South Africa is unique in that it is nestled between two oceans – giving locals and international visitors a wide variety of choice when it comes to seaside offerings. Use our insider’s guide to make the most of your holiday experience.

Western Cape:

Cape Town

Boulders Beach: Enjoy the warm Indian Ocean currents at this local favourite. It is also home to the Cape’s penguin colony.

Bikini Beach: Located next to Gordon’s Bay harbour and close to Stellenbosch University it is the playground of bikini clad students - warm waters offer safe bathing conditions.

Camps Bay: One of South Africa’s most popular beaches, and one that has played host to many an international star. It is also a favourite filming location. But be warned these icy Atlantic waters make it more about the tanning than swimming.

Clifton: This is the playground of the beautiful. It is divided into First, Second, Third, and Fourth beach, separated by large boulders. Third is the playground of the Gay community, while Fourth beach is known to be the best place to escape the Cape Doctor, Cape Town’s notorious South Easter Wind. Only accessible via steep steps means it’s not disabled-friendly.

Clovelly: This strip of beach is only accessible by crossing the Southern Suburbs railway line. It can be notoriously windy but warm waters make it a great retreat. Fish Hoek: A popular stretch of beach even though it is notorious for its great white shark population. Shark spotters and lifeguards are continuously on standby though.

Grotto Beach: Close to the seaside town of Hermanus this beach is just over an hour’s drive out of Cape Town and is the perfect escape for city-dwellers or visitors.

Hawston Beach: The little town of Hawston offers spectacular views of the Cape Coastline. It has a special rural appeal and with its protected dunes it is a must-visit for any holidaymaker to the coast.

Hout Bay: A Quaint fishing community that is fast turning into a bustling cosmopolitan escape for city professionals. This beach may be more popular for its seafood offerings at Mariner’s Wharf than for its swimming – but all in all it can offer a delightful day beside the sea.

 Kleinmond Beach: Renowned as a whale watching destination, this natural beach is set at the mouth of the Kleinmond Lagoon. Llandudno: Another Atlantic Coast beach that may not rival Camps Bay’s reputation but the surrounding mansions make it a millionaire’s playground.

Long Beach: Its views can be sampled from Chapman's Peak Drive and it has been described as the city’s best walking beach. Horse Rides are also offered on this beach for the more adventurous.

Muizenburg: A surfer’s paradise! This long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline has the perfect conditions, making it popular with the surfing community. The extreme waves at Surfer’s Corner and Dungeons have seen it host annual International surfing competitions such as the Red Bull Big Wave.

 Mnandi Beach: A favourite with the Cape Flats residents of Khayelitsha and Strandfontein. Its currents can be dangerous at times but the waterslides at the pavilion offer a fun recreational alternative.

Simon's Town: Home to the South Africa Military Naval base, the area is more about exploring the country’s naval history. Revellers can access the ocean at Sea forth, an off-the-beaten track strip of beach, before or after sampling the quaint restaurants and shops in the town.

St James: Another popular surfing beach with its much-photographed multi-coloured changing rooms, which are more aesthetically appealing than practically useful. Its tidal pools, dotted along the Southern Suburbs railway line, make swimming in the Indian Ocean a sheer delight for kids.

Garden Route

Lookout Beach: Plettenberg Bay is an established local holiday destination with a charm all its own. Locals descend on the Garden Route town during the holidays and its beaches offer great views of the neighbouring Outeniqua Mountains.

Noetzie: This is Knysna’s ocean offering. While the sea can become quite rough at times, the beach is perfect for a romantic walk, while you’re watched over by the medieval-style castles rising out of the lush foliage.

Stilbaai Beach: Named for its tranquillity, this beach offers access to the point where the Gaukau River meets the warm Indian Ocean. Deemed the perfect rest and relaxation spot, it can be found three-and-a-half hours out of Cape Town.

East London De Hoop Nature Reserve: Found on the Whale Coast, the rock pools of this reserve's beaches make for a unique experience.

 Eastern Cape

Dolphin Beach:A popular bathing beach found near the well-known holiday destination Jeffery’s Bay.

Humewood Beach: Located in the Nelson Mandela Metro and adjacent to the landmark Happy Valley, this beach boasts excellent facilities for disabled people. The neighbouring promenade makes it easy for beachgoers to opt for some shopping after a day in the sun.

Kelly's Beach: This strip of beach is situated 1,5km from the Kowie River estuary mouth and its piers. It also offers bathers the opportunity to view whales in season.

Kings Beach: Humewood Beach is a short distance away from this Nelson Mandela Metro beach, which is popular with swimmers and also provides access to the promenade and neighbouring shops.

Port St Johns: One of the better-known spots on the Wild Coast. At Port St John’s second beach you’ll find a crescent-shaped playground, while further down the coast you can enjoy the secluded Umngazi beach.

 Wells Estate Beach: It is found on the Wells Estate, a large recreational centre, just outside Port Elizabeth. There are also opportunities to see dolphins and whales from this beach.

Kwazulu-Natal Addington Beach: This beach is perfectly situated close to the Ushaka multi-million rand development and Marine World, on Durban’s Golden Mile. It offers safe swimming conditions and allows revellers to hop across to Ushaka or simply enjoy some sunbathing.

Bronze Beach, Umhlanga: This beach has been described as one of Durban’s hidden gems. It is the quieter alternative to Umhlanga Rocks with sand dunes adding to its natural feel. Hibberdene Beach: This is a relatively narrow beach located on the Hibiscus Coast. The warm Indian Ocean offers good waves and the location offers a grassy picnic area.

Margate Beach: This is one of the busiest beaches along the south coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Its warm waters make swimming possible throughout the year.

North Beach: This beach is found at the heart of Durban’s beachfront and is a popular swimming spot. The beach serves a number of hotels and often plays host to annual events. Taking a rickshaw ride is easy from the neighbouring promenade.

Ramsgate Beach: The transformation of this beach’s natural vegetation into a park-like area has worked well. There are restaurants located close by, which adds to the all-round experience.

Umhlanga Rocks Beach: This is one of South Africa’s most popular beaches. It is 15km away from Durban’s city centre and beachgoers will find a wide selection of shops, eateries and hotels to enjoy.