From the warm waters of KwaZulu-Natal to the rugged beauty of the Western Cape, South Africa's coastline is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly getaway, a romantic escape, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, our provincial guide has got you covered. Explore the top seaside and inland beaches across South Africa and discover the perfect destination for your next beach holiday.
South Africa has a coastline that stretches over 2,500 kilometers (about 1,550 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east. The coast is diverse, ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs and rugged shores, and is characterized by a variety of unique ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, and wetlands.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean are also major contributing factors to the abundance of great seaside beaches in South Africa. The country's coastal regions benefit from the mixing of these two ocean currents, which helps to create the perfect conditions for a variety of marine life and a range of water sports and activities.
In addition to the ocean currents, South Africa's coastline also benefits from its geographical location. The country sits at the southernmost tip of the African continent, which means that the coastline is exposed to a range of weather patterns, including strong winds and swells, which are perfect for surfers and other water sport enthusiasts.
Overall, South Africa's coastline is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors an abundance of beautiful and diverse seaside beaches to explore and enjoy. Whether you're looking for a tranquil spot to relax, a great surf break, or a chance to explore unique marine life and ecosystems.
Eastern Cape Beaches
Port St Johns - Located on the Wild Coast, this beach is known for its beautiful scenery, stunning views, and great surfing opportunities.
Second Beach, Port St Johns - Another beautiful beach in Port St Johns, Second Beach is known for its clear water, white sand, and excellent swimming.
Coffee Bay - A secluded and unspoilt beach on the Wild Coast, Coffee Bay is a great spot for surfing, fishing, and exploring the area's natural beauty.
Kidd's Beach - Located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Kidd's Beach is a family-friendly beach with great swimming, fishing, and beachcombing opportunities.
Kariega Beach - Located in Kenton-on-Sea, this beach offers a beautiful stretch of unspoilt coastline and excellent swimming opportunities.
Sardinia Bay - A popular beach located in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Sardinia Bay is known for its long stretch of white sand and great swimming and surfing conditions.
Hobie Beach - Located in Port Elizabeth, this Blue Flag beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and beach sports.
King's Beach - Also located in Port Elizabeth, King's Beach is another Blue Flag beach with great swimming, surfing, and beach facilities.
Nahoon Beach - A popular beach located in East London, Nahoon Beach is known for its beautiful scenery, great surfing opportunities, and excellent facilities.
Eastern Beach - Another beautiful beach in East London, Eastern Beach is known for its warm water, great swimming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Bonza Bay Beach - A quiet and secluded beach located in East London, Bonza Bay Beach offers a great spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring the area's natural beauty.
Chintsa Beach - Located on the Wild Coast, this unspoilt and secluded beach offers stunning scenery, great surfing, and a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Gonubie Beach - Located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Gonubie Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, great swimming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Hamburg Beach - A quiet and secluded beach located on the Wild Coast, Hamburg Beach is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring the area's natural beauty.
Morgan's Bay Beach - Another beautiful and secluded beach located on the Wild Coast, Morgan's Bay Beach offers stunning scenery, great surfing, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
KwaZulu Natal Beaches
Umhlanga Rocks Beach - Located in the north of Durban, this beach is a popular destination for tourists due to its crystal-clear waters and its close proximity to several restaurants and bars.
Ballito Beach - This beautiful beach is located on the Dolphin Coast, just north of Durban, and is known for its clean and well-maintained shoreline, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Sodwana Bay - Located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay is a stunning beach that offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Durban Beachfront - The Durban Beachfront is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities, from swimming and surfing to beachfront restaurants and bars.
Scottburgh Beach - This beautiful beach is located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and is known for its clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Salt Rock Beach - This is a family-friendly beach located on the Dolphin Coast, with rock pools and warm waters for swimming.
Anstey's Beach - Located in the south of Durban, Anstey's Beach is a popular destination for surfers and bodyboarders due to its consistent waves.
Umdloti Beach - This beach is located just north of Durban and is known for its picturesque surroundings, perfect for a romantic walk along the shoreline.
Southbroom Beach - This is a secluded beach located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, perfect for those looking for a more private and peaceful beach experience.
Umhlanga Main Beach - This is a popular destination for families, with a promenade that offers a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as lifeguards on duty for added safety.
Amanzimtoti Beach - This beach is located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and is known for its warm waters and long stretches of sand, perfect for beach games and sunbathing.
Margate Beach - This is a popular destination for holidaymakers, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and accommodation options in the surrounding area.
Tinley Manor Beach - This is a peaceful and secluded beach located on the Dolphin Coast, perfect for those looking for a quiet escape.
Pennington Beach - This is a family-friendly beach located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, with a variety of rock pools and natural tidal pools for kids to explore.
Ramsgate Beach - This is a picturesque and quiet beach located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Western Cape Beaches
Clifton Beach - Located in Cape Town, Clifton Beach is known for its crystal clear water and stunning scenery. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Camps Bay Beach - Also located in Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach offers stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The beach is popular for its restaurants and bars, as well as its stunning sunsets.
Muizenberg Beach - Known as one of the best surfing spots in Cape Town, Muizenberg Beach is a long stretch of white sand with colorful beach huts. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Bloubergstrand Beach - Located just outside of Cape Town, Bloubergstrand Beach is known for its stunning views of Table Mountain. It is a popular spot for kite surfing and windsurfing.
Llandudno Beach - A secluded beach located on the Atlantic seaboard, Llandudno Beach is a hidden gem with crystal clear water and stunning rock formations.
Boulders Beach - Located near Simon's Town, Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins. Visitors can swim with the penguins and enjoy the scenic views.
Langebaan Beach - A pristine beach located on the West Coast, Langebaan Beach is known for its clear blue water and white sand. It is a great spot for water sports such as kite surfing and kayaking.
Noordhoek Beach - A secluded beach located in a small village outside of Cape Town, Noordhoek Beach is a quiet spot with stunning scenery and long stretches of white sand.
Paternoster Beach - A fishing village located on the West Coast, Paternoster Beach is known for its quaint charm and unspoiled natural beauty. It is a great spot for seafood lovers and those looking for a peaceful break.
Hout Bay Beach - A small beach located in the town of Hout Bay, this beach is known for its picturesque location and calm waters. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and visit the local harbor.
Kogel Bay Beach - A long stretch of white sand located along the coastal road between Cape Town and Hermanus, Kogel Bay Beach is known for its rugged cliffs and strong waves. It is a great spot for surfing and swimming.
Strand Beach - Located in the town of Strand, this long stretch of white sand is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning views of False Bay.
Blaauwberg Beach - A popular beach located on the West Coast, Blaauwberg Beach is known for its stunning views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. It is a great spot for kite surfing and windsurfing.
Dolphin Beach - Located in the town of Melkbosstrand, Dolphin Beach is a secluded beach known for its stunning sunsets and quiet atmosphere. It is a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
Fish Hoek Beach - A family-friendly beach located in the town of Fish Hoek, this beach is known for its calm waters and white sand. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports and visit the local harbor.
Northern Cape Beaches
The Northern Cape province is largely a desert region and doesn't have many beaches. There are a few coastal areas in the province, but they are not typically known for their beaches. However, there are a few beaches worth mentioning:
McDougall's Bay Beach: Located in the town of Port Nolloth, McDougall's Bay Beach is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and stunning sunsets.
Kleinzee Beach: Kleinzee Beach is located in the town of Kleinzee, and is known for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and sunbathing on this beautiful beach.
Hondeklip Bay Beach: Hondeklip Bay Beach is located in the town of Hondeklip Bay, and is a popular spot for fishing and surfing. The beach is known for its rugged beauty, and is a great spot for exploring the coastline.
McDougall's Bay Rock Pool: Located in the town of Port Nolloth, McDougall's Bay Rock Pool is a natural tidal pool that is great for swimming and snorkelling. The pool is surrounded by beautiful rock formations, and is a popular spot for families.
Noup Beach: Noup Beach is located in the Namaqua National Park, and is known for its stunning beauty and unique rock formations. The beach is a great spot for hiking and exploring the rugged coastline. Visitors can also spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and whales in the surrounding waters.
Inland Beaches
Hartbeespoort Dam Beach - North West Province: This popular beach is situated on the Hartbeespoort Dam, and offers visitors a range of water activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, and parasailing, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
Vaal Dam Beach - Gauteng Province: The Vaal Dam is one of South Africa's largest inland bodies of water and offers a variety of water sports, fishing and boating activities.
Bronkhorstspruit Dam Beach - Gauteng Province: This dam is located just 50km from Pretoria and is popular for water sports, camping and fishing.
Gariep Dam Beach - Free State Province: The Gariep Dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa and is located in the southern part of the Free State Province. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing and boating activities.
Loskop Dam Beach - Mpumalanga Province: The Loskop Dam is located in the heart of the Loskop Valley and offers visitors a range of water activities such as fishing, boating and waterskiing. The surrounding area is also known for its wildlife and game reserves.
Bon Accord Dam Beach - Gauteng Province: This dam is located just outside of Pretoria and offers visitors a variety of water activities, including fishing and boating.
Buffelspoort Dam Beach - North West Province: This dam is located near the town of Rustenburg and is popular for water sports, camping and fishing.
Midmar Dam Beach - KwaZulu-Natal Province: This dam is located in the Midlands region of KwaZulu-Natal and offers visitors a range of water activities such as boating, fishing and canoeing. There are also several picnic areas and walking trails.
Ohrigstad Dam Beach - Mpumalanga Province: This dam is located in the Ohrigstad Nature Reserve and offers visitors a range of water activities such as fishing and boating. The surrounding area is also known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails.
Vanderkloof Dam Beach - Northern Cape Province: The Vanderkloof Dam is located on the Orange River and is one of the largest dams in South Africa. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing and boating activities, as well as exploring the surrounding nature reserves and game parks.
Enjoy your South African beach adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime!
If we are missing a beach you think should be on our list, please let us know.
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