Brenton-on-Sea Beach

Situated on the Garden Route some 15 kilometres west of Knysna in Western Cape province, Brenton-on-Sea Beach extends its light sands for approximately three kilometres.

Largely undeveloped due to official protection afforded to the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly (most easily sighted from the end of October until December), the sound of the warm Indian Ocean waves is likely to be all you’ll hear if you decide to pay this idyllic stretch of South African coast a visit.

A lagoon separated from the ocean by sea cliffs provides a gentler place to paddle than the beach itself, with the cliffs also acting as a great look out for some of our planet’s most loved creatures – dolphins and whales. Three different species of whale can be spotted from Brenton Beach: visiting southern right and humpback whales, and the lesser-known Bryde’s whale, which resides here right around the year.

When it comes to pastimes, paragliders make use of the sometimes windy conditions, while local anglers are often found on Castle Rock or amid the rock pools surrounded by mussel beds. Enjoying Brenton Beach is relatively easy thanks to a dedicated car park, although spaces can be hard to come by during peak season.