Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard is associated with many things… Outstanding property, a profusion of first-rate restaurants, breathtaking views and, of course, its pristine beaches, which are undeniably world class. Let’s look at some of them a little more closely.
Clifton Beaches:
These iconic beaches are located along Victoria Road, but sheltered, somewhat hidden and each one slightly different from the other three. All four beaches have immaculate white sand lapped by azure waves, and they are separated organically by boulders. They are numbered, simply, 1st to 4th.1st is closest to Sea Point, 4th to Camps Bay.
Parking can be an issue - 4th does have its own car park (fairly small) and there is a parking lot opposite 3rd.The best bet is probably to Uber, which is so easy in Cape Town, or to use the MyCiti bus, (108 or 109), which runs regularly and stops at each beach.
You can hire sun loungers and umbrellas and there are plenty of opportunities to buy ice creams and cooldrinks from guys wandering around, particularly on 3rd and 4th.
Although the water can be choppy, a swim can be a refreshing interlude and welcome relief from the heat. There are lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months, and if the water does get too choppy they will put a temporary ban on swimming.
It is illegal to consume alcohol publicly anywhere in South Africa, and that includes on the beaches. The police are inclined to carry out spot checks, as well.
The Beaches
1st - is dog- and family-friendly. There are also generally fewer, if any, people selling ice-creams and no sun loungers, so preferable if you just want to chill for a few hours. There are a number of steps to get down, but there are toilets, positioned in between 1st and 2nd,(open only at weekends in the summer).
2nd - this is the longest of the four, and popular for beach volleyball and music, with a lively, fun vibe. Toilets, but only open at weekends. Again, a number of steps to descend, (and don’t forget the climb backup!) but 2nd Beach has a striking view of Lion’s Head.
3rd - also lively and vibey, it is smaller and offers more privacy.
4th - is the busiest of the four beaches. It has its own parking lot and slightly fewer steps, so it is easier to access. Look out for the mobile massage beds! Clifton 4th isa Blue Flag beach, (of which more later), and is always clean, in spite of the number of visitors it attracts.
Camps Bay Beach
Camps Bay Beach has had Blue Flag status since 2008, and is an expansive, white sandy beach, with a tidal pool at one end. There is a seasonal lifeguard station with toilets, and it is right opposite the ‘Strip’, so a few steps from a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and shops. Beds and brollies are available for hire.
Glen Beach
Glen Beach, at the far right of Camps Bay beach, and separated from it by an undulating sand dune, is a compact, popular surfing beach.
Bakoven Beach
Bakoven means baker’s oven and is so named because of a large rock just off shore which has the appearance of an old fashioned oven. Bakoven is popular for its sheltered coves, and there is a lovely swimming beach, just off Beta Close, locally known as Beta Beach. A sea rescue base is stationed in Bakoven, but less well-known is that in the early 1940s a row of beach front houses were erected as grace and favour residences for members of the South African Army who had fought during the Second World War. Many still stand and are now registered as National Heritage sites.
Oudekraal Beach
Nestled between Bakoven and Llandudno, Oudekraal is not one but rather a collection of tiny beaches tucked between boulders, and part of Table Mountain National Park. The boulders offer natural protection and create a safe swimming area. There are lawns, braais and covered seating areas with tables and benches, and a public toilet, so this is the perfect setting for a fabulous family day out.
Llandudno Beach
This soft, white, sandy beach curves around a cove, and is surrounded by natural fynbos and milkwood forest. Large granite boulders create a natural protective surround, and there are some rockpools and caves to explore. The south side of the beach, Sunset Rocks, is a perfect spot for sundowners, and a stroll along those rocks will take you to Sandy Bay, the nudist beach.
Blue Flag Beaches
We hear the term Blue Flag Beach used often, but what does it actually mean? This worldwide programmed places importance on the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, encourages environmental education and awareness and supports good practice. The status is awarded locally in each country using a set of specific and robust criteria. In South Africa, itis WESSA – Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa – that has the honour of assessing for and awarding this valuable status. They use 33 criteria across four categories, in order to do so. The four categories are: Environmental Education and Awareness, Water Quality, Environmental Management and Safety Services. Among the many criteria are things like universal access, waste management, signage and domestic animal control.
The Western Cape has no less than 33 Blue Flag beaches. In Cape Town itself, thereare eight, of which three are on the Atlantic Seaboard – Clifton 4th,Camps Bay, and Llandudno. See above for further information on these three magnificent beaches. Blue Flag status generally remains through the high season, but on Camps Bay Beach it will remain in place until the end of March.