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Clifton Beaches
Cape Town's Riviera — Four Pristine Beaches
📍3 Experiences Available
🌡️December to March
About Clifton Beaches
Clifton's four beaches — imaginatively named 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Beach — are nestled between massive granite boulders that shelter them from the famous Cape Doctor wind. The result? Perfect beach days even when the rest of Cape Town is battling gusts.
Each beach has its own personality. 1st Beach is popular with the LGBTQ+ community, 2nd Beach draws the trendy crowd, 3rd Beach is family-friendly, and 4th Beach is the most accessible with nearby parking and facilities.
The water is refreshingly cold (around 14-17°C) thanks to the Benguela Current, but the turquoise clarity makes it irresistible. Arrive by boat and you'll skip the steep staircase descent — plus you'll have the best view of the iconic Atlantic Seaboard mansions dotting the cliffs above.
ℹ️ Quick Info
Best Time to Visit
December to March for warmest weather, but Clifton is spectacular year-round
Weather
Water temperature: 14-17°C. Air: 18-28°C in summer. The boulders provide wind shelter even on gusty days.
Getting There
Arrive by boat from V&A Waterfront (15 minutes) or Hout Bay. We anchor in the sheltered bay with easy swim access.
💡 Insider Tips
- •Book sunset cruises 2+ weeks ahead in peak season
- •The water is cold but refreshing — perfect after sunbathing
- •Bring a GoPro for incredible underwater visibility
- •4th Beach has the best facilities if you want to hop off
Why Visit Clifton Beaches
🛡️
Wind-Protected
Granite boulders shelter the beaches from the Cape Doctor southeast wind
💎
Crystal Waters
Some of the clearest water on the African continent
⛵
No Crowds by Boat
Skip the 80+ stairs and arrive in style
🌅
Sunset Views
Watch the sun sink into the Atlantic from the water
Gallery
Videos
Experiences at Clifton Beaches
Curated adventures departing from or visiting Clifton Beaches. All experiences include professional crew and the Hey Charlie hospitality guarantee.
Nearby Attractions
Camps Bay (5 min by boat)Lion's Head hikingSea Point PromenadeAtlantic Seaboard restaurants
Ready to explore Clifton Beaches?
Book your adventure today and discover why this is one of Cape Town's most spectacular destinations.
