Cape Townians are some of the strangest creatures, delighting in waking up before the sun has risen and going for icy cold dips in the ocean. I confess, I am one of these strange Cape Townians and I take great pleasure in a freezing cold ocean swim (although it’s mostly not before sunrise). There are so many beautiful Cape Town tidal pools to choose from and so I’ve compiled a list of my personal favourites. The autumn months of March, April and May are some of the mildest in Cape Town with moderate temperatures, no wind and the most glorious sunsets and sunrises. Why not make the most of this weather with a tidal pool swim. Let me know in the comments below which is your favourite of the best tidal pools in Cape Town!
Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay? For budget travellers check out Never at Home, Kloof Street. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or stay at or Kloof Street Hotel to be in the heart of the city.
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Dalebrook Tidal Pool is a firm favourite. This once lesser known spot in Kalk Bay has since become very popular. It’s still a fantastic spot for a sunrise swim.
Feeling brave enough to swim in the icy Atlantic waters? Camps Bay tidal pool is a lovely big tidal pool with a glorious view of the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head.
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The new Dalebrook in my opinion. This lesser known spot has beautiful views across the Fish Hoek Bay and is much quieter than Dalebrook. Just located on the other side on Kalk Bay, Woolley’s is a great alternative to busy Dalebrook.
My new local swimming spot! Located in Bantry Bay at the end of the Seapoint Promenade, Saunder’s Rock is a small tidal pool. It also has a bit of beach which is nice for those wanting a tidal pool swim but love the feeling of the sand between their toes. This spot is nicely populated around sunrise and sunset. In the middle of the day it can be a little on the quiet side and more unsafe.
This is a new addition to the Best Tidal Pools in Cape town list but one that is very deserving of that title. I only recently discovered the wonders of Miller’s Point tidal pool and will definitely be coming back for more soon. This spot is a little further than the others but very worth the drive. The pool is big and overlooks the whole of False Bay out towards the Kogelberg mountains.
What’s not to love about the colourful wendy houses of St James? This is probably the biggest tidal pool on the False Bay side and a lovely spot for kids.
There are so many lovely tidal pools around Cape Town, but these are my best ones. Which of these have you been to and which of these are you keen to try out?
Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay? For budget travellers check out Once in Cape Town. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or check out this trendy apartment in the heart of Cape Town.
For more Cape Town adventures why not check out my blogs on Cape Town Cafes That’ll Give You All The Bali Vibes, Best Sunset Spots in Cape Town, The Bo-Kaap , Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike or my Top 10 Hikes in Cape Town .
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