Spring is here! Sunnies out, beach blankets out, summer body ready?! It’s time to hit the beach!
South Africa has secluded beaches and hidden beach destinations that rival some of the best private beaches you will find anywhere in the world! They may not have all the ‘bells and whistles’ that exotic travel offers (like waiters taking your drinks orders as you lounge in your deck chairs!) but don’t be put off, this country does indeed have wonderful, quiet, and generally unspoilt beaches! Below is an alphabetical list of over 15 stunning beaches, stretching all the way from the cold Atlantic seaboard around the coastline to hideaways lapped by the warm Indian Ocean Aghulas current.
- Buffels Bay Beach
- Coffee Bay
- Diaz Beach
- Gerickes Point
- Hluleka Beach
- Kosi Bay
- Morgan Bay
- Nature’s Valley
- Noordhoek Beach
- Noetzie Cove
- Preekstoel Beach
- Queen’s Beach
- Smitswinkel Bay
- Sodwana Bay
- Water’s Edge
Let us take a closer look at just a few of the most underrated beaches in the country from the above list.
Noetzie Cove
Just outside Knysna lies a secluded cove, known as Noetzie. Its beach is not only beautiful and boasts a peaceful estuary but it is also lined with some amazing flora and the famed “Noetzie Castles”. Noetzie Cove remains somewhat underrated as a beach destination and is to this day mostly untouched.
Sodwana Bay
Famed for having the southernmost coral reefs in the world, Sodwana Bay is South Africa’s scuba diving mecca. Not only does it cater for just about everything for scuba divers, from dive boats to scuba diving equipment, it is also well geared up to handle the influx of sport fishermen and their boats. On the other hand, the beach itself stretches from kilometre upon kilometre of expanses of white clean white sand, the sea is crystal clear and the water temperature is suitable for year-round safe swimming.
Smitswinkel Bay
Hidden beneath the road that leads to the Cape Point Nature Reserves is the secluded Smitswinkel Bay. While it does not have the easiest access (you have to lug everything in and out), this spot offers visitors jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Table Bay.
The area remains mostly undeveloped (apart from a few nearby houses). There is a rustic footpath that takes you directly to the unspoilt beach.
Diaz Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve
Diaz Beach in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town, may not be ideal for swimming but it comes complete with white sand, turquoise water, and an abundance of marine life. The beach itself is an easy 20 minute walk from the main road on a wooden walkway. Before visiting Cape Point don’t forget to stop by Boulders beach where you can visit the penguins and take in massive granite boulders alongside the turquoise waters.
False Bay
Visit False Bay for a captivating blend of pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets over the azure waters while enjoying opportunities for whale watching and water sports. Its unique charm and diverse activities make it a must-see destination along the South African coastline.
Queen’s Beach, Cape Town
Queen’s Beach entices visitors with its secluded beauty, soft sands, pristine beach and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled beneath the iconic Lion’s Head, it offers a serene escape and an ideal spot for relaxation and beachside picnics.
Umzumbe Beach
At the mouth of the delightful Mzumbe River in KZN, you find the blue-flag Umzumbe swimming beach. Access is via a very steep walkway through dense coastal dune vegetation but the reward of this beach is undoubtedly worth the effort in getting there. Although there are lifeguards on duty (which is somewhat paradoxical to the concept of “hidden” or “secret”), the beach remains virtually untouched. It is lapped by warm, pristine water, abundant seashells, and has great tidal pools.
Sand between your toes, waves lapping the shore and sun kissing your shoulders. If that sounds good to you then maybe you should get up and live the beach life now!
We have a wide range of beach breaks both locally as well as a hop, skip and jump away. So if you are dying to feel the sand between your toes, look no further than Flight Centre to ensure you get the right beach break for your hard-earned buck.
Let us help you book your local beach break, perfect for nature lovers and those who want to relax on lovely beaches, take in the sunset and enjoy a long walk in the late afternoon on a hot day.