the other side.
4. Kraalbaai – West Coast National Park
Kraalbaai is a truly magnificent sheltered lagoon, located on the West Coast of South Africa. Drive through the stunning West Coast National Park, to reach a lagoon that looks like something straight out of the Maldives – crystal clear, turquoise water, a jetty, and houseboats set the scene. Combine this gorgeous beach with the landscape around it, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
3. Robberg Beach – Garden Route
Robberg Beach is situated in the jewel of the Western Cape – the Garden Route. This slice of Eden stretches across kilometers of white sands and gentle swells, making for great walks and even better sun-bathing. In whale season, Robberg Beach is also known as one of the best shore-based spotting beaches – so pack some binoculars and get ready to spot the Southern Right Whales in the pay.
2. Thonga – Kwazulu-Natal
Thonga is situated higher up North than the rest of the beaches on this list, in the tropical climate of Kwazulu-Natal. Part of what makes South Africa so incredible is the access to different biomes that travellers have – and Thonga proves that. Thonga Beach arguably offers the very best in snorkelling and off-shore scuba diving in the country, and sometimes you’ll even find sea turtles laying their eggs in the soft sand. The water is warm as it’s situated entirely on the Indian ocean – so don’t worry about having to brave the freezing Atlantic here.
1. Boulders Beach – Cape Town
Any visit to Cape Town is incomplete without a trip to Boulders Beach. Boulders is known for its colony of African Penguins – who traipse around in style and delight both locals and tourists alike.
What most visitors don’t know is that Boulders probably offers some of the best swimming conditions in Cape Town. Far away from the icy cold of the Atlantic (unlike Camps Bay, Clifton, and Llandudno), Boulders is a cove-style beach that offers gentle swells and some fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Work on That Tan on South Africa’s Glorious Coastline
South Africa has some of the most beautiful and diverse coastlines in the world. Bordered by both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, you can choose between crisp, cold water, and warm tropical seas – whichever takes your fancy. Either way, South Africa is a must-see destination for beach-loving travelers. When are you booking your trip?
