They say life’s a beach and we know there’s no better feeling than sinking your feet in sand and listening to the crashing sound of waves as you relax on the beach with loved ones.
South Africa’s beaches have something for every kind of traveller: fishing, surfing, or relaxing. From popular blue flag beaches to secluded sandy stretches seemingly untouched by the modern world, it’s easy to see why so many people book a flight to coastal regions.
Here are enchanting images of just a small portion of the majestic South African coastline:
Kei Mouth.
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Kei Mouth: Less than 100km from East London, Kei Mouth is a small seaside village with a comfortable climate and uncluttered beaches on the western bank of the Great Kei River. The area is a popular fishing spot for those looking for a slower pace.
Hobie Beach.
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Hobie Beach: Situated in the area of The Boardwalk, Hobie beach offers great shopping venues and entertainment to keep you occupied. If you love adventure and attending exciting festivals, well, Hobie Beach hosts an annual Splash Festival that’s not to be missed during Easter time. With activities like volleyball, Easter egg hunts and ski races, it’s no surprise why this event is popular every year. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming and body surfing in the ocean. The beach also has sheltered rock pools with exciting inter-tidal sea life.
Umhlanga Rocks.
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Umhlanga Rocks: This popular getaway means “the place of reeds” in Zulu, and is the perfect vacation for the traveller who seeks to shop until they drop and enjoy some fine dining. For the traveller that seeks luxury above everything else as well as a fantastic view of the ocean, then consider staying at The Oyster Box Hotel.
Camps Bay.
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Camps Bay: Boasting one of South Africa’s most popular beaches, tourists and locals alike are instantly attracted by its pristine white sand beaches as well as a majestic view of Table Mountain.
Jeffreys Bay.
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Jeffreys Bay: For the avid surfer who enjoys spending time riding the waves of the ocean, , Jeffreys Bay is the beach for you. It's known as South Africa’s home of surfing that is always welcoming to tourists. After playing in the water, relax on the beach or unwind with a drink at the Jolly Dolphin pub.
Noordhoek.
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Noordhoek: With a picturesque and sandy shoreline, Noordhoek hides in the shadow of Chapman’s Peak. It is popular with horse riders and families. Next time you find yourself in the Cape, be sure to visit this spectacular beach. If you plan on flying, check out these cheap flights to Cape Town.
Morgans Bay.
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Morgans Bay: A mere hour’s drive from East London, Morgans Bay has been described as the Eastern Cape’s best-kept secret until recently. Now, it graces the list of “must-visit” blogs. Don’t be surprised if the beach is packed during peak season so book early.
Boulders Beach.
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Boulders Beach: Situated near Simon’s Town in Cape Town, Boulders Beach is well-known for its picture-postcard family-friendly beaches and penguin population. Take one of the Boardwalk tours through the penguin colony which will give you a close-up view of the endangered African penguin.
Nahoon.
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Nahoon: Take a trip to East London and visit the famous Nahoon beach – common surf spots with almost perfect waves. It’s the ideal beach for the adventurous traveller with fun activities like fishing, safe swimming and water sports that tourists and locals can enjoy. .
Christmas Bay.
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Christmas Bay: Situated in Ballito Bay, this beach is ideal for people who don’t want to be in a crowd because it’s one of the quietest beaches you will find in the area.
Hermanus.
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Hermanus: Renowned for its perfect whale-watching experience, Hermanus is a coastal town on the southern coast of the Western Cape. Blue whales and Humpbacks can be spotted along its shore from June to December.
Coffee Bay.
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Coffee Bay: Located close to Port St Johns on the Eastern Cape coast, Coffee Bay is a rustic beachcomber village. Travellers looking for a tranquil but adventurous ocean experience can go fishing, swimming and diving.
Paternoster.
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Paternoster: Paternoster is commonly known as one of the oldest fishing villages on the west coast of South Africa.
Hole in the wall.
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Hole in the Wall, Coffee Bay: The Hole, which can be found on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast is reportedly part of a natural rock formation that connects the ocean to the Mpako River. The booming waves against the rock give it its isiXhosa name ‘esiKhaleni’ – the place of sound.
Santos Beach.
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Santos Beach, Mossel Bay: It has recently become one of South Africa’s most recent blue flag beaches on the Garden Route. Santos is getting even more popular as the ideal destination for young people and families in the region.
Visit any of these beaches next time you feel like surfing, having a swim or when you want to kick back and listen to the sound of the waves.