Updated February 2026 140 Beaches in the Western Cape Find a list of Western Cape beaches here South Africa has some of the world’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches. There are long stretches of white sand that go on for miles. Beaches in the Western Cape offer great surfing, fishing and other water sports opportunities. South Africa was the first country outside Europe to use the Blue Flag international beach grading system. Blue flag beaches To achieve blue flag status, a beach must fulfil several safety, cleanliness, and amenities requirements. Not all South African beaches are blue-flag beaches. This is merely a guide to assess the services and safety of Beaches. Blue flag status depends on the following criteria: High standard of life-saving services Sufficient ablutions Disabled access Information boards about the ecosystem Environmental management Facilities such as parking, access points Cleanliness Water safety Beaches in Cape Town   The water on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula tends to be about 4 degrees warmer than on the Atlantic seaboard. The water around the Western Cape coastline, however, is generally quite cold. False Bay stretches in a crescent shape from Cape Point on the west to the Helderberg beaches on the east. The beaches on the Atlantic side are somewhat protected from southeast winds and face spectacular sunsets. Whether looking for a family-friendly beach, a surfing hotspot, or a peaceful retreat to enjoy breathtaking views, the Western Cape’s diverse coastline has something for everyone. The combination of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and well-maintained facilities makes these beaches a top destination for locals and tourists. Western Cape beaches with Blue Flag Status Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay; Brenton on Sea; Buffels Baai; Camps Bay; Castle Beach in St Helena Bay; Clifton; De Bakke in Mossel Bay; Glentana Beach; Gouritsmond;  Hartenbos; Hawston;  Klein River estuary near Hermanus; Kleinmond beach; Lappiesbaai near Stilbaai; Llandudno; Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay; Melkbosstrand; Mnandi Beach in Mitchells Plain; Mossel Bay; Muizenberg; Natures Valley; Preekstoel beach near Stilbaai; Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay; Santos Beach in Mossel Bay Silverstroomstrand in Melkbosstrand; Struis Baai main beach; Wilderness; Witsand   Beware of rip currents. How do rip currents happen? It is advisable to swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty. Many beaches around the Western Cape coastline have dangerous rip currents. These are powerful channels of fast-moving water flowing away from the shore. The currents usually form where waves break over sandbars or reefs, creating localised eddies. These can pull swimmers out to sea. The speed of the water movement can reach a speed of 3 metres per second. Areas of darker water can indicate rip currents because of deep channels. Gaps between the waves and areas where waves are not breaking may be a sign of dangerous conditions. Choppy water on the surface can indicate a current where turbulent water is surrounded by smoother water. If you are caught in a current, do not panic; it is best to conserve your energy by floating on your back. Do not fight against the current by attempting to swim towards the land; rather, swim sideways to escape the force of water. Signal for help by raising your arm and shouting for help. If you see someone who appears to need help, call a lifeguard. 112 is a free call from your cell phone for any emergencies. The number for the NSRI  emergency operations centre is 087 094   9774 Rules for dog walking on Western Cape Beaches Dogs must remain under the full control of their owner or dog walker at all times. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Handlers must ensure their dogs do not disrupt or interfere with other beach users. Aggressive or dangerous dogs must be muzzled. Always yield to people who are not accompanied by dogs. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs in all public areas, including beaches, grass, footpaths, and car parks. Waste must be removed immediately and disposed of in appropriate bins or taken off-site. Female dogs in heat are not permitted in public beach areas. Dogs must not chase, harass, or harm wildlife. All posted signage and beach regulations must be followed. Nude and topless beaches in Cape Town Cape Town is home to some beautiful nude and topless beaches. For naturists or people just wanting an all-over tan, Cape Town’s nude beaches offer a unique opportunity to embrace the sun, sea, and sand,  while enjoying a sense of freedom. While Sandy Bay is the best-known nudist beach, Clifton 3rd Beach, Llandudno, tolerates topless bathing. Many of the beach listings in Colourdots have links to sea temperature, tides and the surf report where relevant. See a list of some of the Best beaches in the Western Cape Tides for Western Cape beaches What are spring tides and neap tides?    It is best to be aware of whether the sea is at high or low tide before you plan your beach visit.  Spring tides are especially strong tides. These happen when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in a straight line. The gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun together contribute to a particularly high or low tide. Spring tides occur at full moon and new moon. Neap tides are weak tides that occur when the gravity of the Moon and the Sun are at a right angle to one another (with respect to the Earth). Neap tides happen at quarter moon. Check the tide times for Western Cape beaches here Beaches and Wildlife Larger, open beaches are generally less attractive to wildlife than sheltered bays. Birds favour bays and rocky inlets, where food is easier to find, and danger is easier to spot. On open beaches, gulls patrol for easy pickings, relying on safety in numbers to protect themselves while feeding. Marine Life The waters around the Cape support a rich diversity of marine life. The Cape Peninsula affects species distribution on either side, with the cold Benguela Current … Continue reading 140 Beaches in the Western Cape