Atlantic Seaboard Beaches
Known as Cape Town's “Riviera”, the Atlantic Seaboard stretches from the lighthouse at Mouille Point just before the V & A Waterfront on the northern shore of Table Mountain all the way down to the picturesque Hout Bay.
The Atlantic Seaboard is balanced on the sea's edge and because it is protected from the prevailing south east winds by the Table Mountain range, it is a popular summer destination.
The most popular beaches at the Atlantic Seaboard are:
Setting out from the northern extremity at Mouille Point, the road hugs the coastline aroubd Three Anchor Bay, past Sea Point and Bantry Bay to Clifton's four famous Blue Flag beaches. Traveling along this piece of coastline, one gets a view of the expensive apartments of the area.
With the glistening Atlantic ocean on one side and the impressive slopes of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles on the other side, the Atlantic Seaboard give access to scenic beaches. Mersmerising sunsets on the Atlantic Seaboard has made sundowners part of the culture and tradition of the area. Sunsets and sun-worshippers lounging on the famous white beaches are certainly unforgettable. On a hot day, a plunge in the chilly Atlantic water is more than welcoming!
Be it the well-sheltered Clifton beach or the spectacular Camps Bay, the beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard, with their cafes, bars and lined with palm trees are a hit with the visitors!
Noordhoek beach
Located on the Atlantic Cape coast, this 8 km long tranquil little jewel is on one side defined by the lighthouse in Kommetjie and by the Chapman's peak thrusting into the sea. Backed by the National park-protected wetlands, Noordhoek is still not within the tentacles of urbanisation, which singles it out from other beaches in Cape Town.
Hout Bay beach
Lying at a distance of 20 minutes from Cape Town, Hout beach offers a sense of eternal beauty. Despite development in the region, Hout beach has managed to keep its rustic atmosphere and image of a fishing harbour. The beach is guarded by the harbour on one side and by the cliffs of Chapman's Peak on the other.
Hout Bay beach is one of the 16 recognised big wave spots around the globe and as such, surfing is a popular activity. The long sandy beach is perfect for swimming as the water is not too cold and water sports like sea kayaking, sailing, fishing and sport activities like volleyball and beach soccer.
One of the most captivating attractions in Hout Bay beach remains the viewing of fur seals. Seal snorkelling is quite popular among the visitors during the right season.
Hout Bay beach is wide, flat and child-friendly. Locals can often be seen having a stroll on the beach, walking their dogs, riding horses and families playing at the water edges.
Various fast food shops and restaurants can be found in the vicinity.
Llandudno beach
Forming an arc of really fine sand in a secluded location, Llandudno, a Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to avoid crowds. Found on the Atlantic side of Cape Town, Llandudno is one of Cape Town's most picturesque beaches and its waters are icy cold but just enough for a quick dip to bring respite from the heat during summer.
Clifton beach
One of the most well-known beaches in Cape Town, Clifton beach attracts a huge number of visitors and is a haven for international jetsetters.
The area is divided into 4 distinct coves, each of which is separated from one another by stretches of granite boulders and have pure white granitic sand.
The 4 Clifton beaches, being well-protected from the south-easterly winds, is really popular for swimming.
Each of the four Clifton beaches can be reached by a flight of stairs from the road where finding a parking slot can at times be a tedious task! That does not deter the crowds from going to Clifton beach during the peak season or simply to enjoy the spectacular sundown.
Camps Bay beach
Located along the Atlantic coastline, Camps Bay beach is best known for its flawless white sand and blue calm waters. Towered by the mighty Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles mountain range, the Camps Bay beach is well shielded from the southerly winds during the summer months.
