Dog-Friendly Beaches In South Africa

Dogs love to run free, and there’s nothing more delightful for them than frolicking off the leash on the beach!

Here are some friendly guidelines to keep in mind:

Scoop the Poop: Always carry a packet to pick up after your dog. Nobody enjoys an unexpected surprise underfoot!

Follow the Signs: If the beach has a “Dogs on a Leash” sign, please respect it. It keeps your dog and others safe.

Respect the Rules: Pay attention to any beach-specific rules about dogs to ensure a joyful day out.

Stay Aware: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and their excitement might be misunderstood. Be mindful of your surroundings.

Watch Your Dog: Keep your dog away from restricted or crowded zones – no one likes a wet, sandy dog shaking all over their towel!

Voice Commands: Ensure your dog is well-trained and responds to your calls.

Ready to enjoy the beach with your furry best friend? Check out our list of dog-friendly beaches.

Atlantic Seaboard

 Sea Point Promenade

– Leash up at all times! Fines are applicable here.

Mouille Point Beach (Granger Beach):

– Dog Hours: All day, every day! Your dog’s tail can wag from dawn to dusk.

– Leash: Let your dog run wild, but maybe keep them on a leash for safety’s sake.

Camps Bay Beach:

– Dog Hours: Your pooch can run free early morning and late evening (before 9 AM and after 6 PM from Nov-Mar).

– Restricted Hours: No doggy beach time from 9 AM – 6 PM during the busy summer months.

Clifton 1st Beach:

– Dog Hours: Clifton 1st is a favourite spot where dogs can roam freely.

– Leash: No leash needed, just let them enjoy the sand, but remember they can’t hang out on Clifton 2nd, 3rd, or 4th beaches.

Llandudno Beach:

– Dog Hours: Your dog is welcome before 9 AM and after 6 PM, but keep them leashed when the crowds are out from Nov to Mar.

– Restricted Hours: Dogs must stay leashed from 9 AM – 6 PM.

Sunset Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Sunset Beach is a beautiful spot for dogs to run freely.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs can run freely.

– Restricted Hours: Dogs are not allowed between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM from November to March.

Bloubergstrand Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Bloubergstrand is a popular spot for both dog owners and beachgoers.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  at all times.

– Restricted Hours: Dogs are allowed before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM from November to March.

Melkbosstrand Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Melkbosstrand is a popular spot for dog owners.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  at all times.

– Restricted Hours: Dogs are allowed before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM from November to March.

West Coast Beaches

Yzerfontein:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Yzerfontein offers a 25 km stretch of beach where dogs are welcome. This beach extends from the town to the West Coast National Park.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  in the swimming area just before the beach. Outside of this area, dogs can run off-leash.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in certain protected areas within the West Coast National Park.

Elands Bay:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Elands Bay is another great spot where dogs are welcome.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be leashed to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.

– Restricted Areas: Similar to other beaches, dogs are not allowed in designated swimming areas.

Langebaan:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: In Langebaan, dogs are allowed between Pearly’s Restaurant and Club Mykonos.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  in certain areas, especially near swimming zones.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not permitted in specific protected zones within the Langebaan Lagoon.

Gordon’s Bay

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Gordon’s Bay offers a designated dog beach area from the northern corner of the parking area to the Fleur Park boundary.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash in certain areas, especially near swimming zones.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed on the main beach but can run freely in the designated dog beach area.

Garden Route

Mossel Bay

– Dog-Friendly Hours: Dogs are allowed on certain beaches between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM from December 1 to January 31.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed and under strict control at all times.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches during high season.

Hartenbos

– Dog-Friendly Hours: Dogs are allowed on the beach between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM from December 1 to January 31.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  at all times.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches during high season.

 George

Leash Requirement: Dogs must be leashed  at all times in public spaces, including beachfronts, parks, sports fields, and sidewalks.

Dog-Friendly Areas: Dogs are allowed on sidewalks (tarred, brick-paved areas) of beachfronts if they are on a leash.

Muzzling: Dogs must be muzzled if they are considered dangerous, vicious, or ferocious.

Cleaning Up: Dog owners must carry enough plastic or paper bags to pick up their dog’s excrement.

Specific Beach Areas:

Wilderness Beach, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay have full Blue Flag status. Dogs are not allowed on the sandy areas of these beaches to maintain their Blue Flag status. Law enforcement officers will act against those who do not adhere to the by-laws. Fines can be imposed for non-compliance.

Herold’s Bay: Dogs are allowed on the beach between the turn-off from the N2 opposite the Ebb-and-Flow entrance and The Views hotel.

Victoria Bay: Dogs are allowed in the Kleinkrantz area.

Wilderness Beach: Dogs are allowed up until the NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). The area to the left of Salina’s Restaurant falls under SANParks1.

Gwaiing River Mouth Beach: Dogs are allowed.

Leentjiesklip: Leeintjiesklip has Pilot status for the 2024 festive season. Dogs are not allowed on the sandy areas.

Knysna:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Knysna offers several beaches where dogs are welcome, including Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  in designated areas, especially near swimming zones.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches during high season to maintain environmental standards.

Plettenberg Bay:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Plettenberg Bay has specific areas where dogs are welcome, such as Lookout Beach.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  in designated areas.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches during high season.

 Eastern Cape Beaches

Oyster Bay Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Oyster Bay Beach is a peaceful spot between Port Elizabeth and East London, perfect for a quiet day with your dog.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  at all times.

– Restricted Areas: There are no specific restricted areas, but it’s always good practice to keep your dog away from swimming zones.

Port Alfred:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Port Alfred offers several beaches where dogs are welcome.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash, especially near swimming areas.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming zones.

Jeffreys Bay:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Jeffreys Bay is a popular surfing destination and also welcomes dogs.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in certain protected zones.

Gonubie Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Gonubie Beach is another great spot for dog owners.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash, especially near swimming areas.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming zones.

Chintsa East:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Chintsa East offers beautiful, unspoiled beaches where dogs are welcome.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash at all times.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in certain protected zones.

Kwa-Zulu Natal Beaches

Baggies/Warner Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Baggies Beach, also known as Warner Beach, is a popular spot for surfers and dog owners alike. While not officially designated as a dog-friendly beach, dogs are generally welcome.

– Leash Requirements: It’s best to keep your dog on a leash to avoid any issues with other beachgoers.

– Restricted Areas: There are no specific restricted areas, but it’s always good practice to keep your dog away from swimming zones.

Mtunzini Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Mtunzini Beach is a peaceful spot surrounded by sand dunes, perfect for a relaxing day with your dog.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be leashed to ensure the safety of all visitors.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in certain protected areas within the beach.

Willard Beach:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: Located in Ballito, Willard Beach is a prime surfing spot and hosts the annual Ballito Pro surfing competition.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash, especially near swimming areas.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming zones.

Dokodweni Beach Camp:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: This beach offers a serene environment for both humans and dogs.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs must be leashed  at all times.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in certain protected zones.

Swartkops River Mouth & Beach Area:

– Dog-Friendly Beaches: This area is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.

– Leash Requirements: Dogs should be on a leash at all times.

– Restricted Areas: Dogs are not allowed in bathing areas.

So, there you have it – tons of beachy options for you and your dog to explore, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Now, go ahead, leash up, and let the good times roll!