CapeTownMagazine.com

South Africa is 7th best country in the world for skinny ...

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

South Africa is 7th best country in the world for skinny dipping

We asked our readers where their best swimming spots are...

South Africa is more nudist-friendly than we thought. New survey from Outforia shows that we made the “top 10 skinny dipping countries in the world” list. We’re right behind Israel and just beat the United Kingdom. 

SKINNY DIPPERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU

The outdoor, nature-loving enthusiast online guide, Outforia, found out from their own survey and scoring methods, that “South Africa is the world’s 7th best country for skinny dipping”. So we asked you, the skinny dippers, beach bums and water babies of South Africa, where your best skinny dipping spots are. This is what came back. 

 

SANDY BAY BEACH

Karen Compton and Patricia Sandra Langenberg Gerber both agree: Sandy Bay Beach just south of Llundudno is just private enough to bare all for a refreshing swim.


Sandy Bay. Image: Antonia Heil

 

COETZENBURG POOL 

“In my younger days Coetzenburg pool in Stellenbosch after a night out.” Hendrik Lamprecht shared with us.

 

“STRAND BEACH…

...on a hot summer night”, says Eugene G. Saayman.

 

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by elmarie v deventer (@elmarie_vd)

 

CAMPS BAY BEACH 

“Not really a skinny-dipping spot, but Camps Bay was my first with my oh-so adventurous boyfriend and some friends, before curfews and alcohol bans” Khanyisa Ziqhu told us.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CapeTownMagazine.com (@capetownmag)

 

SILVERMINE DAM

Khulood Arendse says, “...back in my wild rebellious youth, it was Silvermines, today like everybody else, it's my bathtub”.

 

TABLE MOUNTAIN, ANY ADVICE? 

Laura Van Wyk asked, “Is skinny dipping in the reservoir on top of Table Mountain allowed, the spring fountain bath in Kirstenbosch gardens on a misty day? Asking for a friend.” Give your legs a break once you've reached the top and rest the night at the Overseer's Cottage

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lucindi (@lucindi0210)

 

HEAD OUT TO BEAVERLAC OR THE DRAKENSBERG

Ndabie Kgosidialwa says Beaverlac, in the Cederberg. Or, if you’re close to the Drakensberg, Richelle Steyn recommends the Marble Baths.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessa Boden (@jessaboden)

 

THE WORLD’S TOP 10 COUNTRIES FOR SKINNY-DIPPING:

Outforia rated countries based on several important skinny-dipping factors: nudist beaches and clubs, campsites, average annual and water temperature and legality. And, the scores are in. 

 

Rank 

Country

Number of nudist beaches and clubs

Number of naturist campsites

Average annual temperature (degrees celsius) 

Average water temperature (degrees celsius) 

Legality

Skinny dipping score

1

France

397

212

10.7

15.8

Legal

7.04

2

United States

299

253

8.6

16.9

Partial

6.95

Spain

422

95

13.3

17.9

Legal

6.52

4

Thailand

9

12

26.3

29.1

Legal

5.64

5

Australia 

66

57

21.9

20.9

Partial

5.19

6

Israel 

3

2

19.2

22.8

Legal

4.37

7

South Africa

17

25

17.8

20

Legal 

4.37

8

United Kingdom

51

160

8.5

11.8

Legal

4.16

9

Italy

38

36

13.5

18.9

Legal

4.06

10

Greece 

13

18

15.4

19.8

Legal

4.00

Source: Outforia 

 

---

Be sexy in the city by visiting these romantic spots.

We’ve named a few, but there’s more top beaches in Cape Town to visit.

You’ll want to wear a wetsuit when you go surfing in Cape Town.

Have you visited Cape Town’s blue flag beaches yet

Head out for a hike above, along Sandy Bay beach.

---

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter.Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

 

 

 

 

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2025
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31

visit knysna 5Knysna, but not the Knysna you think

Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

Drumstruck 2025 Cape Town’s top African drumming ...

A layered story of South Africa’s musical traditions

Table Mountain 2025 photoshopWhat locals don’t know about Table ...

Cape Town’s highest bar (no ticket needed), free tours + more

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge District SixFridays at East City's Harrington Street

Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music

Spier 21 reasons 1Things to do at Spier Wine Farm in ...

Everything you never knew about Spier unpacked by us

DJazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto Beach

6pm to 8pm every last Friday of the month

Char'd tasting 2025Rum, brandy & gin tastings with your ...

Unusual cuts prepped in-house and a curious gin atomiser

norval foundation 11Norval Foundation, the art museum with ...

Unmissable summer exhibitions, picnics amongst the sculptures, & more

Symmetry Fest Thailand's full moon party comes to ...

3 days with top DJs, laser shows, and poolside fun

Two Oceans Aquarium clean up Two Oceans Aquarium's free beach ...

Every 3rd Sat of the month in Milnerton, Muizenberg, or Blouberg

PT2The hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing

Milk on the Beach 2025Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach

LMTF Mandela and WinnieMeet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...

From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato

shimansky rockwell 6Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...

The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone

cherry festival 1Everything you need to know about Ceres ...

Cherry products and picking, foam party & live music as the sun sets

fable Cocktail Bar 4Amazing cocktail & food specials at ...

Daily happy hour, free starters & welcome drinks, and more

Ficks dinners 2025 sunset Ficks, Hermanus’s tidal pool ...

Just as wonderful at night & during the cooler months

Only Specials CaféThe café creating space for ...

It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it

GiveawaysTravel Tips