About Derdesteen
Derdesteen Beach is one of several lesser known beaches located on the lower West Coast via the R27 (West Coast Road), It is found approximately 25 kilometres from the city; a 30-minute drive (out-of-peak traffic). This beach is one of several adjoining beaches that is included as a part of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area.
While not a popular destination beach for tourists, Derdesteen Beach, does get busy, especially on sunny weekends. This beach is popular with the local surfers, especially when beaches like Big Bay Beach or Melkbosstrand Beach are too busy.
Derdesteen offers a long sandy shoreline with a gentle gradient into the water, so swimming is relatively safe. You do need to be aware of the currents (side and backwash) and while the shore break waves look small, they can have immense power, so be careful and don’t venture out too deep.
I swim at Derdesteen Beach relatively often, but when my daughter and or my friends with kids are with, then we rather opt for the adjoining Kreeftebaai beach, where the kids can explore or swim in the rock pools.
There is a road sign on the R27 showing the beach location and there is a sand/gravel parking bay too. A short wooden walkway gives way to a viewing platform, which is ideal, if you just want to have a glimpse of the beach and a distant view of Robben Island and/or Table Mountain
This beach along with the others within the Blaauwberg Conservation Area are also very popular with Dog Walkers as combined they make provision for a long walk along the sandy shores.
Beach Features
- Long Sandy Shore
- Sand Dunes
Beach Activities
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Running/Walking
Additional Information
Derdesteen Beach is a desolate and exposed beach backed by sand dunes. The nearest shops or toilet facilities are in Big Bay or Melkbos, so come prepared. Also be aware that there is no protection from the wind, so if it’s blowing, it can be unpleasant.
Also, be aware that a Dune Rehabilitation programme is underway, along most of the West Coast Beaches so you are asked to stay off the dunes; fines can be imposed for offenders and due to the fact that this beach is part of the conservation area the area is monitored more frequently.
