About Noordhoek Beach

Noordhoek Beach is located on the Cape’s Atlantic Peninsula starting at the foot of Chapman’s Peak, ending at Klein Slangkop, bordering the town of Kommetjie. It’s a very scenic and unspoiled beach stretching approximately 4Km in length (not 8km as most guides indicate) with it’s most popular viewing point being from the side of Chapman’s Peak.

Noordhoek Beach is as unspoiled and natural as one can get for a beach located within the periphery of a major city such as Cape Town. It is easily accessible via a 200-meter sandy pathway leading from the small parking area located at the end of Beach Road (Noordhoek).

While breathtaking to look at, Noordhoek Beach isn’t very popular with the regular beach crowds and is frequented more by Surfers, Kite Boarders, Horse Riding enthusiasts & Tourists.

At the base of the Chapman’s peak side of Noordhoek Beach is a small section of beach known as “The Hoek”, which is a popular ‘surfing beach’ for the more experienced surfer. This side of Chapman’s Peak also offers nice secluded view points and places for people to sit and watch the activities below. This is a great location to take photos!

The rocky point called “Ratelklip” (or Honey Badger Stone) located below Chapman’s peak is a popular viewpoint to watch surfers and also pretty popular with the local fishermen.

Other than Surfers, this long pristine beach is popular with the Horse Riding fraternity, who are often seen galloping or trotting along the waters edge. There are nearby stables offering Horse Tours along the beach or through the many mountain/bush trails, but make sure to go out with a reputable company that has experienced guides (and it’s advisable to book in advance).

Swimming isn’t recommended due to the icy cold and rough waters (strong currents/backwash) and its recommended to do nothing more than get your feet wet. You could also get wet splashing about in the pools of water created by the back-shore tidal lagoon that is often present, pending on the movement of the tides.

The salty brackish water of the lagoon also playing it’s role in sustaining the coastal wetlands (or Noordhoek Wetlands) behind the beach. This area becomes very waterlogged in the winter months forming a natural wetlands, which is why this part of Noordhoek has never been developed, and why this beach has also become known as the most pristine beach in Cape Town; due to this lack of development.

Caution: It is strongly advised not to stroll Noordhoek Beach alone and/or carrying any valuables, particularly further south away from the more popular areas. Due to it’s isolation it has become a hot-spot for muggings and other criminal elements. To enjoy this beach to it’s maximum rather visit in groups of 4-adults or more & take your dog, for further protection, if you have one that’s up to the task.

Additional Information

The distance discrepancy mentioned in our introduction stems from the fact that most guides incorporate the full length of Noordhoek Beach being 8Km from the base of Chapman’s Peak to the end of Long Beach (or Kommetjie Beach), which is located south of Klein Slangkop (i.e. the other side of Slangkop Point). The Official “City of Cape Town Beaches Guide” clearly states that Noordhoek Beach ends at Klein Slangkop.

A further reason for the lack of development in the area is the fact that due to it’s conservation significance, the Noordhoek Wetlands, comprising some 450-hectares, has been protected as part of the Table Mountain National Park in an effort to preserve the rare lowland fynbos and the highly threatened sandplain fynbos.

Further to the south, on the high-shore and nearer the Klein Slangkop end of the beach, one will find the wreck of an old steam ship called the “Kakapo”, which ran aground in the 1900’s. Not much of this wreck remains visible as most has either broken away over the years or is buried by the ever drifting sands.

This particular section of beach is the most isolated and dangerous for stragglers and per our earlier warning shouldn’t be explored alone.

Final Note: While ‘The Hoek’ is the most popular venue for Surfers to Noordhoek Beach, it isn’t the only surfing location. Others include a spot called ‘Dunes’, which is closer to the ship wreck and another called ‘Sunset’, which is further out to seas and only suitable for braver ‘Big Wave Riders’.

Source: https://www.capetown.gov.za/