7 unique coastal adventures exclusive to the Western Cape
If you want coastal experiences that are truly unique and unforgettable, the Western Cape is the place to go.
The Western Cape’s coastline offers more than beauty—it delivers wild diversity and unique moments you won’t find anywhere else.
You can explore penguin-filled beaches and hike along cliffs, as this province makes the ocean the star of the show.
Here are seven coastal experiences that capture the true essence of the Western Cape…
1. Swim with penguins at Boulders Beach
Sure, you can find penguins in other places. But waddling alongside them as they sunbathe on white sand and slip into turquoise water? That’s a coastal experience only to be had in Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. These African penguins are a protected species, and this is one of the few places in the world where you can swim just metres from them. No cages, no shows, just you, the sea, and a few hundred tuxedoed locals.
2. Road trip the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive isn’t just any road, it’s a 9km stretch of coastal perfection. Carved into the mountainside, it winds along the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. With its hairpin bends and sweeping Atlantic views, driving this route offers as much excitement as capturing it through your camera. Make sure to stop frequently at the viewpoints, you’ll want to take it all in!
3. Whale watching in Hermanus, Western Cape
From June to November, southern right whales migrate to the waters off Hermanus to mate and calve. The town is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on Earth. Stand on the cliff path and watch them breach, tail-slap, or cruise lazily past. There’s even a “whale crier” who sounds a horn to alert you when a sighting is near.
4. Dune sledding in Atlantis, Western Cape
Just outside Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes offer a slice of white desert by the sea. Strap on a sandboard or hop on a 4×4 and fly down dunes with Table Mountain in the distance. It’s a surreal mix: ocean air, blazing sun, and a powdery landscape that feels like another planet.
5. Surf Muizenberg’s waves
The Western Cape’s Muizenberg is where most people in the province learned to surf, and it’s still the most accessible break for beginners. The waves are mellow, the vibe is laid-back, and the bright beach huts add a pop of personality. Surf schools line the beachfront, ready to get you up and riding, no experience needed.
6. Explore the sea caves of De Kelders
De Kelders may not have the same buzz as other coastal towns, but it deserves it. Its limestone cliffs are filled with caves that lead straight to the sea. At low tide, you can wander through these ancient chambers, watch the tides rush in, and even catch sight of whales from the cave entrances. This offers a raw, untamed coastal adventure unlike any typical tourist route.
7. Sunset at Cape Point, Western Cape
At the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, where two oceans seem to meet in a clash of waves and wind, the Western Cape’s Cape Point delivers one of the most dramatic sunset spots in Africa. Hike up to the old lighthouse, stand at the edge of the cliffs, and watch the sky burn orange over the vast Atlantic. It’s the kind of view that makes everything else go quiet.