Sunset swims are taking over this summer.
If you want to catch a wave, enjoy the warmer weather and watch a gorgeous Cape Town sunset, visit these beaches.
Six Beaches for a Relaxing Sunset Swim
If you want the sunset aesthetic without the crowds, and the option to launch your paddle board and relax in the water, these are your best options.
Atlantic Seaboard and Table Bay
If you’re willing to take a dunk along the Atlantic Seaboard, expect frigid temperatures.
This isn’t the kind of dunk you take to wind down. In summer, the water temperatures along the Atlantic Seaboard peak at 19°C.
But when Cape Town’s temperatures exceed 30°C, these dunks can be refreshing.
Three Anchor Bay Beach
The water in Three Anchor Bay is calm.
It’s easy to access with ample parking beside the beach or opposite Beach Road near Shell.
In the warmer months, the beach gets busy. But not as busy as Saunders Rock or other beaches in and around Sea Point.
From the beach, you can catch the last rays of the sunset, but you won’t get a clear view since the sun sets closer to Camps Bay in summer.
However, in the winter months like July, the sun sets opposite the bay.
Glen Beach
Glen Beach is next to Camps Bay. Yet it doesn’t get the crowds of Camps Bay or Clifton.
The water’s cool, but the crowds and sunset atmosphere are great.
From the water, you get spectacular sunset views in late spring and early summer.
Big Bay Beach
The sunset from Big Bay is magnificent. You can get the mountain and the warm hues from the beach.
There’s also ample parking and space.
But your swim will be impacted by the tides and wind. Check both before heading to Big Bay for a swim.
False Bay
Along False Bay, the water’s warmer, influenced by the Agulhas Current.
Since it’s on the eastern side of the city, the sunset view isn’t as vibrant and is essentially sunless.
But you do get diffuse, cascading colours.
Fish Hoek Beach
Fish Hoek isn’t as crowded as Muizenberg because it’s further down on False Bay.
But the beach can get busy.
Typically it quiets down in the evening, perfect for a sunset swim.
But be aware of your surroundings. Sharks swim closer to shore in spring and summer, and when the sun begins to set, they rely on their other senses to find prey.
If you see the Shark Spotters removing the shark exclusion net, consider getting out of the water.
Water’s Edge Beach
Water’s Edge Beach is between Seaforth and Boulders.
A sunset swim at Water’s Edge comes with calm waters, views, and the occasional penguin.
The nearest parking is the Seaforth parking. From the parking lot, walk toward Boulders Beach; there’s a tiny passage just after Water’s Edge Pre-Primary leading to the beach.
When Boulders is open, the Seaforth parking fills up. If you want a relaxing sunset swim at Water’s Edge, wait for closing.
In October and November, Boulders closes at 18:30; in December and January, it closes at 19:30.
Fisherman’s Beach
Fisherman’s Beach is the secret beach of secret beaches in Simon’s Town. It’s about a 3-minute drive from Seaforth.
But there’s no parking along the beach.
Instead, it’s either a 30-minute walk from Boulders Beach, or you can pay R50 for parking at Simon’s Town Country Club and walk down.
But because it’s secluded, expect to be sunset swimming without the masses.
Some honourable mentions include Llandudno and Bakoven Beach. But if you’re in Cape Town at sunset, you can turn any beach into a sunset swim beach.