Noordhoek Beach (Noordhoekstrand)

Located at the foot of Chapman’s Peak at the base of the Cape Peninsula are the expansive sands of Noordhoek beach. This picturesque stretch of sand runs for eight kilometre (5 mile) between the suburb of Noordhoek towards Kommetjie lighthouse.

Given its wide, open and exposed nature it is often quite breezy at Noordhoek. This makes it a good spot for a range of kite-based activities from kitesurfing and kite-yachting to just flying a kite. The sea here is often quite lively and can be dangerous, however, there are often small pools formed on the beach which are safe to splash around in.

With so much space it is not surprising the beach is popular for a number of activities from beach strolling to more enegetic pursuits like horse riding. Noordhoek is also popular with surfers and is home to several quality breaks; The Hoek (Noordhoek Corner) is probably the best of these but should only be surfed by those who know what they are doing.

Roughly halfway along the length of the beach is the rusted hulk of the steamship Kakapo which floundered here on her maiden voyage from Swansea in Wales to Australia in 1900. While all on board the ship made it to safety attempts to refloat the boat failed.

On a slightly negative note it seems that Noordhoek beach has been blighted by something of a crime wave in recent times with a number of visitors being robbed at knifepoint. It is advised to avoid straying too far if alone and staying in groups is advisable.