12 Best Beaches in South Africa

Exotic wildlife, pristine white sands, powerful waves for surfing, and calmer waters for swimming, no matter what type of beach you seek, you're sure to find an ideal stretch in South Africa.

From Cape Town to Durban and the rugged East Cape, you'll find a diverse array of beautiful beaches. While safaris are a popular draw in this country, and a must for animal lovers, be sure to make time to visit at least a few of them. In fact, they can also be good for spotting wildlife. During my visits, not only was I able to watch dozens of the famous tuxedoed birds, but I also saw Cape fur seals and even southern right whales just offshore. 

For a good variety, consider putting some of the best South Africa beaches on your itinerary.

Located just a short distance from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is arguably the most famous of all South Africa beaches. While that means you're likely to encounter big crowds here, it's worth visiting to watch the large colony of African penguins. A wooden boardwalk winds through with multiple vantage points for capturing photos—plus, white sands and turquoise water make for a stunning backdrop. The penguins aren't just on the beach, they're everywhere, tucked into bushes and under trees enjoying the shade, and, swimming about in the sea. Visitors can even swim right alongside the penguins by accessing a section where it's allowed, but don't get too close, as touching them is forbidden. 

Cape Point National Park is home to five pristine beaches, although Diaz is arguably the most breathtaking. Its white sands are framed by the sapphire Atlantic at the top of Cape Point, flanked by over 656-foot-high cliffs. Access requires a 20-minute descent down a winding staircase (and a 40-minute climb back up), but the thigh burn is worth this secluded stunner, where you'll be able to enjoy the scenery with few others around. 

Beyond the beautiful views, you can often spot a variety of wildlife at Diaz Beach. Keep an eye out for baboons, eland, baboons, ostriches, and seals. 

One of the best beaches for those who like to enjoy long strolls, Sardinia Bay offers miles and miles of unspoiled coastline that sits within a protected marine reserve. It's also part of the popular Sacramento hiking trail that spans 2.5 miles with ocean views the entire way. There are vast dunes to explore, while the waves are popular among surfers. Fishing isn't permitted, but snorkeling and diving are outstanding, with the chance to see damselfish, wrasses, sea urchins, starfish, and much more. There are also tidepools to peek into when the waves are too powerful. Plus, this is another great spot to take in a colorful sunset. 

One of the most unspoiled beaches in South Africa, Noordhoek lies at the southern tip of Cape Town, not far from the city center. Its chalk-white sands stretch for five miles, while Chapman's Peak rises above in the backdrop. One can simply enjoy the view, take a long, scenic stroll, join a horseback riding tour, or surf. If you're not into surfing yourself, it's fun just to watch others ride the waves. Due to the currents and chilly water, however, it's not the best for swimming. But you can also check out a shipwreck—Kakapo ran aground here in 1900, and it's still lying on the sand, providing a fantastic photo op. 

One of the main attractions at Coffee Bay Beach is the unique Hole-in-the-Wall, a breathtaking natural wonder. In this section of the wild Eastern Cape coast, you'll see emerald hills and mountains, rocky cliffs that plunge to vivid blue waters, and this massive hole carved by the power of the waves that crash around and through it. The local Xhosa call it izi Khaleni, which translates to "place of thunder." 

Right in front of the Hole-in-the-Wall is a long, shallow area with abundant marine life where snorkelers can observe all sorts of creatures and unique geological formations. It's also perfect for families with little ones who can safely splash around. At sunset, the contrast between the blue of the ocean, the dramatic coast, and the green hills provides impressive photo ops.

One of the most beautiful South Africa beaches, the beach at Cape Vidal is one of the top attractions in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Lying along the Elephant Coast, with forested sand dunes rising 500 feet, the warm water of the bay that frames it is outstanding for swimming or snorkeling. As the ship Dorothea went down in this area back in 1898 and was never found, keep an eye out for its remains while observing the abundant marine life.

Photography, beach walks, and wildlife watching are popular too, with the chance to spot monkeys, antelope, and dolphins year-round. In the summer, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. In the winter, watch for humpback whales that are making their way to Mozambique to give birth. 

Hout Bay Harbour and the cliffs of Chapman's Peak are divided by Hout Bay Beach with its powdery white sands. As the bay is protected, the water is calm and ideal for swimming and other water sports, including kayaking. On the occasional windy day, you might see kite-surfers hitting the waves. The beach itself stretches for about two-thirds of a mile, with beachgoers enjoy activities like walking and horseback riding. Like many of the others in South Africa, it also enjoys a scenic mountain backdrop. One can easily spend an entire day here with many beachside restaurants and bars. Stick around 'til dusk and you might enjoy a cocktail while watching a glorious sunset.

Lala Nek is one of the best places for snorkeling in South Africa at low tide. A rocky shelf makes it easy to explore the underwater paradise without getting slammed by the waves or carried off in a drift. Plus, the beach is often empty, so you'll have a good chance of enjoying it all to yourself. There are miles and miles of pristine sands, but access requires approximately six miles of sandy tracks through the bush. Bring a snorkel and mask to explore around the rocks, and you're likely to see all sorts of fish, sea urchins, anemones, and crabs. 

Visitors can also enjoy excellent surf fishing and birdwatching, with a wide variety of species that can be spotted by enjoying a long stroll with the water lapping at your toes. Plus, you might want to enjoy a stop at Lake Jozini along the way, where a drive around the lake brings the chance to see rhinos and African elephants.

The Golden Mile is a three-mile stretch of golden sands right in the city of Durban, lined with a promenade, palm trees, restaurants, and hotels. If you're looking for a beach with plenty of action, it's for you. Plus, as the sand is wide, even when it's busy, you can nearly always find a spot for basking in the sun. The water is warmer than it is in Cape Town, making it ideal for swimming, and with shark nets along the entire span, you won't have to worry about "Jaws" either.

While Kogel Bay beach is part of Kogel Bay Resort, guests and non-guests alike enjoy free access. Just an hour's drive from Cape Town, this spectacular 1.3-mile stretch of coastline is flanked by towering mountains. Also known as Koeelbaii, which translates to Cannonball Bay, it's believed to have been named for the rocks here that look like cannonballs. Look forward to beautiful golden sands ideal for relaxing on, exploring secret caves, and perhaps bring supplies for a BBQ feast, with grills available here. Plus, if there's been a bloom of bioluminescent plankton, if you stick around after dark, you might even witness the sea transformed into a glowing turquoise blue.

Getting to Kogel Bay is all part of the fun too. Scenic Clarens Drive hugs the coast for over 13 miles, providing spectacular views (and photo ops). If you're here between August and October, you might want to stop and see if you can spot the blows of humpback or southern right whales.

Travel further north from Durban to enjoy the beautiful beach of Umhlanga, picturesque promenades, and restaurants serving tasty cuisine, without the crowds. Unlike the city beach in Durban, with alcohol forbidden at Umhlanga, there are no rowdy groups. Instead, you'll find a more chill vibe that's perfect for spreading out a blanket to sunbathe or enjoy a scenic stroll. If you prefer to head to a specific destination, walk to the Umhlanga lighthouse for an idyllic photo op. The further you go, the more peaceful and less developed it gets, before eventually becoming a nature reserve with the sands lined only by forest.

Located along the popular Garden Route, Single Kettle is an extension of Keurbooms, which means you can enjoy both beaches that sit along the cobalt waters of Plettenberg Bay. The pristine sands provide a perfect place for a long walk while enjoying the scenery, watching for the dolphins that play in the surf, and keeping an eye out for whales during the season (peak time: August through October).

Continuing along Singing Kettle, you'll find Arch Rock, a prominent natural landmark. They say that if you can toss a stone through the hole at the top without touching the sides of the rock, you'll have good luck. There's also a popular ocean-view restaurant - Enrico's is part of the Singing Kettle Lodge and has a huge terrace ideal for sunset cocktails.