Boulders Beach Cape Town is one of the most instagrammable places in Cape Town, South Africa and probably the whole continent of Africa.
Below is a selection of our favourites taken at Boulders Beach. If you have any ones that you love, tag, or post the link to them in the comments below.
Cape Town is surrounded by amazing surfing options, the ocean wrapping itself around the city borders. The wind patterns around the coastline varies, offering surfers a chance to pick and choose what kind of surf conditions they want to test out. And at Cape Point the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet each other, which also creates unique weather patterns.
The following is our pick of the best surfing spots in Cape Town. We also list the experience level for each Cape Town surf spot. We recommend keeping an eye on magicseaweed.com for up to date surfing conditions.
Situated in False Bay, it’s about half an hour’s drive from the CBD. Surfer’s Corner is a great starting point if you’re new to surfing, or if you are a long-boarder. The Muizenberg waves form clean lines and are usually gentle. If the wind starts to blow in a northwesterly direction, nice barrels are formed. The beach is very popular. You can grab a beer or coffee after a good surfing session from the restaurants lining the beachfront.
On the other side of the Table Mountain range, lies Kommetjie, another firm favourite of local surfers. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from the CBD. Once the southwesterly wind starts blowing, the surfing conditions become perfect, when the swell is strong enough (and most of the time it is) With the waves breaking both left and right, it creates ideal circumstances for both natural- and goofy-footers.
Situated 45 minutes from the CBD, this almost-secret surfing spot is rarely overcrowded. The conditions are perfect for surfers as well as body boarders. It’s a stunning location, with the looming mountains as a beautiful backdrop for your surfing session.
Close to Scarborough, but with more tricky conditions to manoeuvre. Known as just “the factory” under the locals, it’s a great spot to challenge your surfing skills. Waves can reach up to 15 feet at times. You’re guaranteed the most epic surfing experience when the north or northeasterly wind starts blowing. Because of the big waves, you need very good paddling skills to surf here.
Situated about 30 minutes from the CBD, close to the Noordhoek beach, this spot is only ideal in the summer. But during these three months, it provides epic tubing opportunities. Get ready to take on the tubes when the South Easter starts blowing.
Situated about 30 minutes from the CBD this right-hander spot is for hardcore surfers only. You need to travel by boat from the Hout Bay Harbour to reach it. The Cape Town surfing spot was put on the map by the Red Bull Big Wave Africa competition. You can only attempt to master these waves as a tow-surfer, as the waves can reach up to 60 feet. Read more about it in our post here.
Situated about 15 minutes from the CBD, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this beach, tucked away at the bottom of a hill. Big boulders hug both sides of the cove, framing the serene blue ocean perfectly. It creates great hollow waves to stretch your skills.
Situated around the corner from Llandudno, this spot is also only suitable for highly-skilled surfers. The hollow waves here are very powerful. It lies between the Clifton beaches and Camps Bay. Remember to look up at the Twelve Apostles mountains to take in the full beauty of this stunning Cape Town surfing spot.
The experience level is dependant on the swell’s size. This beach is about 30-minute drive from the CBD, towards the West Coast. It lies between Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand. It is also a very popular windsurfing spot. The most ideal surfing conditions occur when the easterly or southeasterly wind starts blowing. Stop at Doodles or Pakalolo on your way back for a refreshing drink.
Situated 30 minutes from the CBD, it also lies on the way to the West Coast. It’s a great secret surfing spot. With multiple take-off points, you won’t be brushing shoulders with your fellow surfers when it gets busy. The spot is most suitable in autumn or winter with less hardcore winds than in summer. During these two seasons the seabed is also shaped for the ultimate surfing experience.
Share your Epic Surfing Moments with Secret Cape Town
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There’s something magical about the scenic beauty of Cape Town. Some have speculated that the mountain has very unique energy fields. Whatever your theory is around the Mother City’s popularity, you can’t deny the natural charisma of it.
We’ve found a few places where you can connect with your spirituality through yoga. Whether you have been doing it for years, or you only started dabbling in it now, you can jump in and enjoy the refreshing combination of good exercise and fresh air! Oh, and don’t forget to look up and admire your surroundings.
This event is hosted during the summer months. It is a worldwide movement of embracing the power of yoga and nature every month with the arrival of the full moon. Reconnect and reflect during the sunset and wait for the full moon to rise as you end the session. On the Facebook page you can learn more each month about the moon and its connection with us.
The yoga session is hosted at The Pipe Track on Table Mountain, from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. Click here for direction. It’s a free event and everyone is welcome. It is a Vinyasa-based yoga style and it’s perfect for all levels. You will be mesmerized by the sun is setting in front of you, while the moon rises behind you!
Bring along your mat, some water and warm clothes for afterwards. It cools down very quickly on the mountain once the sun sets. Arrive at 6.15PM to set up for the session. You don’t have to book ahead of time, simply pitch and enjoy the unique experience. Afterwards fresh Kombuchas is served.
The Om Revolution is a great mobile yoga studio. It’s not every day you get to do the Downward Dog position while a squirrel runs past you! Or with beach sand crunching under your mat as you stretch out.
They host classes throughout the week at different locations across the city. A Vinyasa-style class costs R50 and is suitable for all levels and ages. (a heads-up for the Company’s Gardens classes, bring some cash along for the paid parking)
Classes Schedule:
Tuesdays @ 5:45PM at the Company’s Gardens
Wednesdays @ 6:00PM at Century City
Thursdays @ 5:30PM at Mouille Point
Saturdays @ 9:00AM at the Company’s Gardens
Sundays @ 6:15PM at Clifton 3rd Beach
Bring along your own mat and towel. Try to arrive a few minutes early for the registeration. You can join the Outdoor Yoga WhatsApp Group to stay in the loop with arrangements, as the events are weather-sensitive. Send a WhatsApp to 063 868 0899.
Vinyasa yoga is very popular in the city, and Yoga-Play has created special Sunset Sessions at the Harvest Cafe & Deli in the city. These are beginner classes with an epic view of Table Mountain. The classes are hosted every Wednesday from 5:30PM to 6:30PM.
Classes cost R100 and you can pay with cash or SnapScan. Bring along your mat and a towel, some water, and comfortable clothes.
https://secretcapetown.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/yoga.jpg588600Secret CT EDhttps://secretcapetown.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Secret-Cape-Town-Logo-Key.pngSecret CT ED2019-02-19 13:45:372019-04-16 13:17:24Best Places for Outdoor Yoga in Cape Town
Maiden’s Cove in between Camps Bay and Clifton is one of Cape Town’s most popular tidal pools and a hot spot for Instagrammers who are visiting Cape town as well as those who live here.
These are our 10 favourite images of Maiden’s Cove that we could find on Instagram. If you want to read more about Maiden’s Coveclick here.
@thelawry is one of Cape Town’s biggest and well known instagrammed. He loves to spend time at Maiden’s Cove and has some spectacular shots of the tidal pool.
Think you have an image that belongs in the top 10? comment below and we will have a look and maybe yours or your friends image could be in the top 10 next time you check.
Check out some of Cape Town’s other amazing tidal pools here.
Smitswinkel Bay is a secluded bay situated on the scenic coastal drive between Simon’s Town and the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It lies at the bottom of a steep cliff and is hidden beneath the curve of the road that leads to the reserve. Smits, as it is fondly known by the locals, is the last bay on the False Bay side of the Cape, about 20 minutes outside of Simon’s Town.
History
Smitswinkel means Smith’s shop in Afrikaans (as in blacksmith). The name dates back to 1744, but its origin or relevance is unknown.
Accordingly, Smits was first called Patience after the tiny stream which flows down a small valley into the bay as mariners who want to fill their water casks had to be very patient because of the slow trickle of water. Back then, Smits could only be reached by boat.
How to Reach Smitswinkel Bay Beach
Drive through Simon’s Town toward Cape Point via the M44 and stop at a parking space just before the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Smits is relatively inaccessible. You can only reach it by foot down a very steep incline. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes walk down the steep 120-meter zig-zag footpath to the beach. The path is clear and easy to follow with little signposts indicating which path to take to reach the beach, making the descent much easier. The strenuous walk to the beach is worthwhile because you will be rewarded with ocean and mountain views along the way.
See the Beauty and Feel the Simplicity
There is no electricity nor cellphone reception in Smitswinkel bay. Most of the low-key wooden and stone homes of the Smits make use of paraffin lamps and gas stoves. Some shacks also installed solar panels on their roofs and use solar water heaters. There are also no roads and street lights, or shops to buy from in the area. So you need to arrive prepared and carry everything needed for a day on the beach.
Although the Smitswinkel beach is not as popular as the other beautiful beaches in Cape Town because of the fact that it is difficult to access, this picturesque beach makes for a perfect picnic destination. The beach, overlooked from the south by Judas Peak and protected from the prevailing south-easterly wind, offers powdery soft pristine white sand, calm and crystal clear waters, granite boulders scattered along the shoreline and a panoramic view of False Bay. Also note that there are no amenities or lifeguards on the beach.
Smitswinkel beach is not really a swimming beach but you can still take a dip in the rock pools. What this beach is famous for is scuba diving. There are 5 wrecks in the bay, namely the SAS Good Hope, the SAS Transvaal, the Princess Elizabeth, the Oratavia and a diamond dredge called the Rockeater. The Navy sunk these ships deliberately in the 1970’s and they now form an artificial reef teeming with a variety of fish, starfish and marine life. The reef is accessible by boat and offers a deep multi-level dive averaging 30 to 36 metres.
Snorkelling, free diving, fishing, spearfishing, and trek netting are also popular activities at Smitswinkel Bay. It is also perfect for playing beach bats and Frisbee. You can explore the boulders, rock pools, caves and grottos at the south side of the beach during low tide.
With its secluded beach, breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains, the interesting activities and its close proximity to the Cape Point Nature Reserve — Smitswinkel is an ideal place to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The small sheltered beach known as St. James beach lies on the False Bay coastline. This beach is one of the most visited beaches and most popular areas to explore in Cape Town. It is popular for its rock pools, series of iconic colourful wooden beach huts and a large man-made tidal pool.
The railway station and the main road are just a few steps away from the beach, making St. James very accessible to the public. It is also relatively sheltered from the southeasterly wind which makes the pool warmer than the other pools in the surrounding sea.
A Firm Local Favourite Tidal Pool
The St. James beach is amazingly clean. The locals are very fond of the tidal pool, especially during summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, go for an early morning swim and enjoy as the sun rises on the horizon. Aside from the tidal pool, St. James is also home to the colorful, vibrant, wooden beach huts. These structures make for interesting and eye-catching photographs, popular in and around Cape Town.
The beach has no entry fee, there is usually a security guard, with full ablution facilities open from 8AM to 5PM and parking is available on the main road. There are also no shops close to the tidal pool, so it is best to bring some snacks and drinks before heading out.
Its delightful appeal, vibrant beach huts, rock pools, and the large tidal pool makes St. James an ideal place to relax and have a safe and fun swimming with the family. Muizenberg was included in the Big 7 Travel list of “50 Most Instagrammable Spots in South Africa” for its colourful beach huts, but we think St. James is almost more charming, with its own set of colourful changing room huts.
How to get there:
By Car.
If you have a car you can drive along the M3 towards Muizenberg, then continue on towards Fish Hoek on main road/M4. A few kilometres after Muizenberg you will see the St James pool and huts across the railway tracks.
By Train.
You can catch the train to St James via the scenic southern line from the main Cape Town station.
Bantry Bay is an affluent suburb of Cape Town which lies on the rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It lies on the slopes of Lion’s Head, between Sea Point and Camp Bay. The secluded location makes Bantry Bay the most wind-free area in Cape Town. Its original name was Botany Bay, after a botanical garden planted for the cultivation of medicinal herbs. But the name changed during World War I.
The suburb is just a few minutes away from the renowned Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches, and Hout Bay. Bantry Bay also has its very own beach, the Saunders Beach, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Seaboard. The beach has a tidal pool where visitors can enjoy safe swimming. It also has shower and ablution facilities. Saunders Beach is an ideal location for an afternoon picnic at Bantry Bay.
What makes Bantry Bay worth the visit, is the fact that it is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city and yet at the same time within easy reach of the city’s attractions. It is just five minutes away from the city bowl, V&A Waterfront, and Table Mountain. It is also considered a haven for tourists and traveling business people alike as it offers a wide array of accommodations — from hotels, to bed and breakfasts, to guesthouses and contemporary apartments.
The suburb’s magnificent views of the Atlantic Seaboard, its home-away-from-home kind of accommodations, the variety of attractions nearby and its close proximity to the city make Bantry Bay an ideal base for exploring Cape Town.
With surfing available almost year-round and an abundance of surf spots to choose from, Cape Town is one of the best destinations in the world for surfing. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro surfer, there are options for everyone no matter how the wind is blowing. However, if you’re an experienced surfer looking for your next great spot, Dungeon’s Beach is one of the most extreme and exciting surfing spots in South Africa.
Dungeon’s Beach is a well-known, world-famous surfing spot. It’s located at the foot of the Sentinel Mountain, just off the coast of Hout Bay. The beach is only accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from Hout Bay Harbour. It is one of the best surfing spots for advanced and experienced surfers, and waves of up to 60-feet have been ridden. Winter is the best time of year to surf. But both locals and world-traveling surfers alike frequent the challenging spot year round.
Surf’s Up!
Dungeon’s waves were first ridden in 1984 by Cape Town surfers Pierre de Villiers and Peter Button. Today the spot has been made famous by Red Bull Big Wave Africa. The contest is held at Dungeons every year in winter. It attracts the world’s top national and international surfers, with contestants surfing by invitation only. American surfer Greg Long is the only surfer in history to score a perfect 10 on a Dungeons wave (Red Bull Big Wave Africa event, 2008). He is considered the best big wave surfer in the world.
The best time to surf at Dungeon’s is during low tide, where waves start breaking from 8 to 10 feet. Paddle surfers rarely frequent the beach outside of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event. But tow surfers can be found at the beach frequently. Despite the reputation as one the most shark-infested places in the world, Dungeons Beach still draws surfers looking for a adventure.
Tidal pools are rocky, man-made pools built to give beachgoers a safe place to cool down in the ocean without having to worry about being hit by the waves. There are numerous tidal pools around Cape Town. One of the most popular tidal pools along the Atlantic Seaboard is Camps Bay Tidal Pool.
This tidal pool can be found on the southern side of the Camps Bay Beach with easy access to the strip of cafes and restaurants along Victoria Road, which makes it the perfect dip-and-dine destination in Cape Town. It has a nice white sand beach to relax on in between swims, as well as public toilets and paved access via stairs or a ramp.
Aside from the cold blue Atlantic waters, the Camps Bay Tidal Pool also offers a spectacular view of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. The setting sun dips below the ocean directly in front of the pool making it a fantastic location for late afternoon and sunset swims. The view alone makes this tidal pool well worth your visit.
Amazing Photo by @nasreenroberts
In the mornings some swimmers can be found swimming laps in the pool as it is quite large, and there are often joggers who like to cool off in the pool after starting their day with a run along the coastal promenade.
Just like most of the tidal pools in Cape Town, Camps Bay Tidal Pool is a family-friendly place to swim and play, making it an ideal destination for families with playful kids.
With its convenient location and popularity around the city, you will often find this tidal pool packed with people who want to enjoy the sun and the cold waters, especially during the weekends and holidays. Depending on the tide and how the South East wind has been blowing sometimes the water in the pool can be a bit warmer than that of the ocean next door as it has time to warm up in the hot African sun.
https://secretcapetown.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Camps-Bay-Tidal-Pool-From-Above.jpg5621000Secret CT EDhttps://secretcapetown.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Secret-Cape-Town-Logo-Key.pngSecret CT ED2018-09-26 16:01:432019-05-02 12:52:52Camps Bay Tidal Pool
Known as the penguin paradise of Cape Town, Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins. Boulders is located in False Bay just outside of Simon’s Town, this sheltered beach is among the most visited beaches in Cape Town. However there are a few secrets to know to get the best experiences as well as the best photos for Instagram.
Did you know there are two sides to Boulders Beach, Cape Town?
Yes there are. One side ( The north side or Foxy Beach ) allows you to walk along three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks with informational boards and ends at one of two viewing platforms positioned above the main Boulders beach penguin colony. This is where you can find the largest concentration of penguins.
The penguins and people are kept separate here allowing the penguins to socialise, pair up, mate and breed without being disturbed by visitors. It is a great spot to see the penguins going about their activities undisturbed and has the best access for those with disabilities or who struggle walking far on uneven terrain.
At the visitor centre you can find all the information you need about the penguins or you could enquire about a guide.
The board walk leading down to the viewing platform on Boulders Beach.
The view from the viewing platform on the north side of Boulders Beach
If you want to get up close and personal with the Penguins and grab some fantastic photos f you and the Penguins then head over to the south side f Boulders Beach where you can enjoy amazing swimming , sunbathing and penguins. This is the side where the best Instagram photos of builders beach comes from.
The boardwalk behind the beach leading from Foxy beach to Boulders Beach.
To get there exit Foxy Beach through the visitor centre and walk along the road and boardwalk behind the dunes and forest. This is shown by the green dotted line in the map.
There is another parking lot and entrance gate on this side of Boulders Beach. On the map it is indicated by Boulders Beach Standbad.
This beach has a number of facilities such as toilets and a double gate to keep the penguins safe and away from the road.
image taken by @throughbrianseyes
Finding the Best Spots on Boulders Beach
The first beach you will encounter is the largest beach area and where most people sunbath and swim and do not explore much further. It is a good spot set up your umbrella and lay down your towel.
Looking for some instagram inspiration? Check out our post on our favourite Boulders Beach Instagram photos.
There are usually a few penguins around but most of them are behind a small barrier on a rock to the East.
We suggest that you go exploring a bit further. If you walk around the beach to the left you will come to some large boulders which seems like it is the end of the road. However if you crutch down you will see a small tunnel between the rocks that you can duck/crawl through. On the other side you will need to scramble over a few rocks and maybe get your feet wet.
Once though these rocks you will find a more secluded beach with a lot more penguins and some beautiful rocks. This is the best place to get close to the penguins and take some great photographs.
Be careful not to get to close as the penguins can give a nasty bite.
If you keep exploring you will find some beautiful spots to relax as well as more penguins.
Eventually you will reach a sign that says no entry, which is on the far side of Foxy beach and the beginning of the penguins protected area. Don’t go further than this.
The end of the road and the view back towards Foxy Beach and the main penguin colony.
Note: There is no way round here, so you will have to head back the way you came to get back to your car or to Foxy beach.
Tip: If you go around high tide you will be able to stand in the shallow water between the rocks and have the penguins dart and dive all around you.
African Penguins swimming around visitors at Boulders Beach
For Kids
Boulders Beach is the perfect place to spend time with kids as there is lots of fun to be had on the beach. The water is warmer than on the Atlantic seaboard side and it is usually calm between the rocks which makes it perfect for swimming.
African “Jackass” Penguins
Boulders Beach is famous for its resident African Penguins. These African Penguins are widely known as “jackass” penguins for their loud, donkey-like bray. They are believed to be one of the first penguin species to be discovered by humans. These animals have a distinct, sharply pointed beak and black feet. An array of black, white, and gray dense, waterproof feathers covers them and keeps them dry and warm. Another distinctive feature is the small pink gland above each eye, which helps them cope with high temperatures.
They can also hold their breaths for over 2 minutes and dive over 400 feet deep. The African penguins are monogamous and both the male and female penguins share parenting duties.
Over the years, their population has declined due to pollution, over-fishing, habitat destruction, and irresponsible tourism activities. There is, however, no shortage of these aquatic flightless birds on Boulders Beach. The safe and clean environment protects the cute waddling birds. It is only here where you can have a close encounter with these penguins. The special built boardwalks facilitate safe penguin viewing on the beach.
How to get to there:
By Car.
The easiest way to get to Boulders Beach, Cape Town is by car if you have one or are renting one. Head to Simon’s Town along the M3 towards Muizenberg and then continue on the M4 ( Main Road ) through Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town.
Just on the other side of Simon’s Town there will be signs to Boulders Beach. If you see the golf course on your left you will have gone to far.
By Train.
Take the Train from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. Boulders is about two kilometres from the Simons Town station. This is the last stop on the scenic Southern Line.
Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town Telephone Number
+27 (0)21 786 2329
Opening times:
December – January: 7am – 7.30pm February – March: 8am – 6.30pm April – September: 8am – 5pm October – November: 8am – 6.30pm
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