South Africa’s beaches are like none other on earth—beautiful, remote, and filled with wildlife—they’re the country’s main tourist draw. But it can be hard to choose which of the country’s hundreds of beach destinations you want to visit first. Luckily, if you’re planning a trip to South Africa and looking for 10 of its best beaches, we’ve done the work for you. Check out this list of our top 10 beaches in South Africa and start planning your next vacation.

1) Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks is a coastal city and beach destination on the Indian Ocean, located north of Durban. The area is famous for its wide golden beaches and safe waves perfect for surfing or simply enjoying the sun. Umhlanga Rocks is also known as South Africa’s Surf City due to the large number of surf shops, surf schools and surfers found around town.

2) Jeffreys Bay

Jeffreys Bay is a town and tourist destination situated on the Indian Ocean coast, just south of Plettenberg Bay and north of Port Elizabeth. Jeffreys Bay is a popular surfing spot thanks to its location on the Garden Route and has become a very popular holiday destination for tourists.

3) St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is a world-famous surfing spot, one of the most popular beaches in the country. The beach is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with fine white sand that stretches for miles. There are many activities and attractions nearby, such as restaurants and shops. St Francis Bay has some of the cleanest water in South Africa, making it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling.

4) Margate

Margate is a beach town on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated north of Durban and south of Port Shepstone. Margate is popular for its pristine white sand and stunning rock formations. There are many attractions including the Dias Museum, which offers three floors with exhibitions relating to King Shaka Zulu’s life and history.

5) Clifton

Clifton Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Durban, and for good reason. The beach is known for its views and surf, and it’s home to some great restaurants, like the iconic Longboard Restaurant. Clifton Beach offers a great mix of relaxing and fun. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the water: surfing, swimming, boogie boarding or just sunbathing on the sand.

6) Camps Bay

Camps Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, known for its sweeping views and gentle surf. Camps Bay Beach is also home to a number of trendy restaurants and bars that line the shoreline.

7) Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a bay that is located on the west coast of Cape Town, and it’s one of the most popular bays in the world. It has pristine beaches and warm, clear water perfect for swimming. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, then head to Bikini Beach and maybe you’ll even spot some local wildlife.

8) Scarborough

Scarborough is a suburb of Cape Town, with a population of 70 000. It is one of the most populous towns on the Cape Peninsula. The township stretches from Signal Hill in the west, to Kloof Nek in the east and follows the contours of Table Bay.

9) Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, situated midway between Cape Town and Durban. It is the second-largest port in the country, providing passage for much of South African cargo. The city’s natural deepwater harbor was formed by the estuary of two rivers: the Buffalo River and Black River.
It has recently been identified as one of fourteen global cities that are at risk from rising sea levels.

10) Salt River Mouth

One of the most popular beaches on the list is Salt River Mouth, which is situated about an hour north of Durban. The Golden Mile is a stretch of coastline that gets its name from the gold mining industry that once thrived there. It’s now one of the most popular holiday destinations for locals and visitors alike who come to enjoy its clear blue waters, white sand beaches and peaceful atmosphere.