South Africa is blessed with miles and miles of scenic coastline, with parts that are completely unspoiled, and others dotted with sleepy resorts and bustling towns. Travelling within South Africa is easy, so whether you’re a land-locked local or an international beach enthusiast, getting to these popular beach resorts is easy.
Whether you prefer the vibrancy of Cape Town and Durban, or simply wish to get off the beaten track, these are a few of the best seaside towns to visit in South Africa. There’s something for every taste, preference, and budget. And then there’s that warm South African hospitality that will have you feeling at home in no time.
Top 10 Best Beaches in South Africa - Travel Video 2025
Top Seaside Destinations in South Africa
South Africa boasts 1,600 miles of tropical coastline, meaning travelers looking for a beach vacation in this part of the world are very much spoiled for choice. One of the most popular destinations for visitors to South Africa is Cape Town. Although its vibrant, bustling cosmopolitan city is a major draw, Cape Town's vast, rugged coastline with expansive beaches also proves to be a hit with tourists.
Cape Town and Surrounds
One of South Africa's most popular beach vacation destinations for families is Cape Town's Camps Bay. Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most affluent neighborhoods, with a myriad beachfront restaurants and bars. Its long, white sandy beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world, and is renowned for its epic sunsets.
Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches: Cape Town has some amazing beaches in the city. Camps Bay has a long stretch of sandy beach on the main boardwalk. Clifton, adjacent to Camps Bay, is more secluded and offers some fantastic beaches. Some of the most expensive real estate in the country are in these two neighborhoods.
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Viewpoint at Maiden’s Cove: Located just between Camps Bay and Clifton, Maiden’s Cove is a breathtaking viewpoint away of Camps Bay and the 12 apostles. There is ample parking here if you’re driving, or you could just walk from Camps Bay or Clifton. There are rocks along the beach that you can walk on as well if you’re feeling a little adventurous. Come here for the sunset if you want the most amazing photos!
The Garden Route
The Garden Route also offers travelers the chance to explore some of the world's most incredible expanses of coastline, with seemingly endless beaches set alongside lagoons, mountains and forests.
Plettenberg Bay: Plettenberg Bay is a popular seaside resort located along the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The town is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities like whale-watching, body-boarding, surfing and sunbathing along the Robberg Peninsula.
Hermanus: Situated along the Garden Route, Hermanus is renowned as one of the world’s best locations for land-based whale watching. Each year from June to November, hundreds of southern right whales migrate to the warm waters of South Africa to calve and mate - an event that is celebrated annually at the Hermanus Whale Festival.
West Coast
Langebaan: Langebaan is a seaside resort town located on the West Coast, about a one-and-a-half hour drive from central Cape Town. The town is flanked by a natural saltwater lagoon, which is nourished by the ocean and is a protected marine site within the West Coast National Park. Its warm, sheltered waters and white sandy beaches make it a popular summer destination for angling, water sports and swimming.
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Wild Coast
Coffee Bay: This quiet seaside village is situated near the Hole in the Wall - a geological wonder found along the Wild Coast. The magnificent rocky archway can be reached at low tide and is the source of many Xhosa legends. Coffee Bay is a largely rural region, with many estuaries, secluded beaches and rolling hills, attracting many avid hikers to the area.
Port St. Johns: The town of Port St. Johns is situated on the Wild Coast, a 168-mile (270-kilometer) stretch of coastline, boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in South Africa. The town has three beaches and is well-known for swimming, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding tranquil forest. Nearby attractions include the Silaka Nature Reserve, and the Isinuka Mud Caves and Sulphur Pools.
KwaZulu-Natal
Umhlanga: Umhlanga, which means ‘place of reeds’ in Zulu, is situated on the Sugar Coast, just north of the city of Durban. The resort village of Umhlanga Rocks overlooks the warm Indian Ocean and boasts luxury hotels, holiday apartments and shopping malls. Its golden sandy beaches stretch for miles in either direction, while the undulating Valley of a Thousand Hills beckons visitors in the north.
Ballito: Ballito is a seaside resort located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Durban on the Dolphin Coast. The town is known for its swimming and surfing beaches, and there is a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) beachfront promenade, which is perfect for early morning and evening runs. Ballito Beach plays host to the international Ballito Pro surfing contest, held annually in July.
Other Notable Seaside Towns
- Fish Hoek: Boasts one of the safest and most scenic family beaches of False Bay, which is ideal for swimming, body-boarding and sailing.
- Simon’s Town: Characterized by old Victorian buildings, a small marina and several sheltered swimming beaches, such as Seaforth and Boulders, where the famous African penguin colony is found.
- Cape Agulhas: The geographic southernmost tip of Africa, and the official dividing line between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
- East London: South Africa’s only river port, with several holiday resorts and game reserves in the area.
Luxury Beach Resorts
There’s no better way to pamper and treat yourself than with the perfect holiday accommodation. South Africa is a top vacation destination for anyone looking to relax with some incredible natural beauty, good food, and top-quality accommodations.
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Here are a few examples of luxury beach resorts:
- The Oyster Box (Umhlanga): First-class treatment, sublime food, impeccable decor, and professional and friendly staff.
- The Marine (Hermanus): Stunning ocean views and many opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting.
- Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort (Brenton-on-Sea): Tranquility and relaxation, with direct beach access.
- Tsala Treetop Lodge (Plettenberg Bay): A confluence of ocean and forest, with opportunities for unique activities like watching turtles lay their eggs.
- The Chapman's Hotel (Hout Bay): Natural serenity meets sophisticated luxury, with incredible views of the bay.
Planning Your Trip
Choosing the right time to go on your South Africa adventure will depend on what you want to get from your trip. We know that a beach vacation is synonymous with soaking up the sunshine, frolicking in the surf, and being able to enjoy lazing on the sand with a good book, and luckily South Africa is known for having pleasant weather all year. During its summer, which is December to February, you can expect temperatures to reach around 86°F.
As we're focused on creating an experience that's unique and customized to your desires, the cost of a vacation with us will vary. The final price will depend entirely on what you want to do and see on your South Africa beach vacation. You can contact one of our travel experts to discuss what you're looking for and we'll do everything we can to help.
Activities and Experiences
South Africa is a dream destination for couples and newlyweds who want to escape and soak up some quality time together in style. If you're looking to experience some of South Africa's culinary delights, look no further than Paternoster. South Africa's many national parks and game reserves such as Kruger and Madikwe mean it's famed for its incomparable luxury safari experiences.
One of the highlights of a trip to South Africa is undoubtedly a visit to the Winelands, where you can spend your days sampling the country’s most celebrated wine while absorbing the region's breathtaking scenery.
South Africa Beach Resort Quick Guide
Here is a quick guide to the South African Beach Resorts mentioned in this article:
| Resort | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Oyster Box | Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal | First-class service, gourmet dining, elegant decor |
| The Marine | Hermanus, Western Cape | Ocean views, whale and dolphin watching |
| Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort | Brenton-on-Sea, Western Cape | Direct beach access, tranquil environment |
| Tsala Treetop Lodge | Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape | Unique treetop setting, nature immersion |
| The Chapman's Hotel | Hout Bay, Western Cape | Scenic bay views, luxury accommodations |
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