Best Southern Peninsula Beaches in Cape Town
Best Southern Peninsula Beaches in Cape Town
When people mention the False Bay beaches, you automatically think of warm swimming beaches to enjoy. Unlike The Atlantic Seaboard, there are many rockpools, calmer beaches with small waves to play in and a very laid back vibe.
We grew up in Cape Town with the beaches as our play ground, and the Southern Peninsula beaches were the option when the South Easter was howling.
With the beaches sheltered from the wind, warmer waters to play in and a packed picnic – this was THE outing. I will forever have the core childhood memory of our grandpa joining the cousins for a day at Boulder’s Beach and us all getting a LARGE Bar One Chocolate spoils. Penguins, sunshine, beach and a chocolate bar to end the day off. And that’s what life is all about, right?
So start making the plans for your future core memories.
This Peninsula has some of the best locations for beach swims and tidal pool fun. For children playing in the small waves and/ or tidal pools, to those learning to surf, this spot is an absolute goodie.
In this blog, you will find our best Southern Peninsula Beaches in Cape Town and you can let us know which calls your name!
If you want to see what the Atlantic Seaboard is about, read our blog Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town: Where to Swim, Surf & Watch Sunsets which includes beaches with fluffy white sand, sunsets and photography spots to enjoy.
Southern Peninsula Beaches Overview
Beach | Best for | Lifeguards | Swimming | Surfing | Penguin Viewing |
Muizenberg | All surfers | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Fish Hoek | Families | Yes | Yes | No | No |
St James | Tidal pool | Seasonal | Yes | No | No |
Dalebrook | Photography | No | Yes | No | No |
Kalk Bay Harbour | Kids | No | Yes | No | Seals |
Windmill Beach | Snorkelling | No | Yes | No | Nearby |
Boulders Beach | Penguins | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Why Visit the Best Southern Peninsula Beaches in Cape Town?
Warm water, tidal pools, cute cafes, train lines – this coast makes swimming more enjoyable for the whole family to visit family-friendly beaches, snorkel in the tidal pools, learn about marine life, and try out surfing for the first time.
The Cape Town weather is very unpredictable, so make sure to check the weather reports before heading out for your full day outing.
Reminder: If Camps Bay is windy, look at Fish Hoek or Simon’s Town wind forecast.
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The Best Southern Peninsula Beaches in Cape Town
We will share all about the best beaches along the Southern Peninsula and the reason why we think you should include them when visiting Cape Town.
1. Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach is known as the beach where you can learn how to surf in Cape Town. If you’ve always been one to try out surfing, we highly recommend starting here. Even though the water is warmer than the Atlantic Seaboard, the water is still at times cold.
There are life guards present and it is a great beach for long walks, beach clean-ups and photography.
Even if you’re not a swimmer, it’s lovely watching the rolling waves come in and the surfers enjoying themselves. We highly recommend Hans and Lloyd for a delish coffee and restaurant spot.
2. St James Beach
St James Beach is a small beach, famous for its colourful huts and tidal pool. Children can watch the sea life in the tidal pools / rock pools (tide dependent). This is a special one for me, as it was a rock pool we visited as part of our Biology Sea Life course. We took the train from Cape Town and stopped at St James – it was a way better option for us than driving.
3. Dalebrook Tidal Pool
Dalebrook Tidal Pool is a stunning tidal pool with locals forming a cold-water dipping community. The mountain backdrop makes it a great place for photography too.
4. Kalk Bay Harbour Beach
This tiny swimming beach alongside the harbour is the perfect location for kids to enjoy playing at. Guests can watch seals in the bay, eat fish and chips at the most renowned fish shop (Kalky’s) and get an ice-cream after a full beach day.
5. Fish Hoek Beach
This is a stunning family-friendly beach, as it has warm water, small waves, lifeguards, wheelchair accessibility and on calmer days, perfect for kayaking / paddleboarding. The restaurants overlook the beach and make it a lovely setting for a catch up with friends, coffee date or lunch spot.
6. Boulders Beach
Penguins in their natural habitat, huge boulders, calm, crystal clear blue water – nothing can compare! Boulders Beach falls under the National Park, so there is an entrance fee.
Please remember that these penguins are endangered species and on the brink of extinction, so it is REALLY important to respect their space, not get too close to them and follow the reserve rules.
If you’d like to support the penguins, contact SANCOB to adopt a penguin and/ or donate to their amazing cause.
7. Windmill Beach
This one is a hidden gem as most people flock to the penguins at Boulders Beach. The water is calm, perfect for snorkelling and for families to enjoy playing in the protected cove.
PS: There is limited parking, so you may have to walk a distance.
For those feeling adventurous and have more time to explore South Africa and Africa, get some inspiration from our blogs below.
Perhaps considering a 5 day trip to the Victoria Falls, or a trip up South Africa’s West Coast to Langebaan? I am sure you have heard of Churchhaven and Kraal Baai, two spectacular beaches inside the West Coast National Park. For those who are time restricted, you can base yourself in Langebaan and do day trips from there.
Local Beach Tips
With Lauren previously working in the tourism industry, and having travelled a bit, we put ourselves in tourists shoes and help wherever we can. Just be a lekka person!
So here are our tips we think would help on your trip to Cape Town:
- Early birds: It is hot out there in the direct sun, so head out early for the best parking and beach spot. Another reason – Boulders Beach payment line is always busy.
- Cash: Yes, we still use cash in South Africa! Vendors, snacks, parking etc.
- Sun protection: Bring all the hats, sunblock, ice waters (prep the night before), umbrella
- Weather change: The wind does come up all year round, so make sure to always have warm tops in the car / bag with you. We always have our car bag ready to go – umbrella, camping chairs, sun hats, sun block, lilo, warm jackets, towels and costumes ready for any adventure! 🙂
- Forecast: Check the weather forecast the day before you plan to go to the beach
- Clean up: Bring a bag to pack all the rubbish in – yes the wind can be hectic, but just be mindful and put it straight into the rubbish bag before it flies away. Yes we have beach clean up staff, but don’t be that person to leave an absolute mess behind. Throw away what you’ve brought! Thank you. PS: Leave the beach how you expect to find the beach.
For those who have more time to spend visiting Cape Town, have a look at our 14 day Cape Town Itinerary.
Find out more about us
Read more about our travel stories and the reason behind why we started our travel blog.
Once you visit these beaches in the Southern Peninsula, you will understand what I mean when I say “There is just something about this side of the world.” It really does feel like you’re so far away from big city life. The pace is slower, the water is warmer – it allows you to embrace a calm nervous system.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, a surfer, a mini road-trip and coffee stop, there’s TOO many options to choose from and you will fall in love with at least one of these beaches – that will most likely make you keep coming back!
If you are visiting Cape Town for the first time, make sure to plan a full day to spend on this coast line. We love packing a picnic (restaurants are BUSY in peak season and we get hangry real quickly!), so a takeaway coffee and random treat is our thing.
Have the best time making memories!
Julia x
FAQ
Which Southern Peninsula beach has the warmest water?
Fish Hoek Beach is one of the warmest swimming beaches in Cape Town thanks to its location on the False Bay coastline.
Is the Southern Peninsula warmer than Camps Bay?
Generally, yes. The False Bay coastline is often several degrees warmer than the Atlantic Ocean, making it a more comfortable place for swimming.
Which Southern Peninsula beach is best for surfing?
Muizenberg Beach is widely regarded as the best beginner surfing beach in Cape Town, with numerous surf schools and gentle waves.
Which Southern Peninsula beach is best for children?
Fish Hoek Beach is usually considered the best family beach thanks to its gentle waves, lifeguards, soft sand and nearby cafés.
Which beach has penguins?
Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is home to the famous African penguin colony.
Which Southern Peninsula beach is best for a relaxing day?
St James Beach is a great choice for a relaxed beach day, with its colourful bathing huts, tidal pool, sandy beach and scenic False Bay views. It’s especially popular for swimming, photography and enjoying a quieter coastal atmosphere.
off two wander
Lauren and Julia are twin sisters from Cape Town, South Africa, sharing their travel adventures & showcasing what South Africa and other countries have to offer. They are passionate about travel, wildlife, conservation, being surrounded by nature & holistic well-being. They are both currently working fully remotely - Lauren is a travel guru - her previous industry, before moving over to digital marketing. Julia is a qualified teacher and is currently working for a digital agency too! Lauren does the travel logistics and web development, where Julia does the travel blogging & finances (if it wasn’t for Julia, Lauren would be on holiday all the time). Their travel blog covers anything from travel tips, guides & to do’s, wine farm spots & them visiting their favourite coffee shops (they are both creatures of habit, so you’ll find them obsessing over the good coffee cafes).
