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Thursday, February 27, 2025

High 5 Snorkelling Spots in Cape City


Assume snorkeling is just good in Bali, the Maldives, or Australia? Assume once more. Cape City isn’t simply the world’s greatest metropolis in 2025 (formally, we would add), it’s additionally dwelling to a few of the most unusual and eco-friendly snorkeling spots you’ll ever dip your fins into. Chilly water? Certain. However it’s additionally filled with marine life, underwater kelp forests and even the possibility to see penguins swim circles round you. Snorkelling spots in Cape City perhaps hidden gems or identified treasures, however it’s a must to expertise them for your self. Right here’s the place to go, what to anticipate, and learn how to snorkel responsibly.

Earlier than we “dive in” you may wish to snorkel Inexperienced

In case you’re severe about holding the snorkelling spots in Cape City’s waters as pristine as you discovered them, ditch a budget, plastic-ridden snorkel units. Enter Agulhas, a model that really cares concerning the ocean. Their snorkel gear is modular (so you may exchange components as an alternative of tossing the entire thing). It’s made for efficiency and designed with sustainability in thoughts. Bonus? Travelstart readers get 20% off with code: Travelstart20. That’s your cue to improve.

Now we will snorkel!

Snorkelling spots in Cape City with the very best marine life

1. Windmill Seashore – Snorkel with Penguins

Picture Credit score: Pexels

Neglect the crowded boardwalks at Boulders Seashore. Simply across the nook is Windmill Seashore—similar lovely penguins, method fewer individuals, and a shallow, calm bay that’s excellent for snorkeling. Count on to see curious African penguins zipping previous, together with anemones, sea urchins, and even the occasional octopus. In any case, it is without doubt one of the greatest snorkelling spots in Cape City.

Professional Tip: One of the best time to go is early morning earlier than the seaside fills up. Additionally, penguins are cute however don’t contact them—these beaks imply enterprise.

Whereas You’re There: Seize some fish and chips in Simon’s City or go to the naval museum in the event you’re feeling nerdy.

2. Miller’s Level – Snorkel in a Kelp Forest Wonderland

Man in a wet suit and snorkelling gear swimming in a kelp forest at Miller's Point Tidal pool, one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape Town.
Picture Credit score: Callum Evans

Ever needed to really feel like a mermaid (or merman) weaving by way of an underwater forest? Miller’s Level is your dream spot. The kelp forests listed here are insane—towering, swaying, and stuffed with shy pyjama sharks and noticed gully sharks (each utterly innocent, promise).

Professional Tip: Visibility is greatest on days with little wind. Additionally, a wetsuit is your good friend—the Atlantic doesn’t do ‘heat’.

Whereas You’re There: Cease by the Miller’s Level tidal pool for a calming dip or discover the encompassing rock swimming pools.

Snorkelling Spots in Cape City – Hidden Gem Version

3. Oudekraal – Snorkel in a Hidden Gem

Oudekraal beach with a background view of Lion's head mountain and deep blue ocean water. This is one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape Town.
Picture Credit score: The Comfortable Traveller

This snorkelling spot in Cape City is tucked away between Clifton and Llandudno. Oudekraal is a part of Desk Mountain Nationwide Park, which suggests protected waters and 0 crowds. Assume huge granite boulders, clear water, and a great deal of marine life. In case you’re fortunate, you may even spot a playful seal displaying off.

Professional Tip: Deliver money—there’s a small conservation price on the gate. Completely price it.

Whereas You’re There: Have a picnic on the braai (barbecue) spots or hike as much as the Twelve Apostles viewpoint for insane ocean views.

Talking of the Twelve Apostles Resort, do you know you may get upgrades at that world’s greatest accommodations + R5,000 in journey vouchers while you improve to Travelstart+

4. Sandy Cove – Snorkel in One other Hidden Gem

Diver in a wetsuit and Agulhas snorkelling gear swimming in between an underwater rock formation at Sandy Cove.
Picture Credit score: Peter Marshall

In search of a quiet spot that seems like a personal snorkeling paradise? Sandy Cove is a hidden gem alongside the Atlantic Seaboard, providing crystal-clear water, loads of colourful fish, and dramatic underwater rock formations. The cove’s sheltered location means calmer waters, making it excellent for all expertise ranges.

Professional Tip: Test tide occasions earlier than you go—low tide is greatest for straightforward entry and most visibility.

Whereas You’re There: Stroll alongside the coastal path towards Llandudno Seashore for sundown views you gained’t overlook.

5. Smitswinkel Bay – Snorkel Off the Crushed Path

A group of four hikers standing at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the deep blue ocean and the coastline of Smitswinkel Bay, one of Cape Town's best snorkelling spots
Picture Credit score: Dougal Paterson

In case you don’t thoughts a little bit of a mission, Smitswinkel Bay will reward you with crystal-clear water, epic marine life, and an eerie shipwreck or two. It’s a little bit of a trek down (and again up), however completely price it for the peace, quiet, and untouched underwater surroundings. Undoubtedly one of many lesser visited however exceptionally good snorkelling spots in Cape City.

Professional Tip: Deliver every thing you want—there aren’t any retailers, no amenities, and no lifeguards. It’s simply you, the ocean, and perhaps a number of dassies watching from the rocks.

Whereas You’re There: Drive just a little additional and take a look at Cape Level—as a result of standing on the tip of Africa is fairly cool.

Now that you recognize the very best snorkelling spots in Cape City…

Are your fins prepared?


Cape City isn’t only a ‘fairly’ snorkeling spot—it’s a full-on marine expertise. Whether or not you’re gliding by way of kelp forests, watching penguins, or getting up shut with seals, there’s no different place fairly prefer it. And the very best half? You get to get pleasure from it whereas holding the ocean as wild and untouched appropriately. In case you care about ocean conservation, marine biodiversity and ensuring your snorkeling adventures don’t wreck the planet, Cape City is the place to do it.

See you within the waters of the very best snorkelling spots in Cape City. Simply don’t overlook to avoid wasting the ocean and your carry your wetsuit, in fact.



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