MAIN Beaches International South Africa Beach Guide

It always comes as a surprise to first-time visitors in South Africa that its coastline is not as warm as it looks in the travel brochures!

Cooled by the Atlantic, and the Antarctic to the south, most of South Africa's picture-perfect beaches in Cape Town are too cool during the winter - when whale watching, coastal drives and beach hikes are the preferred beach activity.

Only when waters warm in the summer months, between November and February, can swimmers dip, or surfers in Africa ride the waves without the protection of a wet suit on most of the beaches in South Africa..

For year round beaches in South Africa, head for the Eastern Cape - where Jeffrey's Bay features famous surfing areas, and protected beaches around Durban in KwaZula Natal provide world class resorts warmed by Indian Ocean currents.

More about South African beaches around the Web:

South African Attractions & Destinations - Point to any spot on the map and be transported to all-around great travel info including top beaches and resorts along the coasts.

South Africa - Best Beaches - Good thumbnail guide to cold and warm water beaches, Blue Flag approved resorts.