Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town

Rated as one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Camps Bay Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town and favourite Cape Town beaches in South Africa.

Q: Is Camps Bay Beach a Blue Flag Beach?

Yes.  Camps Bay Beach is one of the 41 Blue Flag Beaches in South Africa. Camps Bay Beach was awarded Blue Flag status in 2008.

Q: What is a Blue Flag Beach?

The Blue Flag status is awarded by the FEE [Foundation for Environmental Education] to beaches and marinas that meet their criteria with regards to high environmental and quality standards.
The FEE criteria include:

• Environmental Education and Information
• Water Quality
• Environmental Management
• Safety and Services

The Blue Flag was created in 1985 in France and by 2013 over 3850 beaches and marinas internationally have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Q: Which services and facilities can I expect at Camps Bay Beach?

• Waste and Disposal Bins
• Clean Sanitary Facilities
• Adequate number of Life Guards on duty

Q: How can I imagine Camps Bay Beach in my mind’s eye?

The beach has a strong Mediterranean vibe with white sand, turquoise waters, large palm trees and parallel to the beach, a road filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels.

Expect beautiful views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostels.

• We’ve made a list of where to drink Cocktails in Camps Bay.
  Read here.

Q: What are the reviews from locals and tourists?

• “Camps Bay is the idyllic dormitory to the city.”
• “A little bit of the south of France in Africa.”
• “Miami on your doorstep.”
• “Beautifully Stunning.”

Q: What is the temperature of the water like?

Camps Bay Beach is situated on the Atlantic coastline, which is known to be cooler than the Indian coastline. The water can be very cold during summer due to the wind tunnelling down the 12 Apostles and cooling the top layer of the water.

Nevertheless, Cape Town summers are hot and even the least brave end up knee-deep in the water.

Q: Is there sufficient parking?

One can find parking along Victoria Road or any of the streets that head up toward the mountain. During the summer months and especially weekends it can become quite difficult to find parking, so be sure to go early or take the MyCiTi Bus.

Q: Which MyCiTi bus route goes along Camps Bay Beach?

MyCiTi Route 106/107 | Waterfront Silo – Civic Centre – Camps Bay

• Camps Bay busstop
• Whale Rock busstop

Q: Can I take my dogs?

Yes, dogs are allowed between 18:00 and 09:00.

Interesting Facts

• Back in the day when Jan van Riebeek landed in Cape Town, the 12 Apostles above Camps Bay Beach were still covered with forests, lions, leopards and antelope.
• Since the mid 19^th century, people have been enjoying Camps Bay Beach as a place of relaxation and recreation.
• Camps Bay Beach came in at no.24 on the list for Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2014 “25 Best Beaches in the World”.
• Camps Bay Beach was voted best “Beach in the Country” after thousands of users took part in South Africa’s top review site; Yowzit. 

Content and Images | Ed Beukes