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BBikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay is a great beach hang-out for those who are young at heart. With the gracious Hottentots-Holland Mountains in the background, this False Bay beach is popular among the students from nearby Stellenbosch University and visitors who enjoy a laid-back beach vibe.
Bikini Beach, located in Gordon’s Bay, a coastal village on the False Bay side of Cape Town, takes its name from young students of the University of Stellenbosch for whom this stretch of sand is a popular recreation spot. It’s the home to bikinis, board shorts and lots of fun in the sun.
About 40-minutes' drive from central Cape Town, this Blue Flag beach is popular for its warm water and the proximity to trendy restaurants and hotels. The views of the Hottentots-Holland mountain range simply add to the scenic setting that combines a gorgeous white beach and the purple hue of the mountains in the distance. Nestling against the Gordon’s Bay harbour wall, Bikini Beach offers shelter from the summer months’ infamous southern winds, further adding to its appeal.
Surfers enjoy the fact that the slope on this section of Gordon’s Bay drops down suddenly and sharply, resulting in formidable waves (which can break as ‘dumpers’ if you're not playing your cards right). You’ll spot them riding the left-hand break off the harbour wall, landing on the beach and then going back for more of the same.
This top Cape Town beach used to be rocky and not very user-friendly, but the building of Gordon’s Bay’s first harbour in 1939 altered the way in which sediment was deposited by the currents and resulted in the white sand stretch we see today. The old harbour is a great location for fresh-from-the-sea seafood, and anglers can be seen fishing from the harbour walls.
There are a number of water-borne tour opportunities out of Gordon’s Bay – namely pleasure and scenic cruises, deep-sea fishing charters and increasingly popular shark viewing trips to Seal Island.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Gordon's Bay Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)82 929 9583
Email: info@gordonsbaytourism.com
How to get here
From Cape Town, take the N2 out to Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay.
Best time to visit
The summer months are ideal, and from 1 December to 31 March this Blue Flag beach is fully guarded by lifeguards.
Tours to do
Gordon’ Bay is perfectly placed near to so many of the Cape’s attractions such as wine routes, the historic town of Stellenbosch, the picturesque Somerset West and the charming Hermanus. There are a number of nature reserves in the area such as the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
Get around
Hire a car to explore the False Bay coastline, or book accommodation in Gordon's Bay and explore the area on foot.
What to pack
The usual beach paraphernalia. Surfboards can be hired.
Where to stay
There are a number of high-rise hotels and holiday apartments in the area. Enquire at the local tourism office.
What to eat
Seafood is a highlight of any trip to Gordon's Bay, and there are a number of eateries in town.
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