Cool Off at These 5 Incredible Swimming Spots in Cape Town

Summer in Cape Town is unforgettable – long days, clear skies, and the kind of heat that makes water your best friend. While the city’s famous beaches get most of the attention, the real treasures are often the ones a little off the beaten path. Hidden tidal pools, mountain rivers, and even century-old public baths show a different side of the city – quieter, more surprising, and often more rewarding.

Our team has picked out five of their favourite swimming spots in Cape Town, each offering its own kind of summertime magic. Let’s explore them in more detail.

Spekboom Beach | Photo: Unsplash

1. Krom River Trail

If you enjoy the idea of combining a hike with a swim, the Krom River Trail is perfect. Set in a lush mountain reserve, the trail winds past waterfalls and eventually leads you to deep natural pools of crystal-clear water. The swims feel earned – cold, refreshing, and surrounded by towering cliffs and indigenous plants.

Because this is part of a protected reserve, you’ll need a CapeNature permit, and the trail is popular with hikers who enjoy spending the day in nature. It’s less about casual dips and more about an experience – a chance to cool off where rivers have carved out their own swimming holes over thousands of years.

Krom River Trail | Photo: Micky Baker

2. Long Street Baths

Right in the centre of town, Long Street Baths is one of Cape Town’s oldest public swimming pools. Built in 1908, it carries a sense of history while offering practical relief from the heat. The large indoor pool is heated, so it’s perfect year-round, and there are also Turkish baths and a smaller splash pool for kids.

Its location makes it unique – a public swimming pool in Cape Town that’s surrounded by restaurants, museums, and theatres. You can swim, rinse off, and then step back into the city’s buzz. Few places offer such a balance between old-world character and everyday convenience.

Long Street Baths in Cape Town | Photo: Central City Improvement District

3. Dalebrook Tidal Pool

For those who like early mornings, Dalebrook Tidal Pool is the place. Facing east onto False Bay, it catches the sunrise in full glow. Locals slip into the water at first light for a swim that feels private and meditative, with waves lapping gently against the walls of the pool.

What sets Dalebrook apart is its atmosphere – it’s calm, welcoming, and tucked between Kalk Bay and St James, where cafés and bakeries are only minutes away. Swim as the sun comes up, then sit down for coffee and watch the town wake around you.

Dalebroook tidal pool in False Bay | Photo: Pexels

4. Saunders’ Rock Beach

Tucked between Sea Point and Bantry Bay, Saunders’ Rock Beach has a tidal pool that locals love for its sense of community and character. The water here is cold – this is the Atlantic, after all – but that’s exactly why people come. A quick dip wakes you up, clears your head, and leaves you feeling energised.

There’s also history here: for decades, the tidal pool has been part of daily routines, morning swims, and family traditions. It may not be the biggest or most famous pool, but it’s one of those places where you can feel Cape Town’s rhythm through its people.

Saunders Rock Beach | Photo: Micky Baker

5. Cosy Bay (near Oudekraal)

If you’ve ever wanted to try snorkelling or freediving, Cosy Bay near Oudekraal is the perfect starting point. The small, sheltered bay is calm and clear on many summer days, with rocky outcrops that are home to fish, seaweed, and other marine life.

For beginners, the setting is reassuring – the bay feels enclosed and manageable, yet still connects you with the ocean. For others, it’s simply a peaceful place to swim and float, surrounded by dramatic scenery. The name says it all: it’s cosy, quiet, and rewarding.

Cosy Bay Beach | Photo: Unsplash

Why Having Wheels Matters

Without needing a tour or public transport, you define the day’s rhythm. Want to chase sunrise at Dalebrook? You simply drive. Want to escape crowds at Saunders’ Rock? You roll out early. Want to mix swimming with exploring hiking trails or coastal passes? Your car or 4×4 rental lets you do that. Often the joy of these spots is in the journey as much as the swim.

When the sun is at its hottest, these swimming spots in Cape Town are where you’ll find relief. Some are public swimming pools, others are tidal pools in Cape Town, and one is a mountain river trail – each with its own flavour.

Driving in Cape Town along the coast | Photo: Pexels

With your own car or 4×4, you can hop between them, chase the best sunrise, or spend a day exploring the coast until you find the water that suits you best. Ready to explore Cape Town’s waters? Find your ideal rental vehicle by using our handy search tool at the top of the page!