The Western Cape has developed a great reputation for having some of the best beaches in the world. Cape Town has an incredible array of diverse environments, marine life and beautifully maintained beaches that make this stretch of coastline a favorite with local and international tourists for an adventure beach holiday.

The cold Atlantic Ocean meets the warm Indian Ocean along the Whale Coast (named for the southern right whales that migrate to these waters in the spring to mate and calve), creating a rare marine ecosystem. . A diverse population of marine animals makes Cape Coast famous for the mix of creatures associated with cold and warm seas. Penguins, great white sharks, southern right whales, Cape fur seals, and other creatures call these waters their home.

Different beaches are favored and frequented for different reasons. Some beaches offer a long stretch of soft sand, perfect for long walks along the shore; others are set among stunning landscapes, such as panoramic mountains and jagged coves. For the young and trendy there are beaches with a vibrant social scene, while others are in remote locations, far from the hectic life found in cities.

The best beach for whale watching

The city of Pearly Beach in the Walker Bay area has a beach of the same name. The beginning of the beach begins with rock pools where fishermen catch various fish and crustaceans. However, after the rock pools, the beach transforms into a long stretch of silver sand that is a perfect place for long walks.

Long walks along Pearly Beach are complemented by possibly the best whale watching from land. During the spring, southern right whales are visible from the beach, performing various acrobatic and playful acts such as lob-tailing, tail slapping, and ‘sailing’, which involves raising their tails to allow the wind to carry them away. These playful behaviors are easily observable from the beach and are the perfect complement to make a long walk on the beach truly magnificent.

Dyer Island is very close to Pearly Beach and is a prime area to experience great white sharks, Cape fur seals and African penguins, either on a chartered boat cruise or shark cage diving. This exciting sport involves observing great white sharks in their natural habitat from inside the safety of a cage attached to the charter boat. Pearly Beach is also a short drive from De Kelders, a magnificent set of seaside caves.

The best family beach

Hermanus has a variety of beaches, but Grotto Beach is one with a difference: it’s the largest beach in Hermanus and stretches for miles. This makes Grotto Beach a perfect place for families to find a spacious spot to relax on the sand. There are braai (BBQ) facilities, plenty of parking, as well as a play park and a wide beach for the whole family, including dogs, to have fun.

The beach is very well maintained and has won numerous awards for its cleanliness and facilities. Parents can relax without worrying about their children stepping on glass or other foreign objects that could cause damage. The beach is a ‘blue flag’ beach, meaning it is well serviced and maintained to a high standard.

Grotto Beach is situated in Hermanus which is a perfect place for a family to enjoy recreational fun. Fresh seafood, incredible whale-watching opportunities, artisan markets, hikes, and many other exciting family activities are available in Hermanus and nearby Grotto Beach.

The best beach for an unusual setting

Boulders Beach is a small secluded beach between a cove of magnificent rocks and boulders in Simon’s Town and is part of Table Mountain National Park. The beach is populated by a large colony of African penguins, who are monitored and protected by the park after being endangered.

The path down to the beach runs through bushes and foliage in the midst of which penguins lay their eggs. The small black and white birds are generally relaxed and calm despite the presence of humans, and it is against beach rules to touch them or disturb their nests. Often when people try to touch them they can take a nasty bite, so stick to the rules.

The water at Boulders Beach is clear and the beach is pristine and kept extremely clean due to being part of a national park. There is a small fee to gain access to the beach, but it is worth every penny as one can sit on a beach that has the best nature like surroundings.

The best beach for the young and stylish

Camps Bay Beach and Clifton First, Second, Third and Fourth Beaches are a very popular spot for the young and trendy as well as the rich and famous of Cape Town. Many movie and magazine shoots take place on the white beaches that feature palm trees, lounge chairs and volleyball courts alongside the bright blue waters.

Camps Bay is a suburb of Cape Town and has many upmarket clubs and restaurants on the ‘strip’ that runs along the beach.

The beach is usually packed with visitors and locals. However, the water is extremely cold, due to Camps Bay being on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, but many people swim. The area also offers boutiques and basic shopping needs, such as a pharmacy, supermarket, and banks. Camps Bay and Clifton beaches are close to the center of Cape Town and are easily accessible from the CBD and the southern suburbs.

These beaches really are some of the best beaches in Cape Town and are highly regarded around the world. Beach adventure vacations are a fun and exciting way to spend time as a family and enjoy all that nature has to offer.