An aerial view of the beautiful Noordhoek Beach and Chapmans Peak in South Africa during summer
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Noordhoek Beach

Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula


This magnificent 5km stretch of beach is favoured by surfers and horse riders. It tends to be windy, and dangerous for swimmers. The Hoek, as it is known to surfers, is an excellent right beach break at the northern end that can hold large waves (only attempt it at low tide); it’s best with a southeasterly wind. The large beach is isolated in places and attacks have occurred here, so don't go alone and seek local advice beforehand.

In the middle of the beach, the rusted shell of the steamship Kakapo sticks out of the sand like a weird sculpture. It ran aground here in 1900, on its maiden voyage from Swansea, Wales, to Sydney, Australia.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula attractions

1. Cape Point Vineyards

1.81 MILES

This small vineyard known for its fine sauvignon blanc has a spectacular setting overlooking Noordhoek Beach. Enjoy the wines with a picnic (R395 for two,…

2. Imhoff Farm

2.36 MILES

There’s plenty to see and do at this attractive historic farmstead just outside Kommetjie. Among the attractions are craft shops and art studios; a cafe,…

3. Long Beach

2.4 MILES

For breezy beach walks, it doesn’t get much better than this aptly named stretch of white sand. There are stunning views up the mountainous coastline as…

4. Peers Cave

3.13 MILES

Actually an overhang, this cave is named after Victor Peers, who, with his son Bertie, started excavating the site in 1927, collecting evidence of Khoe…

5. Leopard Statue

4.1 MILES

This bronze leopard statue on a rock has been sitting since 1963 on the approach to Chapman's Peak Dr from Hout Bay, and is a reminder of the wildlife…

6. Hout Bay Harbour

4.12 MILES

Partly given over to tourism with complexes such as Mariner’s Wharf, Hout Bay’s harbour still functions and the southern side is a fishing port and…

7. Silvermine Nature Reserve

4.22 MILES

The Silvermine Reservoir, a beautiful spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk on the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, is the focal point of this section of…

8. Steenberg Farm

4.55 MILES

Steenberg's contemporary tasting bar and lounge, adjoining Bistro Sixteen82, is a gorgeous setting for sampling its great merlot, sauvignon blanc,…