Gay Beaches in Cape Town

Cape Town combines all the benefits of city living with the possibility of laying on a gay beach to sunbathe during the day or to enjoy the animation of the seafront in the evening or at night. The wst side of the Cape is also known as Cape Town's Riviera, which begins at the V and A Waterfront on the north shore and ends at Hout Bay. Inbetween is one of the most breathtaking scenic drives you are likely to encounter anywhere.

The beaches endless hours of shunshine, compared to European Beaches and the sunsets are truly spectacular with the sun disappearing over the horizon right before your eyes! No high rises her to spoil your view!

If you are staying in the city, allow at least one day to make the drive south of the city along the coast.

Camps Bay

The Platinum Mile of Camps Bay is a long, sandy beach with palm trees and a stunning promenade lined with trendy restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars. This is where the bold and the beautify of Cape Town mingle with visitors to the city against one of the most beautiful backdrops of Lion’s Head and the 12 Apostles. Camps Bay is very popular for sundowners and in hot weather it’s a beach paradise!

Camps Bay Map

 

Sandy Bay Map

Sandy Bay is a nude beach frequented by many gays and lesbians, and one of the prettiest beaches in the area.Follow the signs (and the crowds) down to the walking path entrance,
which you will recognize by the soft drink vendors parked there. The walk to the beach is about fifteen minutes, so bring along anything you might need. The gay section is at the far end. On weekends, try to arrive by 9:30 or 10:00am, or you may have to walk another ten minutes from the nearest parking space. The bushes at the back offer more than just a quiet stroll! The beach is one of the most beautiful on the Cape. Tucked beneath the steep cliffs it is a mixture of soft white sand and large boulders called Sunset Rocks.

Clifton Thrid beach is where the local gay boys hang out (The third beach of the five numbered beaches at Clifton, known as Clifton 3). Glancing around the absolutely gorgeous powdery white, boulder-dotted of Clifton Third surrounded by multi-million rand bungalows creeping up a sheer mountain, it’s easy to forget that the riches on display here — mansions that would put Malibu to shame, not to mention oiled-up bodies that barely fit in their speedos — are an anomaly and not the norm. (Well, except for the muscles; Cape Town is rife in hot men!)

Clifton Beach Map

 

*Note - This area is under redevelopment - The area in Sea Point known as "Graaff's Pool" is also popular, but has become more seedy of late. Graaff's is more of a nude sunbathing platform/cruise area than a swimming pool. You'll recognize it by the concrete steps and platform extending into the surf on the beach in Sea Point. This men-only nude sunbathing spot has a straight side and a gay side; it's not hard to tell the difference.

Map of Gay Beaches in Cape Town

Click on the link to display the beach » Sandy Bay I Camps Bay I Clifton Beach I

Other Beaches

Llandudno

Llaududno is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. Perfect for that "wish you were here" photograph, it is located in one of Cape Town's most exclusive neighbourboods. Parking here can be difficult, but it means that the beaches are less crowded. Popular with Surfers due to the strong currents and high surf.

Big Bay

Full of lovely rock pools (warm when compared to the Atlantic), Big Bay has some stunning views of Table Mountain and the Bay.

Table View

Head to Table View and book a restaurant to take in some of the most spectacular sunsets off Dolphin Beach. Watch as the kitesurfers amaze you with their acrobatic endeavours!

Milnerton

Famous for its lighthouse, Milnerton is a beautiful beach with several beach cafes and restaurants.

Mouille Point, Seapoint and Three Anchor Bay

Not so much a beach... more of a promenade that passes right by the sea. Popular with families, joggers, dog walkers etc....

Hout Bay

Resembling one of those spectacular opening scenes from a bond movie, Hout Bay is located in a well protected harbour. With a traditional pier and fish and chips by the dozen, this beach offers everything from whale spotting to horse riding.

Noordhoek Beach

Noordhoek beach, at the end of Chapman’s Peak drive and south of Hout Bay, has a gorgeous, incredibly wide expanse of sand perfect for long walks, horse riding and local surfers. Views of the bay are spectacular and the beach is lined with dunes that offer shelter from the wind. The beach borders on local wetlands and because of its size, is rather isolated so swimming or walking on your own are probably not a good idea.

Long Beach

Long Beach at Kommetjie is just that, a long, sandy beach very popular with surfers. There is also a large tidal pool here great for swimming with some spectacular views.

Witsands



Witsands, between Kommetjie and Scarborough, is popular with surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers alike. For locals, this is a haven as it’s further from Cape Town and thus not very well known. The beach is big and there are plenty of sand dunes, which contribute to the beauty of the natural surrounds.

Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs is wonderfully remote with some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic. Waves here can get notoriously big, so it isn’t really a swimmers paradise and even surfers take along an extra fin. It is popular with locals, divers and those wanting to escape it all.

Scarborough

Scarborough is the last residential suburb before Cape Point. The beach is large with plenty of sand for sunbathing, popular with surfers and body boarders and has some beautiful views. Because it’s so far from Cape Town, it never gets crowded here although it can get busy in summer. When the wind blows, it’s an ideal spot for flying kites and kitesurfing.