About Saunders Rocks
Saunders Rocks Beach doesn’t really have a lot of beach, other than a few patches of sand among the giant granite boulders. It’s main attraction being the Tidal Pool that is built in-between the rocks. It is a popular destination for the locals (regulars) who sunbath on or between the rocks and chit-chat amongst themselves.
Saunders Rocks Beach is located on the Southern end of the Sea Point Promenade and it is the last of the Sea Point Beaches before Bantry Bay. Parking is very limited on this side of the Promenade, with a small parking area nestled between Saunders Rocks and Queen’s Beach and scarce street parking.
This ‘beach’ has been a locals hangout for many years. At one point it was a known ‘pick-up’ point for gay men, but this is no longer the case and it is now a very clean, family orientated beach, mostly frequented by a trendy mixed crowd who gather to suntan and socialise. It is also popular with families, with kids because of the tidal pool and it has also become popular with the ‘cold dip’ crowd that gather in the early morning for a cold plunge.
Another attraction is the large granite boulders, which unlike most of the Sea Point Beaches, provides some protection from the wind. Saunders Rocks is also a very popular destination for watching the Sunset and finding a good spot means getting there earlier than expected, especially if you need to find parking.
Access to the beach is via a easy to find staircase off the promenade walkway and there are also public toilet facilities adjacent to the staircase within a small traffic circle island. The toilet facilities are relatively well maintained and clean too.
Beach Features
- Tidal Pool
- Granite Boulders
- Rock Pools
- Limited Parking
- Public Toilets (Ablutions)
Beach Activities
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
- Social Gatherings (locals)
- Sunset Watching
- Morning Cold Dips
Additional Information
Historically Saunders Rocks was named after either Robert Saunders, a prominent figure at the time, or after his son, John Saunders who came after. The granite rocks between Saunders Rocks and Queen’s Beach hold more of a historical significance and were declared a National Monument in 1952. This expanse of rocks is known as ‘The Sea Point Contact’ where a great geological phenomenon took place. For those interested, there is a plaque located at Queen’s Beach which explains what occurred, or you can read about it on Wikipedia.
Accommodation near Saunders Rocks
Source: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
