Camps Bay Beach
Western Cape, South Africa
Located 4.26 km from Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach holds a Blue Flag award for its environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though March, October, and November offer the best conditions for swimming. Check local safety arrangements before your…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Camps Bay Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Camps Bay Beach?
Located 4.26 km from Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach holds a Blue Flag award for its environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though March, October, and November offer the best conditions for swimming. Check local safety arrangements before your visit. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets rigorous standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making it a reliable choice for families.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Western Cape, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in South Africa certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Camps Bay Beach faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in March, October, November. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Feb | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Mar | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Apr | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Jul | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Aug | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Sep | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Dec | 20°C | 17°C | High |
The best time to visit Camps Bay Beach is March, October, November. Air temperatures peak around 13.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 10.6°C in July.
How crowded does Camps Bay Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in South Africa, Camps Bay Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Camps Bay Beach open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Camps Bay Beach
Is Camps Bay Beach safe to swim?Camps Bay Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Camps Bay Beach?Peak water temperature at Camps Bay Beach reaches around 10.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 21.2°C.
What is the beach like at Camps Bay Beach?Camps Bay Beach on the Western Cape coast of South Africa. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Camps Bay Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Camps Bay Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Camps Bay Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Camps Bay Beach
How do I get to Camps Bay Beach by car?Camps Bay Beach is approximately 4.26 km from Cape Town. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Camps Bay Beach?The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) (CPT), approximately 20.7 km away.
Can I get to Camps Bay Beach by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cape Town. The nearest recorded bus stop is 117 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Camps Bay Beach?Camps Bay Beach lists Cape Town as the nearest railway station, 5.35 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Camps Bay Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Camps Bay Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Camps Bay Beach
- Glen Beach Bus stop 117 m
- Camps Bay Bus stop 160 m
- Glen Beach Bus stop 212 m
- Camps Bay Bus stop 286 m
- Maiden's Cove Bus stop 463 m
Cafés near Camps Bay Beach
- Vida e Caffè Café 249 m
- Ocean Basket Restaurant 257 m
- Col'Cacchio Pizzeria Restaurant 269 m
- Bilboa Restaurant 476 m
- Chinchilla rooftop Cafe & Bar Restaurant 480 m
Parking near Camps Bay Beach
- Parking Parking 221 m
- Parking Parking 380 m
- Parking Parking 437 m
- Parking Parking 438 m
- Parking Parking 480 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 530 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 117 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | -33.9488°N, 18.3778°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), South Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Camps Bay Beach FAQ
Is Camps Bay Beach suitable for children?
Camps Bay Beach has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in South Africa.
Is Camps Bay Beach free to access?
Access to Camps Bay Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Western Cape, South Africa, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Camps Bay Beach?
The best time to visit Camps Bay Beach is March, October, November. The peak season typically runs High season: January, February, December, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 10.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Camps Bay Beach?
Camps Bay Beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Camps Bay Beach?
Camps Bay Beach is located in Western Cape, South Africa. It is approximately 4.26 km from Cape Town. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) (CPT), 20.7 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Camps Bay Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 117 m from Camps Bay Beach (Glen Beach), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Camps Bay Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Camps Bay Beach, including Vida e Caffè (249 m), Ocean Basket (257 m), Col'Cacchio Pizzeria (269 m), and Bilboa (476 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Camps Bay Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 221 m from Camps Bay Beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in South Africa, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore South AfricaWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Camps Bay Beach
- WESSA
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.