Maclear Beach

One of Cape Town’s quieter and more secluded beaches, Maclear Beach lies close to Cape Point at the tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Half hidden behind rocky headlands, the beach is a short walk from the car park through native fynbos vegetation, behind the famous Cape Point sign marking the most south-westerly point in Africa.

While facing west and out into the Atlantic means the waters off the white sands of Maclear Beach can be quite cold, it is both sheltered and shallow enough for a swim. However, the most popular activities on Maclear Beach are diving and fishing, with both crayfish and predatory yellowtail kingfish to look out for, although pre-arranged permits are required.

Maclear Beach’s rockier areas have also resulted in a number of rock pools, should diving not be on the agenda or you’re travelling with young children.