Favourite 4 tidal pools in False Bay
I, like every other Capetonian, am obsessed with tidal pools.
One of the main reasons is that I can easily bundle my kids into their Octohoodies, head out to any one of the numerous pools in my area, and spend an entire day looking for starfish or frolicking in the icy water. (Okay, okay, my kids frolic more than me, you caught me). Here are some of my favourite 4 tidal pools in False Bay
St James
Our beloved St James is well known for its iconic change room huts, sea-life wall mural by Claire Homewood, brilliant blue water and proximity to local cafes. Picture perfect, St James is the ultimate in family-friendly fun for us. Sheltered from the howling southeaster, the kids and I converge here on beautiful sunny days. Be sure to arrive early if you want to grab a spot for your cooler box and floaties, and don’t forget your goggles, or you may miss out on seeing one of the locals in action, the Coral Nudibranch ☺
Glencairn
This tidal pool is a bit more of a trek, about 4km north of Simon’s Town, but it has it all. The pool is massive, so we adults enjoy a lengthy swim, while the kids can explore the abundant sea life at low tide. It’s also a snorkeler's paradise with lots of anemones, starfish, sea urchins and even our iconic octopuses and of course the pyjama sharks! (You’ll remember them as the villains from the film My Octopus Teacher. They’re harmless, don’t worry).
Buffels Bay
White sands? Check. Clear blue water? Check. Green lawns? Check. Buffels Bay in Cape Point is a beach lover’s paradise. Oh, and did I mention the antelope? Also, check. Protected and unspoilt, this area has incredible views to go along with its child-friendly tidal pools. I would suggest keeping your picnics in your car, as there are cheeky baboons here who are keen to take your grub off you.
Wooley's Pool
This has to be close to being our true favourite. Locals to the Clovelly/Fish Hoek area will remember the many months (or was it years?!) of roadworks that resulted in this pristine tidal pool being mostly cut off from access. To much celebration, the roadworks are complete and you can finally visit this idyllic and quiet paradise once again. It’s perfect for younger kidlets as there is a shallow splash pool sectioned off from the bigger main pool. The children's godmother Mandy first introduced us, and we have been going back and back again ever since!
Check out some of these amazing swim spots.
