South Africa

Clifton Beach Paddle Boarding in Cape Town

Intro

The upmarket and trendy suburb of Clifton lies in one of the most superb settings, against the epic backdrop of Table Mountain.

The beautiful beaches at Clifton are divided into four distinct coves by stretches of granite boulders which shelters them from the wind, making it one of the top spots for paddle boarding in Cape Town.

Together with its immaculate white sands and glistening water you are likely to find glamorous jetsetters gracing ‘Clifton’s 4th beach’ with their bronzed bods and designer sunnies. But don’t be put off by any of that glitz and glam - this beautiful ‘blue flag’ beach is a perfect SUP spot.

The four beaches of Clifton are well protected from the notorious south-easterly wind and whilst there is the occasional wave, most, simply lap at the shoreline. This makes it an easily accessible location for stand-up paddle boarding and great SUPing conditions for all abilities.

Highlights

SUP Cape Town, Paddle boarding for all abilities

The crystal-clear waters allow for a perfect view of the kelp lined rock reefs that surround the underlying seabed. With the busy sea life swimming below your board you can do away with the snorkels as you paddle around these sheltered coves. Dependant on the distance of your paddle, you might even spot a seal, a pod of dolphins or even a whale!

With little wind, the sea remains relatively free of chop and the waves tend to fold rather than crash, making paddle boarding the Cape Town coastline perfect paddling for all abilities. On calm days, you can even paddle from Clifton along the coast to explore the other beaches and coves such as Bakoven Beach and Camps Bay Beach. And, if you are looking to travel a little further simply hug the coastline for a pleasant, longer-distance paddle.

Clifton Beach is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. Peak season falls in the summer months from mid-December to early January. October – November is a great time to visit as this is when some of the best deals of the start of the summer can be found, and the beaches remain relatively empty with clement temperatures, but a visit to South Africa anytime of year is well worth it.



Local Knowledge

  • Sat Nav

    -33.94041522475886, 18.375245284243483

  • Nearest Parking

    Clifton 4th Beach

  • Launch Point

    Launch from Clifton 4th Beach

  • Places to Stay

    The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay is one of the best hotels along this coastline. But if you are looking for something less pricey then Casa Sunsets in Bakoven is a lovely 4star hotel. Both hotels overlook the ocean and have SUP rentals and experiences available.

  • Places to Eat / Drink

    Many of the best restaurants in the country can be found along this coastline! Camps Bay promenade is home to many restaurants and bars so you can enjoy a relaxing drink overlooking the ocean. The V & A Waterfront is also a big attraction for foodies, so there is fine dining for everybody!


Things to Know

  • Red reccomends the Voyager or Sport board for Clifton coast exploration.