Cape Overberg Beaches

About Cape Overberg Beaches

Most of the Cape Overberg accommodation spots are perfectly positioned to showcase the mountains, canola fields, fynbos, and magnificent stretches of coastline that make up this very special region. Basically, the Overberg is the area between the Hottentots Holland Mountains (just outside Cape Town) and the start of the Garden Route (near Mossel Bay). Its main towns are Hermanus, Grabouw, Pringle Bay, Betty‘s Bay, and Swellendam; and the little towns of Cape Agulhas.

Did you know? While much of the Cape Overberg is inland, there are a number of spectacular beaches to be found along this part of the coast.

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities. It is also home to some of the magnificent beaches that have earned it the status of being a holiday hotspot. Onrus Beach is popular for families with children because it combines the fun of the waves with the calm of an adjacent lagoon. The waves are fantastic for surfers too, so bring your board along. Grotto Beach has a Blue Flag status and it is stunning for swimming, strolling, tanning, and a host of watersports (including stand-up paddling, surfing and even the latest fad of hydrofoiling). Grotto also allows dogs on leashes.

Another gorgeous beach in the Cape Overberg is Pringle Bay Beach, which is two kilometres long and is flanked by white sand dunes. There is a shallow area at the river mouth, which is perfect for children that want to play in calmer (and warmer) waters. Betty’s Bay Beach stretches for four kilometres, but remains relatively quiet. This means that it is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. Betty’s Bay is just less than 100 kilometres from Cape Town.

Kleinmond Beach is another Blue Flag beach and is excellent for swimming, paddle-skiing, stand-up paddling, sunbathing, building sand castles, and exploring the rock pools. Between June and November, you may also spot some of the humpback and southern right whales from this beach. They can often be seen splashing, blowing and, on a great day, even leaping out of the water.

The towns and beaches of the Cape Overberg showcase some of the prettiest and most impressive countryside in South Africa. The nearest international airport is in Cape Town, and the towns of the Garden Route (like Knysna, Plett and Mossel Bay) are only a few hours’ drive away.