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Prime 5 Snorkelling Spots in Cape City


Assume snorkeling is just good in Bali, the Maldives, or Australia? Assume once more. Cape City isn’t simply the world’s greatest metropolis in 2025 (formally, we’d add), it’s additionally dwelling to a few of the most original and eco-friendly snorkeling spots you’ll ever dip your fins into. Chilly water? Certain. Nevertheless it’s additionally filled with marine life, underwater kelp forests and even the possibility to see penguins swim circles round you. Snorkelling spots in Cape City perhaps hidden gems or identified treasures, however it’s important to expertise them for your self. Right here’s the place to go, what to anticipate, and how one can snorkel responsibly.

Earlier than we “dive in” you would possibly wish to snorkel Inexperienced

In case you’re critical about holding the snorkelling spots in Cape City’s waters as pristine as you discovered them, ditch a budget, plastic-ridden snorkel units. Enter Agulhas, a model that truly cares in regards to the ocean. Their snorkel gear is modular (so you possibly can change components as an alternative of tossing the entire thing). It’s made for efficiency and designed with sustainability in thoughts. Bonus? Travelstart readers get 20% off with code: Travelstart20. That’s your cue to improve.

Now we are able to snorkel!

Snorkelling spots in Cape City with one of the best marine life

1. Windmill Seaside – Snorkel with Penguins

A close-up of an African penguin swimming in the clear green waters of Windmill Beach, one of the top snorkelling spots in Cape Town.
Picture Credit score: Pexels

Overlook the crowded boardwalks at Boulders Seaside. Simply across the nook is Windmill Seaside—similar lovely penguins, approach fewer folks, and a shallow, calm bay that’s good for snorkeling. Anticipate to see curious African penguins zipping previous, together with anemones, sea urchins, and even the occasional octopus. In any case, it is without doubt one of the greatest snorkelling spots in Cape City.

Professional Tip: The perfect time to go is early morning earlier than the seashore fills up. Additionally, penguins are cute however don’t contact them—these beaks imply enterprise.

Whereas You’re There: Seize some fish and chips in Simon’s City or go to the naval museum if you happen to’re feeling nerdy.

2. Miller’s Level – Snorkel in a Kelp Forest Wonderland

Man in a wet suit and snorkelling gear swimming in a kelp forest at Miller's Point Tidal pool, one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape Town.
Picture Credit score: Callum Evans

Ever wished to really feel like a mermaid (or merman) weaving via an underwater forest? Miller’s Level is your dream spot. The kelp forests listed here are insane—towering, swaying, and crammed with shy pyjama sharks and noticed gully sharks (each fully innocent, promise).

Professional Tip: Visibility is greatest on days with little wind. Additionally, a wetsuit is your buddy—the Atlantic doesn’t do ‘heat’.

Whereas You’re There: Cease by the Miller’s Level tidal pool for a calming dip or discover the encompassing rock swimming pools.

Snorkelling Spots in Cape City – Hidden Gem Version

3. Oudekraal – Snorkel in a Hidden Gem

Oudekraal beach with a background view of Lion's head mountain and deep blue ocean water. This is one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape Town.
Picture Credit score: The Pleased Traveller

This snorkelling spot in Cape City is tucked away between Clifton and Llandudno. Oudekraal is a part of Desk Mountain Nationwide Park, which suggests protected waters and nil crowds. Assume huge granite boulders, clear water, and a great deal of marine life. In case you’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot a playful seal displaying off.

Professional Tip: Convey money—there’s a small conservation payment on the gate. Completely price it.

Whereas You’re There: Have a picnic on the braai (barbecue) spots or hike as much as the Twelve Apostles viewpoint for insane ocean views.

Talking of the Twelve Apostles Lodge, do you know you may get upgrades at that world’s greatest resorts + R5,000 in journey vouchers if you improve to Travelstart+

4. Sandy Cove – Snorkel in One other Hidden Gem

Diver in a wetsuit and Agulhas snorkelling gear swimming in between an underwater rock formation at Sandy Cove.
Picture Credit score: Peter Marshall

In search of a quiet spot that looks like a non-public snorkeling paradise? Sandy Cove is a hidden gem alongside the Atlantic Seaboard, providing crystal-clear water, loads of colourful fish, and dramatic underwater rock formations. The cove’s sheltered location means calmer waters, making it good for all expertise ranges.

Professional Tip: Verify tide instances earlier than you go—low tide is greatest for straightforward entry and most visibility.

Whereas You’re There: Stroll alongside the coastal path towards Llandudno Seaside for sundown views you gained’t neglect.

5. Smitswinkel Bay – Snorkel Off the Crushed Path

A group of four hikers standing at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the deep blue ocean and the coastline of Smitswinkel Bay, one of Cape Town's best snorkelling spots
Picture Credit score: Dougal Paterson

In case you don’t thoughts a little bit of a mission, Smitswinkel Bay will reward you with crystal-clear water, epic marine life, and an eerie shipwreck or two. It’s a little bit of a trek down (and again up), however completely price it for the peace, quiet, and untouched underwater surroundings. Positively one of many lesser visited however exceptionally good snorkelling spots in Cape City.

Professional Tip: Convey every thing you want—there are not any retailers, no amenities, and no lifeguards. It’s simply you, the ocean, and perhaps just a few dassies watching from the rocks.

Whereas You’re There: Drive a bit additional and take a look at Cape Level—as a result of standing on the tip of Africa is fairly cool.

Now that one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape City…

Are your fins prepared?


Cape City isn’t only a ‘fairly’ snorkeling spot—it’s a full-on marine expertise. Whether or not you’re gliding via kelp forests, watching penguins, or getting up shut with seals, there’s no different place fairly prefer it. And one of the best half? You get to take pleasure in it whereas holding the ocean as wild and untouched correctly. In case you care about ocean conservation, marine biodiversity and ensuring your snorkeling adventures don’t wreck the planet, Cape City is the place to do it.

See you within the waters of one of the best snorkelling spots in Cape City. Simply don’t neglect to avoid wasting the ocean and your carry your wetsuit, in fact.



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