Tidal pools in Cape Town
Summer in Cape Town is the time for melting ice creams on sun-baked shores, beach balls bouncing between friends and kids splashing about. The pools are free and safe from sharks and strong tides, and there are nineteen in Cape Town where the whole family can play and splash about in safety. Here are some of our favourites!
Dalebrook
Set between the railway lines and ocean, this shallow pool is beautiful and a family-favourite. The water is slightly warmer here and the pool is mostly sheltered from the wind, meaning you can sunbathe and swim to your heart’s content. Nearly halfway between St James and Kalk Bay, this pool is surrounded by things to do and places to see so you can make a day trip of it.
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A post shared by Jacki Lang (@jax_in_toronto) on Nov 12, 2017 at 7:47am PST
Maiden’s Cove
Flanked by mountains, boulders and the ocean, the bigger of the two Maiden’s Cove pools is where you can make memories with the whole family. The area has braai and picnic facilities so you can fill up with freshly braaied meat and potato salad after a refreshing swim. As moms would warn you, just remember not to swim on a full stomach!
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RepostBy @capetownmag: “A calm mind is the ultimate weapon against challenges 
Featuring @catcaitlinn : @janikalheit at Maiden’s Cove pool. . . . #maidenscove #capetowntidalpools #tidalpools #urbannaturelovers
A post shared by Community Organisation: (@capetowntidalpools) on Mar 31, 2018 at 11:56am PDT
St James
With the colourful bathing boxes as a backdrop, the St James tidal pool is a quintessential Cape Town location. On sunny days it gets warm and busy, so the people-watching possibilities become endless. Go early to avoid the crowd and even try a sunrise swim if you’re an early bird. With the railway and main road nearby, this is an accessible and popular area to explore.
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The cutest most colorful beach there ever was 
#stjames #beach #beachhuts
A post shared by Ariana (@awwkatz) on Nov 11, 2017 at 2:12am PST
Camps Bay
Driving along Victoria Road, it’s easy to see why Camps Bay is one of the most postcard-perfect beaches in town. It’s no surprise this pool on the Atlantic Seaboard is one of the most popular as it has a magnificent view of the beach and the Twelve Apostles.
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Tried out filterstorm for the first time tonight 
#capetown #sunset #campsbay #tidalpool #campsbaytidalpool
A post shared by Carlinn (@campsbaygirl) on May 26, 2014 at 12:08pm PDT
Wooley’s Tidal Pool
This tidal pool on the coastal road between Kalk Bay and Clovelly is great for swimming and appreciating the natural beauty of the area. There’s a smaller splash pool for kids and an area for the real swimmers.
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Can you guess which tidal pool in #capetown this is? Tag a friend you would love to go swimming there with. This amazing photo was taken by @lara.jess Follow @secretcapetown for more like this. #secretcapetown #guesswherecapetown #guesswhere #capetownlife #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #capetowntidalpools @capetowntidalpools #capetownmag #capetownetc #tidalpool #tidalpools #folkgood #folkart #destinationcapetown #capetowntravel
A post shared by Secret Cape Town (@secretcapetown) on Sep 3, 2018 at 8:21pm PDT
Soetwater
The two Soetwater pools on Lighthouse Road in Kommetjie are close to picnic and braai facilities so you can socialise and swim in the same picturesque area. The second pool also has a nearby environment centre which is great for school groups and families who love to learn about nature. You’ll need to pay a minimal fee to enter the Soetwater Resort, but it’s well worth it.
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Throwback to this time last week 
#set #setlife #officefortheday #blue #water #tidalpool #naturereserve
A post shared by Adeline Da Silva (@adidasilv) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:23am PST
Silverstroom
Take a day trip to the West Coast and enjoy a getaway to this striking tidal pool where you can swim, braai, and picnic like there’s no tomorrow. You’ll find this pool in the Silwerstroom Resort just off Westcoast Road, about 13km north of Melkbosstrand. The area is rich in biodiversity so you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the plant life and sea from this spot.
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A post shared by Norman Abrahams (@normanba23) on Oct 26, 2016 at 4:03am PDT
Glencairn
The idyllic suburb of Glencairn, about 4 km north of Simon’s Town, is home to the lesser populated Glencairn tidal pool. It’s a favourite amongst swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers and for good reason. It’s also close to the train station, so easily accessible if you want to have a dip and then walk about the neighbourhood.
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Glencairn Tidal Pool: Before #glencairntidalpool #falsebay #capetown #lovecapetown
A post shared by Will (@wildwillfisher) on Jul 26, 2015 at 8:05am PDT
Sparks Tidal Pool
According to the City of Cape Town this pool is “known as one of the country’s best and most tranquil whale-watching and braai spots”. It’s located on Clarence Drive in Gordon’s Bay, and you can stop over at the nearby Spark’s Bay Beach where you can braai, picnic, and fish.
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Sunsets from the End House tidal pool 
A post shared by Adrian Carver (@adrian_carver) on Feb 24, 2017 at 11:39am PST
Buffels Bay
Pack your bather when you head to Cape Point and take a dip in their Buffel Bay tidal pools once you’ve explored the area and taken in the awe-inspiring views. You can picnic in the area and appreciate the sheer cliffs from a different angle on the beach. You’ll need to pay the Cape Point entry fee, but locals can get great discounts with a green card. The City Sightseeing bus also goes to Cape Point, which has the makings of a perfect day out Cape Town-style.
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Many #CapePoint visitors head straight to the lighthouse, which is undeniably spectacular. But don’t forget to go down to sea level as well. There are amazing beaches, tidal pools and braai areas throughout the reserve, including this one at Buffels Bay Beach. The perspective on the point and old lighthouse in the distance also makes this a fascinating from this vantage point. #capetown #beach #lighthouse
A post shared by Cape Point South Africa (@capepointsa) on Mar 25, 2015 at 2:15am PDT
For more information check out the City of Cape Town site or give them a call on +27(0)21 788 1929.
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