10 of the best South African beaches to visit this summer

We’ve put together a list of the ten best beaches along the South African coastline, from the Northern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. This list features some of the most popular seaside destinations but we’ve also thrown in some of the coast’s best kept secrets – hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. It’s a tailor-made South African summer guide. Be inspired.

1. Preekstoel Beach, West Coast National Park

Our beach-hopping journey begins on the west coast at a 25 km stretch of sand and surf. Situated in a Marine Protected Area of Still Bay (Stillbaai), the beach is part of the West Coast National Park. White washed beach cottages, small fishing boats and a variety of wildly growing fynbos surround this natural haven. Preekstoel Beach gets its name from a rock formation that looks like a preaching pulpit – just one of the interesting rocky outcrops that have been formed by the crashing waves. A rusted shipwreck adds a touch of mystery to this secluded seaside hideout. Pack some padkos and head out to this untamed area of the West Coast.

Nearest airport: Cape Town

2. St James Beach & Tidal Pool, Cape Town

As we head down the coast towards Cape Town, the next stop has got to be St James Beach – a landmark for family-friendly getaways. This beach has become synonymous with its row of brightly coloured wooden huts. Tidal pools in the flat rock-bed on the shore are a child explorer’s dream. A man-made pool built into the rock provides for safe swimming, unaffected by the currents and is refilled with fresh sea water by the waves. Sheltered from the westerly winds, this beach and tidal pool is the perfect place to spend the day. St James is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, so you’ll have to compete with the regulars to claim your spot of sand on sunny weekends.

Nearest airport: Cape Town

3. Grotto Beach, Hermanus

Grotto Beach is one of the secret gems of the seaside town of Hermanus. Situated just outside of the main town area, visitors have to follow a little, demarcated road in order to gain access to the beach. This beach stretches for 18 km, against the background of majestic mountains and indigenous flora. With water that is relatively warm during summer, the beach is perfect for swimming, body-boarding and sun-tanning without the bother of crowds. A park alongside the beach makes it ideal for children. All dogs are welcome, as long as they are on a leash and any waste is picked up by their owner. Whether it’s for a stroll or a swim, this beach is a must-visit this season.

Nearest airport: Cape Town

4. Noetzie Beach, Knysna

Ten minutes outside the scenic town of Knysna is a seaside paradise, nestled within a magical Milkwood Forest and overlooking views of the mountains and the sea to either side. Marking the end of South Africa’s Garden Route, this area is well-known for its abundance of fauna and flora – fish eagles, otters, dolphins and southern right whales visit seasonally. The beach is surrounded by turreted castles and wood-slate cottages, giving it an otherworldly, mysterious ambiance. The beach is remote and maintained by the Noetzie Conservancy. The “Old wagon track” will guide you towards the nearby lagoon as it meanders down a hillside, through a forested area. An adventure waiting to happen.

Nearest airport: George

5. Blue Horizon Bay, Port Elizabeth

Following the coastline upwards towards the eastern part of South Africa, you’ll pass yet another secluded white beach called Blue Horizon Bay. You can enjoy this beach undisturbed by crowds and the city is just a short driving distance away. The beach is halfway between Port Elizabeth and a renowned surfing hotspot, Jeffrey’s Bay. Catch the sunset while enjoying sundowners, take a long stroll or visit Jeffrey’s Bay nearby to ride the waves. This area is designed to cater to the needs of tourists, so holiday accommodation abounds if you’d like to spend a weekend just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Nearest airport: Port Elizabeth

6. Gonubie Beach, East London

Situated north of the city of East London, at the mouth of a river, is Gonubie Beach with its impressive boardwalk and man-made tidal pools. As one of South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches, it meets stringent quality and safety standards in environmental preservation, facilities and safety personnel. Here you get the best of both worlds – the ocean and the Gonubie River, which is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. The 500 m long boardwalk was built to protect the sand dunes and surrounding vegetation. It provides the perfect vantage point for spotting dolphins and whales in season. For surfers and windsurfers who are drawn to the Sunshine Coast, this is where you can catch some great waves.

Nearest airport: East London

7. Hole in the Wall, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

Described as being “one of the most epic surf spots ever,” Hole in the Wall in the Eastern Cape is a must-visit for ocean lovers. Situated just south of Coffee Bay, Hole in the Wall is a rocky archway that was formed by the erosive power of the waves crashing against sandstone and shale. The formation is one of the Wild Coast’s landmarks and is believed by locals to be a mystical gateway to the ancestors. Hole in the Wall is situated just offshore from a pebbled beach where you can relax in the afternoon sun and when it gets too hot, take a swim out to the gigantic cavity where you’ll overlook the Indian Ocean. The beach is exclusive and peaceful, a quiet space to take in the natural beauty of the Transkei coastline.

Nearest airport: East London

8. Umzumbe Beach, KwaZulu-Natal

Far along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal is a relatively undiscovered stretch of shoreline called Umzumbe Beach. To arrive at the beach, you have to walk down a steep tarred walkway – so take it slow. When your feet touch the warm, white sand you’ll know that the sharp descent was worth it. As one of the best kept secrets of the south coast, the beach is a haven of tranquillity, free from crowds, hawkers and restaurants. A tidal pool provides for safe swimming for the whole family. During the peak holiday season, environmental education programs are presented at Umzumbe, for children and visitors.

Nearest airport: Durban

9. Umhlanga Beach, KwaZulu-Natal

Further up the coastline, you’ll encounter one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular beaches. Situated very close to the bustling city of Durban, the beach’s warm water averages between 24 and 26 degrees in summer. The boardwalk is always alive with activity – people jogging along the promenade, devouring delicious takeaways and just enjoying the trademark Durban sun and golden beach sand. This beachfront is home to a number of cafés, refreshment vendors and umbrella hire stalls, so just take your towel and a costume. Stick close to the dedicated lifeguard areas to ensure that you stay safe when the current is strong. Swim, surf, sun-tan – at this beach you can do it all.

Nearest airport: Durban

10. Mabibi Beach, Isimangaliso Wetland Park

The last beach on this shoreline journey is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. It’s the perfect destination for beachgoers who appreciate solitude and privacy. Sodwana Bay is the closest town, which is an hour-and-a-half drive away. The off-road pathway to the beach will take you over steep dunes and at the end of it all is a footprint-free stretch of magical shoreline. This sub-tropical oasis is located in a sheltered bay surrounded by coastal forest, where cows and wildlife roam freely. The Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crystal clear waters provide plenty of opportunities for snorkelling on the coral reefs as well as scuba diving and swimming. Dive in.

Nearest airport: Durban