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SStrandfontein Beach in Cape Town is a well-known Blue Flag beach that is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its claim to fame – apart from having the largest tidal swimming pool in Southern Africa – is that it was once a movie location for the Free Willy film series.
Strandfontein Beach (not to be confused with the town of Strandfontein some 350km north of the Mother City on the West Coast) is one of the many spectacular Blue Flag beaches that the city of Cape Town proudly lays claim to. It is found on the sweeping arc of the False Bay coastline, is easily accessible and offers plenty of parking space for day trippers.
Strandfontein Beach’s long stretches of white sand and clear waters are partly responsible for its recognition as a Blue Flag attraction, but its predominant feature is the largest tidal swimming pool south of the equator. This makes the beach particularly popular with families, as it offers child-friendly frolicking in the waves. The watchful eyes of lifeguards, on duty from December to March, add to the safety factor.
This Cape Town beach, popular with locals from the nearby residential areas, has another claim to fame. It served as a movie location for one of the popular Free Willy films about the relationship between a young boy and a killer whale.
The False Bay coastline straddles the Indian Ocean, said to be a few degrees warmer in temperature than Cape Town’s Atlantic beaches and thus preferred for swimming. The wind, however, can play havoc with picnic plans, especially in the early summer months.
In season, events are often held on Strandfontein Beach to entertain and amuse beachgoers, and a public pavilion is provided for this purpose. Anglers can often be seen on this beach, aiming to catch tasty West Coast line fish such as white steenbras and galjoen.
As one moves toward the northern shores of this coastline, the scenery becomes dramatic, as the Hottentots-Holland and Helderberg mountain ranges come into view. Strandfontein, along with another Blue Flag beach, Mnandi, happily finds itself in these magnificent surrounds.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Cape Town Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)86 132 2223
Email: info@capetown.travel.co.za
How to get here
From the centre of Cape Town take the M5 in a southerly direction, turning onto the M17 towards Strandfontein.
Best time to visit
During the summer months of December to March.
Things to do
Take time to drive the False Bay coast. Head south from Strandfontein, stopping off at Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Fishhoek and Simon's Town. You can go all the way to Cape Point if you have the time.
Get around
Having your own car is a bonus, that way you can explore the entire stretch of the False Bay coast.
What to eat
Seafood, of course. There are numerous seafood restaurants located in False Bay.
What to pack
Your swimsuit, flip-flops, plenty of sunscreen, water, snacks and some change for an ice-cream.
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