The Best Spots to Go Swimming in Cape Town in 2024 

Last Updated on October 5, 2024 by Hannah Stephenson

Looking for the perfect swimming spot in Cape Town?

Although the city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, the choppy waves means that they’re not always the best for swimming.

But if you know where to go, there are plenty of fantastic places to swim in Cape Town. I’ve certainly found some firm favourites while living here!

From hidden beaches to pretty rock pools, there are tons of great choices. So grab your cossie and let’s dive in! 

1. Clifton 4th Beach 

Well, duh. 

Clifton 4th Beach is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, and with good reason. It has the calmest water of the four Clifton Beaches, and it’s actually a Blue Flag beach!

In short, it’s ideal for swimming.

Of course, the downside to this is that Clifton 4th can get very busy, especially on weekends between mid-December and January. But it is popular for a reason, and on really hot days, I’d rather hang out on a busy beach where I can swim than swelter in tranquillity.

2. Camps Bay Beach 

Camps Bay Beach is great for swimming, as like Clifton 4th, the water tends to be calmer.

However, it can get super busy, especially on weekends. The hawkers on Camps Bay Beach can be really pushy, which I find SO annoying.

With that said, I like this beach it for a quick swim! The view of the Twelve Apostles from the water is hard to beat.

It’s also super handy that there are so many beach bars and restaurants nearby, as the beach runs alongside the buzzing Camps Bay strip.

And if you do come here and find the water is a bit too choppy, it doesn’t matter because Camps Bay Beach is right next to two big tidal pools. Which leads me to my next item…

3. Maidens Cove + Camps Bay Tidal Pools

I’ve grouped these two gorgeous tidal pools together as they sit on either end of Camps Bay Beach.

Maiden’s Cove is on the northern end and Camps Bay Tidal Pool is on the southern end. You really can’t miss the latter as it’s visible from the Camps Bay Strip.

Thanks to its more hidden nature, I find that Maiden’s Cove does tend to be a little quieter, but that’s not to say it doesn’t get busy at times! However, it’s definitely one of the more tranquil places to swim in Camps Bay. 

4. Saunders Rock Beach 

Saunders Rock Beach is a personal favourite swimming spot of mine (in fact, you can read my full guide to visiting here).

There’s a tidal pool and a sandy beach here. During the summer months, it’s a sunset hotspot for the locals in particular.

I usually see lots of Wim Hof enthusiasts getting their 20 minutes down at the rock pool, but everyone is welcome. In fact, I think what really sets Saunders apart is its friendly, welcoming vibe – there’s a real community here! 

It hasn’t quite got the vast, white sand appeal of the Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, but it’s in the perfect position to watch the sunset during the summer. And I do quite like the fact that you can stick to the rocks if you don’t feel like getting all sandy!

During the summer, my friends and I often come to Saunders with a picnic in the evenings. However, it’s also a great beach for a quick dip during the day, as its location is just so convenient.

5. Sea Point Pavilion 

The Sea Point Pavilion (aka the Sea Point Pool) is a big outdoor saltwater pool.

It’s a very popular swimming spot, as there’s an Olympic-sized pool for laps, plus a diving pool and two kiddies’ pools.

I’ve always found the pool and facilities to be very clean, and for R36 per person, it’s a bit of a bargain! Plus, it perches right on the ocean’s edge, so it’s very pretty.

There are a handful of food trucks right outside, too. Personally, I love The Falafel Guy. 

6. Bali Beach

Bali Beach is a great little hidden gem of a beach in Bakoven.

You can actually walk there from Camps Bay, as it’s a beautiful stroll, although it’s easy to find free parking nearby along Victoria Road. We even managed to find parking here on a public holiday during the middle of summer, so you shouldn’t have any trouble! 

The thing I like the most about Bali Beach is how great it is for swimming. The little cove is protected by rocks, which makes a nice, calm bay for swimming in. It’s a great choice for families with young kids!

However, it is a pebble beach and there’s nowhere to rent sunbeds from, so laying on your towel can get a bit uncomfortable after a while. There also aren’t any toilets or other amenities around.

But if you’re looking for a quiet spot to swim in peace, Bali Beach has got you covered. 

7. Water’s Edge Beach and Seaforth Beach

I’ll wager that you’ve probably heard of Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, where visitors can famously go and see the African penguin colony.

This beach is covered in boardwalks and swimming is not allowed, BUT after exploring the main area, you can go swim at one of the nearby public beaches.

These beaches are generally quite sheltered which makes swimming nice and easy, and it’s possible to come across penguins! 

Water’s Edge Beach and Seaforth Beach are both easy to find, so feel free to go for a dip! However, please do remember to be respectful of the penguins and not to touch them. This is for both their sake and yours, since they bite! 

8. The Langebaan Lagoon in West Coast National Park 

I’ve certainly saved the best for last!

No, seriously, the Langebaan Lagoon in West Coast National Park is hands down my favourite place to go for a swim.

It’s one of the best beaches I have ever visited!

Seriously, after a summer of dunking myself in the freezing cold sea at the Clifton Beaches, I couldn’t believe how warm the water was in comparison.

It’s calm and fairly shallow, too, so it’s perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating contentedly! 

The lagoon is a 1.5-hour drive north of Cape Town, so it’s not great for a spontaneous swim.

However, during the summer months, it’s easy to load up the car and head here to escape the crowds. Just make sure to bring a cool box full of food and drink!

The beaches in Cape Town are stunning but I do think the lagoon is a real must-see. It’s 100% worth the drive and the entry fees (R78 for locals and R128 for internationals during the summer season).

I can’t wait to go back again! 

Thanks so much for reading this post! Nothing beats a refreshing swim on a hot day in beautiful Cape Town, so I hope it helps you to find your perfect spot. And if you need more ideas on what to get up to in the Mother City, feel free to check out the following: 

• Where to Go Whale Watching in Cape Town in 2024
• 20 Best Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day in Cape Town
• My Favourite Cape Town Tours – RANKED!