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False Bay Beaches

False Bay Beaches

False Bay, one of the most serene and striking stretches of coastline, is the largest bay in South Africa and counts among the great bays across the globe. Known for its splendid beauty, False Bay covers several small coastal villages in a swooping curve from Hangklip in Pringle Bay to Cape Point and caters to the needs of every visitor, offering adventure, leisure, great food and fun!

The most popular beaches at False Bay are:

According to folklore, False Bay derived its name from early navigators who confused it with Cape Point, or as others say, Table Bay. False Bay also has a fascinating history of naval battles and pirates and the establishment of small charming villages along its shores. Many False Bay villages have narrow avenues lined with fanciful arts and crafts shops, hotels, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and pubs or even quiet look-out points.

Many visitors prefer False Bay because of its warm waters of the Indian Ocean and also it boasts of a multitude of activities on its attractive beaches. False Bay does not only offer endless opportunities for safe swimming, but it is also popular with surfer, body-boarders or just anyone who might be looking for some peace and quietness.

Wait! There is more to come! If you are fond of whales, then you will not be disappointed! Another thrilling and popular attraction in False Bay is whale-watching. Watch for whales between June and November! That is when whales migrate to the Western Cape while humpback whales navigate through the region between May and December.

Gordon's Bay

Gordon's Bay is a small picturesque seaside town on the eastern side of False Bay. Framed with the exquisite views of the slopes of Hottentots Holland in the background, it enjoys the warm Mediterranean climate.

Having maintained its reputation of an old coastal village, Gordons Bay is popular among people who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday. The area also has many excellent restaurants, shopping malls and visitor-amenities.

Muizenberg beach

Muizenberg is a beach-side suburb of Cape Town. It is situated where the shore of the Cape Peninsula makes a round curve to the east on the False Bay coast. The area buzzes with activities during the peak season, with crowds of holiday-makers in the streets.

Though Muizenberg may be short of the bright ocean water and impressive boulders, it is warmer to swim here than any of the beaches on the Atlantic side and thus it is very kids-friendly.

Fish Hoek beach

Fish Hoek beach is a magnificent white sandy beach and is famous for being one of the safest swimming beaches in Cape Town. It curves from Clovelly Station to the north crossing the mouth of the Silvermine River to the little lighthouse.

Boulders beach

Boulders beach is found in Simon's Town and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. It is a cove of fine sand and big granite boulders. The big round granite boulders are estimated to date back to 540 million years and protect the beach from currents, gusts of winds and large waves.

Located on the Indian ocean side of the peninsula, Boulders beach's waters are slightly warmer. Boulders beach has sheltered bays and sandy shores and is also home to more than 2000 endangered African penguins-a valuable eco-tourism attraction!

Boulders beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area and an access fee is required to go to the beach. Strict control to the beach makes it that the beach is always clean and tidy. Other amenities include toilets and outdoor beach showers. Park rangers keep patrolling the beach to ensure the safety of visitors as well as the African Penguins.

A short stroll away takes you to Foxy beach, which is the best spot for viewing the African Penguins. Boulders beach has several restaurants and cafes, The opening hours are as such: