The South African city offers several pools built along the ocean.
Ever since I swam at the Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, Australia, I've been obsessed with ocean pools. I love to swim in saltwater without the risk of sharks and other unforgiving sea creatures.
For whatever reason, Cape Town and the surrounding area seems to be a hot bed for these tidal pools. For our visit in November, I had mapped out nearly a dozen of them to swim in.
While we did have clear weather during our visit, the winds were unfortunately harsh and I didn't get to do the swimming I had hoped to do.
Although our intent to swim went bust, we did visit and take in the beauty of two separate pools during our visit. The first was the Camps Bay Tidal Pool. This one is likely the most popular of the South African tidal pools given its proximity to the population center.
Our first visit to this pool was at sunset and we had the opportunity to witness a family of ducks enjoying the pool to themselves under the watch of the 12 apostles.
The second tidal pool was just a few minutes past Boulders Beach in Simon's Town and is known as Miller's Point. It was unfortunate the the wind was so strong as there was no one around and this one even boasted a slide! While I did climb to the top of the slide, I did not have the fortitude to go in on this chilly day. I did enjoy exploring the ruins of abandoned structures nearby.
Lastly, it's interesting to note that you can view several of the tidal pools from high above. On both the Table Mountain Aerial Tram and the Lion's Head hike, you can get a higher view of some of the pools near Cape Town. On a sunny day, they'll really stand out beside the much darker blue ocean.
Know Before You Go
Although these pools protect you from waves, rip currents, and some sea life, there are still dangers to keep an eye out for. Ensure that the tide is not too aggressive and wear footwear that can protect you from sea urchins or broken glass.
If parking nearby, lock your car and hide all valuables.
Resources
Location
This post discusses two of the many ocean pools, but Camps Bay is the easiest to access in Cape Town. This is found just steps off of Victoria Road, at the cross street of Geneva Drive.
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