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Looking for a Perfect Swim? Discover 10 Amazing Spots in Cape Town!
If you’re searching for the perfect place to cool off and take a dip, look no further than Cape Town. This beautiful coastal city is home to numerous incredible swimming spots that are sure to delight. Here, I’ll introduce you to ten of the best spots, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
1. Camps Bay Tidal Pool
The Camps Bay Tidal Pool is a pristine swimming area nestled between the mountains and the ocean. This secluded spot offers calm waters and breathtaking views, making it perfect for a relaxing swim.
2. Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s divided into four beaches, each with its own atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant social scene or a more tranquil experience, Clifton Beach has something for everyone.
3. Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is famous for its resident penguin colony. Imagine swimming in the company of these adorable creatures! This sheltered beach is ideal for families and offers calm waters that are perfect for a leisurely swim.
4. Oudekraal Beach
Oudekraal Beach is a hidden gem nestled between two rocky cliffs. With its clear blue waters and stunning surroundings, it feels like a private paradise. This spot is great for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
5. Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful beach huts. This popular spot is perfect for beginners, as it offers gentle waves that are ideal for learning to surf.
6. Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a picturesque nudist beach that offers unrivaled natural beauty. Tucked away at the base of sand dunes, it provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility that is unmatched.
7. Silvermine Reservoir
Silvermine Reservoir is a man-made dam surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush vegetation. This spot is perfect for a refreshing swim after a hike in the nearby nature reserve.
8. St. James Beach
St. James Beach is home to the iconic colorful beach huts and boasts warm, calm waters that are perfect for swimming. This family-friendly spot also offers rock pools that are great for exploring.
9. Dalebrook Tidal Pool
Dalebrook Tidal Pool is a hidden gem situated between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. This natural tidal pool offers a tranquil swimming experience, with its protective seawalls ensuring calm waters all year round.
10. Beta Beach
Beta Beach offers stunning views of the iconic Twelve Apostles mountain range. This secluded swimming spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, if you’re in Cape Town and looking for the perfect swimming spot, be sure to check out these incredible locations. Each one offers a unique experience, from breathtaking views to tranquil waters. Take a dip and enjoy the beauty of Cape Town!
So, I decided to do something different and take swimming lessons. I wanted to get back in touch with the water and have some fun. Let me tell you about the places I’ve already been to and the ones I’m excited to check out before winter arrives.
One reason I wanted to swim more was because I had a terrible experience on a boat recently. I felt so stuck and immobile that it really bothered me. But the main reason I decided to dive back into swimming was to challenge the stereotype that black people can’t swim. I wanted to prove that wrong and show that I could conquer the water. I may not be going to the Olympics, but that’s okay. I’m going to explore some amazing swimming spots in Cape Town instead. Here are a few that I’ve already been to, and some that I’m planning to visit before winter is here.
So there I was, at Long Beach in Simons Town, ready for a swim. The sun was shining, and the water looked inviting. But I couldn’t help but remember a few years ago when I had a terrible swimming instructor.
This instructor had a unique teaching style, to say the least. Instead of getting in the water with us, she preferred to sit outside the pool, filing her nails. As we struggled to relax our bodies and float, she would yell instructions at us.
Her first command was to relax and float. But before we could even attempt to do that, she changed her mind and told us to paddle our feet against the wall. It was all very confusing. I looked around at the other 7 confused faces, wondering if any of us were doing it right.
And just when we were starting to figure it out, she introduced the concept of different levels. Apparently, some people were more advanced than others and had to move on to different stages. This meant that while some of us were still trying to paddle our feet, others were already moving on to more advanced skills.
As for me, I was stuck by the wall, paddling my feet for four whole lessons. I quickly grew frustrated and eventually quit taking lessons altogether. It was clear that this instructor wasn’t the right fit for me.
As soon as I arrived in Claremont, I met up with Brent Abrahams from Simply Swimming. It had been eight years since I started swimming and realized that I didn’t want to give up. I was relieved to see that I wouldn’t be joined by seven other people for the lesson. And I was especially glad to see that Brent, unlike some instructors, would actually get in the pool with me instead of staying on the sidelines and shouting orders.
‘Welcome, welcome! You’re right on time!’ he greeted me excitedly.
Instead of keeping me close to the wall, just doing some basic exercises with my feet (both Brent and I agreed that I needed more practice in that area), he was patient with me. He praised my progress and encouraged me to relax and have confidence in my ability to move in the water.
“Don’t be afraid of the water, Mr. Welcome! It’s great to see how relaxed you are. Just remember to paddle your feet and take your arm strokes slowly. You have really long arms, which is an advantage. Stay relaxed and let your feet do most of the work,” the instructor said.
Excited, I jumped into the pool and started paddling my feet as fast as I could. When I reached the other end, I looked back at the instructor. He had a big smile on his face and said, “That’s awesome, Mr. Welcome! You’re a fast learner, aren’t you?”
After six lessons, I felt ready to start my journey towards winning gold medals at the Olympics. But for now, I’ll settle for practicing my new swimming skills in the amazing pools of Cape Town before winter arrives.”
If you’re like me, and you want to learn how to swim or improve your skills, you should definitely check out Simply Swimming. They offer affordable lessons for only R100 for registration and R107 for a 30-minute lesson. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, they can help you become more confident in the water. Personally, I found that taking about six lessons was enough to see significant improvement.
1. Simon’s Town, Long beach
I love Long Beach because it’s the perfect place to go for a swim. The waves are really small because of the nearby ports, so the water is very calm. You’ll see all kinds of people swimming here, from beginners to experts. One time, I even saw a mom teaching her teenage son how to float. It was amazing! The water is so peaceful and relaxing. I make it a point to swim here as much as I can before winter comes. Plus, there’s a train that can drop you off right by the beach. How convenient is that?
2. The Incredible Rooftop Pool at Pepper Hotel and Spa
The pool on the roof of Pepper Hotel and Spa is not too big. You can swim in the pool and see the whole city and mountains while you sit in the sun. The pool is on the 8th floor of the hotel. You can eat a light lunch there after you swim. If you want to contact the hotel, their number is 0218128888 and their website is pepperclub.co.za/swimming-pool. The pool is open 24 hours a day.
3. There is also a sky-bar lounge called The Vue.
Hey there! I’ve got a great recommendation for you. There’s this super cool and fancy bar right in the center of Cape Town that has an awesome pool with breathtaking views. Seriously, you won’t believe it until you see it! It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, especially if you’re sipping on a delicious cocktail. Just picture yourself floating on the pool, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the stunning view of Cape Town. It’s like a dream come true!
If you want to visit, here’s how you can get in touch: Give them a call at 021 418 3065 or check out their website at the-vue.com.
Oh, and here are their opening hours: You can visit them any day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, between 7am and 10pm. So go ahead, treat yourself and have an amazing time!
4. Trafalgar Swimming Pool
Welcome to the Olympic-sized pool where you can showcase your swimming skills and fitness by completing laps. If you’re worried about being judged, don’t fret; try visiting during the day when it’s not too crowded. Now, if you’re looking to make a grand entrance, consider going on weekends when folks gather for picnics on the grass and enjoy the spectacle of people like you and me. Keep in mind that the pool is temporarily unavailable on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 8am to 10am, as it’s reserved for an aquatic club. Conveniently located in the heart of Woodstock, this pool is easily accessible to everyone.
Contact: Give them a ring at 0214615060, or visit their website at westerncape.gov.za/facility/trafalgar-park-swimming-pool-woodstock to find out more.
Times: The pool is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Cost: Admission costs R3.00 for adults and R1.00 for children.
5. Sea Point Pavilion
Guess what? If you head over to Sea Point, you’ll find the most popular swimming style there is the relaxed dog paddle. It’s the place to be if you want to enjoy the sun and the beautiful ocean views without all that pesky sand. Sea Point is always in vacation mode, which makes this pool the perfect spot for a day of fun in Cape Town. And the best part? There are not one, but two smaller pools, and even a shallow pool for the little ones to splash around in. How cool is that?
Contact: You can call them at 0214343341 or visit their website at westerncape.gov.za/facility/sea-point-pavillion-swimming-pool
Times: It’s open from 7 am to 7 pm in the summer and 9 am to 5 pm in the winter.
Cost: If you’re an adult, it’s R21.00 to get in and R10.50 for the kids. Not bad at all!
6. Newlands swimming pool
The Newlands Swimming pool is a great place to swim for people of all levels – whether you’re an athlete, a local swimmer, or just visiting. It’s a big pool, just like the ones they use in the Olympics! The best part is that it has an amazing view of the mountains. And guess what? There’s even a grassy area where your friend can sit and watch you swim. It’s so peaceful and relaxing! If you want to go, you can call 0216744197 or visit westerncape.gov.za/facility/newlands-swimming-pool to find out more. The pool is open every day from 10am to 5pm, so you have plenty of time to swim and enjoy the scenery. And the cost? It’s only R15.00 for adults and R7.00 for kids. So grab your swimsuit and dive in!
This fancy rooftop pool is small, making it the perfect spot for a quick swim on a hot day before sipping on some refreshing drinks in this trendy location. The rooftop and pool bar has cleverly utilized their space, offering patrons the chance to enjoy a variety of drinks while taking a dip in the pool. If you’re itching for a new and exciting experience, this is the place to be.
In case you want to get in touch, here are the contact details: 0766430287, [email protected] The pool is open every Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am until sunset, providing ample time for you to enjoy the cool waters. However, there is a minimum spend requirement of R150 if you wish to use the pool. It’s a small price to pay for a great time!
Imagine a special kind of pool that appears magically right next to the ocean every time the tide gets high. These unique pools are called tidal pools. They’re filled with saltwater from the sea, and they’re absolutely fascinating! I’m telling you, there’s something truly captivating about these pools. You can find some of them along the coast of Muizenberg and Simon’s Town, and they’re so easy to spot that even from the train, you can catch a glimpse. But out of all the tidal pools in the area, the one in Kalk Bay is a standout. Trust me, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Welcome to Kalk Bay tidal pool, situated along the stunning Indian Ocean. The water here is special because it’s warmer than usual. That means you can enjoy a relaxing swim without having to worry about big, crashing waves. Isn’t that amazing?
9. Boulders Beach, Simons Town
When you visit Boulders Beach, located on the Indian Ocean, you’ll have the chance to experience something truly unique. This beautiful beach is not only a popular spot for swimming, but it’s also home to a special creature – the African penguin. These adorable animals roam freely among the beachgoers, providing a delightful surprise for anyone lucky enough to see them. The water at Boulders Beach is warm and calm, perfect for those who may be new to swimming or feeling a little nervous. With the mountains surrounding the beach, the wind and waves are kept to a minimum, creating a peaceful atmosphere for all. So, take a refreshing dip in the water and keep an eye out for these charming penguins that call Boulders Beach their home.
Need to get in touch? Give them a call at 0217862329 or visit their website at sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php.
What about the cost? There is a conservation fee of R65 that helps support the preservation of this unique beach and its incredible wildlife.
