7. Blouberg Beach
For the famous postcard view of Table Mountain head to Blouberg Beach. Nothing beats a fresh early morning walk enjoying the extraordinary views. The beach is popular for kite-boarding– a sport that has taken the city by storm. Big Bay beach, just north of Blouberg is a secluded beach well worth a visit – the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream on a hot summers day.
As you stand on Blouberg Beach, looking at one of the most beautiful mountains on earth, you can only imagine how the first Europeans must have felt when they approached the southern tip of Africa. This is the most recognised view of Table Mountain and has become part of the city’s proud image.
The beach boasts some of Cape Town’s finest surfing, kite boarding, boardsailing and angling spots and is extremely popular during summer months. Several big beach events are held here over the December school holidays and it becomes very busy.
Take note that the whole area between Sunset Beach and Blouberg is one long stretch of white sand, and if Blouberg is too crowded head to the open spaces between these two beaches.
From August till November months the whales arrive and can sometimes be seen at Blouberg when they visit Table Bay to mate and calf. Although this is not the best whale watching site in Cape Town you can sometimes be lucky and spot them very close-by. (For whale watching see Hermanus)
Blouberg is the perfect place to fly a kite – an activity that is enjoyed by all ages. Buy yourself a colourful one at the Kite Shop in the V&A Waterfront before heading to the beach.
For the more adventurous at heart kite-boarding has hit the city by storm and is becoming just as popular as surfing. Visit the Windsports shop in Blouberg to hire your kiteboard. For those not so brave it is just as pleasant to watch when the wind lifts them several meters up into the air as they shoot over magnificent waves.
Further north you will find the intimate Big Bay beach – this beach is not as crowded as Blouberg and is almost undiscovered. There is a nice fish and chips shop and the beach has a typical summer feel to it – with just the pier missing. It is also very popular with local surfers. Walk in a northern direction to see some spectacular sand dunes on your right side. There are currently huge development plans for the Big Bay area and only time will tell how this beautiful beach will be like in future.
After a relaxing day visit the famous Blu Peter Hotel where locals and tourists gather to watch the beautiful sunset with Table Mountain in the backdrop. The hotel serves good food with even better views. Everyone gathers on the grass in front as the sun sets spectacularly over the ocean. Another perfect day.
Travel tip On a hot morning get out of bed, grab that novel and head down sea level for a spot on paradise. Be careful of the African sun though, especially when you arrive from a northern hemisphere winter. Always use a very high sunscreen factor during the first few days of your holiday. Stay out of the sun between 12 am and 15 pm. Remember, the African sun is the hottest of them all.
How to get there
From the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (corner of Coen Steytler Ave and Buitengracht street) take the N1 highway / Table Way Blvd towards Bellville. Turn left at the Paarden Eiland / Milnerton turnoff into Marine Drive (R27).
Continue with Marine Drive through the industrial area all the way to Sunset Beach. For Sunset beach turn left into Ocean Way. For Blouberg continue on with Marine Drive and turn left into Otto du Plessis Drive. Blouberg beach is located on your left side all along the road. There are a view shops and some nice restaurants a little bit further on your right.
For Big Bay and Blu Peter Hotel drive further on with Otto du Plessis and take the first left turnoff past Blouberg Beach, which is Sir David Baird Drive. Continue until you see Popham Street and turn left. You will see the Blu Peter Hotel on your right side. You can park here and walk further north along the beach to Big Bay.
Travel checklist
- Early morning walk on Blouberg Beach
- Explored the coastal area between Sunset Beach and Blouberg on foot
- Spotted a whale!
- Flew a kite or tried kite boarding
- Walked over to Big Bay beach from Blu Peter
- Visited the famous Blu Peter hotel to watch the sunset
Useful numbers
Blu Peter Hotel 021 554 1956
Windsports shop 021 556 2765
The Kite Shop 021 421 6231
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