Tsaarsbank Beach, West Coast

The Cape West Coast of South Africa is known for its raw, rugged beaches and spectacular untouched landscapes. Although most of the little fishing towns dotted along the West Coast are only an hour or two from Cape Town, they seem to be untouched relics of yesteryear. And, it is within this setting that the Tsaarsbank Beach can be found. This beach is situated in the West Coast National Park, and is strewn with rounded boulders and fascinating rock pools. These are awesome for children and other adventurers to climb and explore for hours. The water is chilly, but manageable, especially on balmy summer days. Between August and October, the Tsaarsbank Beach is an excellent place from which to watch the whales as they pass the shores of the Western Cape. These are most commonly southern right and humpback whales, but may occasionally include killer whales too. This is also a fantastic place to go bird watching, as the West Coast National Park is home to more than 250 bird species. For those visitors that want to explore at a slower pace, there are hiking and mountain biking trails near Tsaarsbank Beach. Of course, walks along the beach are also fantastic for anyone craving the cool sea spray on their face and the feel of the sand underfoot. To make the most out of a day at Tsaarsbank Beach, there are great braai facilities available, with breathtaking views of the ebb and flow of the Atlantic. Light a fire and relax with a cup of coffee and this magnificent view until the coals are ready for some excellent local meat. No alcohol is permitted here but, with this setting, it won’t be missed. From the beach, there is a three kilometre walk to get to the impressive shipwreck of the Pantalis A Lemos, which ran aground in 1978. A small conservation fee is charged for entering the park. Nearby neighbours include the quaint seaside villages of Langebaan, Yzerfontein and Paternoster.