Sandy Bay

Drive to Llandudno and park in the small car park at the southern end of the village (follow the Sandy Bay sign just past the first stop street). From there a sandy footpath runs south along the coast through fynbos and over rocks for about 20 minutes to the beach. Wikipedia notes a longer alternative path from the northern end of Hout Bay. Both car parks are small and fill early on summer weekends, and there is no public transport to the trailhead. The path is uneven sand and rock, not wheelchair accessible.

Long-time visitors praise the beach's beauty, the boulders that give shelter and privacy, and the quiet compared with Clifton and Camps Bay. Recurring warnings concern the cold, rough sea and rip currents, the lack of any facilities, and personal safety: guides advise going at busy times and in groups and not leaving valuables in cars. Residents and some visitors complain about sexual activity in the dunes and rocks, which naturists say has nothing to do with naturism and has driven the 2026 crackdown. Opinions are now split on whether nudity is still wise here.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

South Africa has no designated nude beaches. In March 2026 SANParks stated Sandy Bay is not a naturist beach, and by September 2026 signs on the path from Llandudno prohibited nudity and sexual misconduct, warned of fines under Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act and of drone surveillance. Naturist groups (including the South African Naturist Association) dispute this, citing 1980s cases at Sandy Bay in which convictions were overturned and a land history they say favoured naturism.

Naturism at Sandy Bay sits under South Africa's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.

Full country law: South Africa public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.