The Eastern Cape coastline stretches 800 kilometres.
The water’s warm, and so are the people.
You won’t be disappointed at any beaches, but for family outings, these are the best options.
Seven Family-Friendly Beaches Close to Gqeberha
Whether you want a beach in the city or don’t mind a short drive, these are your options close to Gqeberqa.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach is a blue flag beach in Humewood.
The beach is ideal for a long day of sunbathing and water activities, because it stretches 1.6 kilometres and has lifeguards.
There’s also plenty for children to do at the nearby playground and go-karting close to the parking centre.
Hobie Beach
Another blue flag, Hobie Beach also has a 5-star rating.
The beach has fluffy white sand and lifeguards. It’s perfect for sunbathing and watersports. It’s also close to staple fast food restaurants, so if you forget to pack a picnic, you won’t have to abandon your beach setup.
Maitland Beach
This is a long, flat white sand beach in Uitenhage. It’s roughly a 25-minute drive from Gqeberha along the N2.
The beach is perfect for building sand castles without large crowds.
However, there are no lifeguards on duty.
Blue Horizon Bay
Tucked away from the city centre and just beside Maitland Beach is Blue Horizon Bay Beach.
Consider this a “secret beach” known mainly to locals.
But if you’re willing to drive the 30 minutes from Gqeberha, you can explore the fairly isolated beach and its gorgeous white sand.
Kini Bay Beach
Although there isn’t a lifeguard on duty, this is a great family beach because children can play safely in the naturally formed rock pools.
This is also an explorer’s paradise.
It’s a local favourite and a 25-minute drive from Gqeberha.
Sardinia Bay Beach
Sardinia Bay Beach is one of Gqeberha’s highest-rated beaches. It’s a 25-minute drive from the city centre, but it’s worth the trek.
There aren’t crowds. The beach is large. The sand is white. And there’s a large green space where the family can picnic, and children can play.
Being in the Sardinia Nature Reserve, you can be sure the beach is clean and pristine.
Kabeljous Beach
If you’re okay taking a bit of a drive or if you’re staying close to Jeffrey’s Bay, visit Kabeljous Beach.
It’s 45 minutes from Gqeberha, but great if you want to avoid crowds and want a family-friendly day.
There’s a small playground, green space, and flat white sand.
The water’s also fairly calm, perfect for young children.