Beaches and Surf

Cape Town is a beach-lover’s destination of choice with a whopping 72 beaches and boasting no less than NINE Blue Flag Beaches. Whether you are into adventure activities like surfing, kitesurfing, horse riding and fishing, or simply enjoy relaxing in the sun surrounded by beautiful people, Cape Town has a beach for you.

Surfing is also huge in the Mother City and locals will tell you that we have some of the best waves in the world. National Geographic named Muizenberg as one of the World’s Best Surf Town’s and caters to surfers of all levels with a gentle shore break for the beginners and the deeper waters offering something more for the veterans. The Atlantic coast, meanwhile, is home to some seriously huge reef breaks generating massive waves when the swell is big. These giant waves peak in the winter months when huge swell drives towards the Cape coast.

Best Spots to Catch a Wave

Muizenberg

Known as Surfer’s Corner and located in False Bay, just 30 minutes south east of the city bowl, Muizenberg is one of the city’s most famous surf spots. Its gentle waves are perfect for beginners, and are a longboarder’s paradise. Muizies goes offshore in a north westerly wind and the small, rolling waves can be ridden almost year-round, cranking up a notch in winter swell. There are plenty of places to rent boards and wetsuits, or even get a lesson or two. There are also a selection of restaurants for a post-surf bite.

Milnerton Lighthouse

Just 15 minutes north of the CBD is the Milnerton Lighthouse, a beach break that has something for everyone. Offshore in a south to south easterly wind, this spot can get a little hairy for beginners when it gets bigger in stronger swell. No boards for hire here, but there are some restaurants around the beach area to have a coffee after a freezing cold surf.

Long Beach

For intermediate to advance surfers, local favourite Long Beach lies south west of the city near the sleepy town of Kommetjie and has some of the most consistent waves in the Cape Peninsula. With decent swell and a south westerly wind, Long Beach has a near-perfect wave that breaks both left and right. Long Beach can get pretty big, so check the surf reports first before trekking out all the way. There are no board rentals or shops on the beach, so bring your own board and something to snack on.