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Looking for a beach getaway with diverse landscapes and exotic charm? In this post, I’ll share the breathtaking beaches I discovered in Africa—where golden coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures create the ultimate seaside adventure across this diverse and sun-kissed continent. Africa offers stunning beaches with warm waters, golden sands, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

😍 If you are in a hurry, I recommend:

  • Relax on the white sands of Diani Beach in Kenya, known for its calm waters and luxury resorts.
  • Swim in the turquoise waters of Zanzibar’s Nungwi Beach in Tanzania.
  • Explore the beautiful coastline of Seychelles, with secluded beaches and lush greenery.
  • Stroll along the pristine beaches of Mauritius, ideal for water sports and relaxation.
  • Enjoy the wild beauty of Cape Verde’s sandy beaches, perfect for windsurfing and sunbathing.

Unique Beaches in Thailand:

1. Anse Soleil


"Explore crystal-clear waters and enjoy a relaxing, affordable getaway"
- VI

Anse Soleil

© Jenny Sturm/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Anse Soleil, Mahé, Seychelles

Highlights:

Looking for a secluded, tropical paradise? Anse Soleil delivers a pristine, romantic hideaway with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters on Mahé’s southwest coast.

Recommended For:

Couples, honeymooners, and tranquility seekers.

What we Love:

Secluded vibes, shallow turquoise waters, and postcard-worthy scenery.
  • Unwind in the sun with few crowds—perfect for a peaceful beach day.
  • Swim or snorkel in the warm, gentle waters rich with marine life.
  • Savor a sunset dinner at the nearby Anse Soleil Beachcomber restaurant.

Cost:

Free public access (no entrance fee).

Best time to visit:

April to May and October to November for calm seas and fewer tourists.

Local tips:

Arrive early—parking is limited, and the road down is steep but scenic. Great photo ops!

Distance:

About 45 minutes by car from Victoria, Seychelles' capital.

How to Get to Anse Soleil:

Drive or take a taxi from Victoria via La Misère Road toward Baie Lazare, then follow signs down a narrow hill to Anse Soleil. Parking is available near the beach.

2. Camps Bay


💕 "Visit stunning ocean views and savor delicious, romantic beachfront dining"
- VI

Camps Bay

© THPStock/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Highlights:

Craving coastal glam with mountain views? Camps Bay Beach offers iconic scenery, soft sand, and lively vibes right in Cape Town’s scenic Atlantic Seaboard.

Recommended For:

Sunbathers, photographers, couples, and social beachgoers.

What we Love:

Dramatic sunsets, Table Mountain backdrop, and buzzing beachside cafes.
  • Lounge on the golden sands with views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles.
  • Explore the nearby strip of restaurants and bars perfect for post-beach cocktails.
  • Catch a vibrant South African sunset over the Atlantic—camera ready!

Cost:

Free public beach access (paid parking nearby).

Best time to visit:

Summer (December to March) for warm weather and lively crowds; evenings are especially picturesque.

Local tips:

Arrive early on weekends to snag a good spot—walk a bit further down the beach for more space and tranquility.

Distance:

About 15 minutes by car from Cape Town city center.

How to Get to Camps Bay Beach:

Drive via Camps Bay Drive from central Cape Town or take a MyCiTi bus. There’s ample parking, but it fills up fast on sunny days.

Romantic Beaches in Thailand:

3. Watamu


I like: "Discover vibrant marine life and snorkel in clear, exciting waters"
- VI

Watamu

© mariusltu/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Watamu, Kenya

Highlights:

Love marine life and tranquil tropical beaches? Watamu Beach is a Kenyan coastal gem where white sands meet coral reefs, and sea turtles come ashore to nest.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, snorkelers, families, and eco-travelers.

What we Love:

Sea turtle sightings, thriving coral reefs, and calm, crystal-clear waters.
  • Snorkel in the nearby Malindi Marine Reserve for a close-up view of colorful reef fish and coral.
  • Spot nesting turtles on the beach—especially magical at night during nesting season.
  • Relax on uncrowded shores surrounded by tropical beauty and protected waters.

Cost:

Free beach access; snorkeling or marine park entry may involve small fees or guided tour costs.

Best time to visit:

December to March for the clearest water and best wildlife viewing; sea turtles nest from April to September.

Local tips:

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and consider booking a local guide to enhance your snorkeling or turtle-watching experience.

Distance:

About 2 hours by car from Mombasa or 30 minutes from Malindi Airport.

How to Get to Watamu Beach:

Fly into Malindi Airport and drive or taxi south via the B8 road; Watamu is well signposted and accessible.

4. Ifaty


"Relax on sandy shores and explore vibrant coral reefs with family"
- VI

Ifaty

© Frank/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Ifaty, Southern Madagascar

Highlights:

Dreaming of an untouched, island paradise? Ifaty Beach on Madagascar’s southern coast offers remote beauty, vibrant marine life, and an authentic local atmosphere.

Recommended For:

Snorkelers, nature lovers, couples, and adventure travelers.

What we Love:

Pristine coral reefs, laid-back village charm, and seasonal whale sightings.
  • Snorkel the nearby coral reef teeming with colorful fish just a short swim from shore.
  • Watch humpback whales during migration season—an unforgettable summer sight.
  • Soak up local culture in coastal villages with traditional wooden pirogues dotting the shore.

Cost:

Free public access; snorkeling and whale tours available through local operators at varying prices.

Best time to visit:

July to September for whale watching; April to November for best weather and reef visibility.

Local tips:

Bring snorkeling gear or rent from local lodges. The beach is remote, so pack essentials and enjoy the peace.

Distance:

About 30 km north of Toliara (Tuléar); roughly a 1-hour drive depending on road conditions.

How to Get to Ifaty:

Fly into Toliara Airport and travel north by 4x4 or taxi along RN9. Local accommodations often assist with transfers.

Scenic Beaches in Thailand:

5. Sharm El Sheikh


Among my top 5: "See colorful reefs and enjoy an exciting diving adventure"
- VI

Sharm El Sheikh

© oleg_p_100/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Highlights:

Looking for a luxurious Red Sea escape? Sharm El Sheikh combines beachside relaxation with world-class diving and dazzling desert-mountain views.

Recommended For:

Sunseekers, scuba divers, families, and luxury resort lovers.

What we Love:

Crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and a resort-friendly vibe.
  • Dive into some of the Red Sea’s most stunning underwater sites like Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island.
  • Swim or snorkel right off the shore—many beaches have vibrant reefs just steps away.
  • Relax at upscale beach clubs and resorts with amenities fit for every comfort level.

Cost:

Many beaches are free or attached to resorts; diving/snorkeling tours vary in price.

Best time to visit:

March to May or September to November for ideal temperatures and excellent underwater visibility.

Local tips:

Bring or rent snorkeling gear—even resort beaches often have coral-rich areas right offshore.

Distance:

About 1-hour flight from Cairo; Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is just 20 minutes from most resorts.

How to Get to Sharm El Sheikh:

Fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, then taxi or shuttle to your resort or preferred beach area.

6. Anse Source d'Argent


"Admire granite boulders and walk along crystal-clear waters"
- VI

Anse Source d'Argent

© kbarzycki/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

Highlights:

Ever dreamed of stepping into a postcard? Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue is one of the most photographed beaches in the world—and for good reason.

Recommended For:

Couples, photographers, nature lovers, and beach explorers.

What we Love:

Iconic granite boulders, shallow turquoise waters, and surreal, untouched beauty.
  • Stroll along powdery white sands framed by ancient granite rock formations and tropical greenery.
  • Swim or wade in warm, calm waters perfect for all ages and ideal for snorkeling.
  • Explore the nearby beaches and trails on La Digue, one of Seychelles’ most charming islands.

Cost:

Access via L'Union Estate requires a small entrance fee (approx. SCR 150 per person).

Best time to visit:

April to May and October to November for the best weather and fewest crowds.

Local tips:

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer tourists—perfect for photos!

Distance:

La Digue is accessible via ferry from Praslin or Mahé; the beach is a short bike ride from the island’s main village.

How to Get to Anse Source d'Argent:

Take a ferry to La Digue, rent a bicycle or ox-cart, and head through L’Union Estate to reach the beach.

7. Essaouira


💕 "Walk along a bustling medina and enjoy a refreshing, unusual coastal breeze"
- VI

Essaouira

© upslim/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Essaouira, Morocco

Highlights:

Craving culture with your coastline? Essaouira Beach blends Atlantic breezes, golden sands, and a historic harbor just steps from Morocco’s laid-back seaside town.

Recommended For:

Surfers, kiteboarders, couples, and cultural explorers.

What we Love:

Consistent winds for water sports, bohemian vibes, and charming harbor strolls.
  • Surf or kiteboard in the steady Atlantic winds that define Essaouira’s beach scene.
  • Wander the nearby medina and old harbor filled with fishing boats and fresh seafood vendors.
  • Relax on wide, windswept sands with panoramic ocean views and minimal development.

Cost:

Free public beach access; gear rental and lessons available for water sports at various prices.

Best time to visit:

April to October for the warmest weather and most reliable wind conditions—ideal for surfers and beachgoers alike.

Local tips:

Bring a windbreaker—the beach can be breezy even on hot days. Great for camel rides and horseback on the sand.

Distance:

About 2.5 hours by car or bus from Marrakesh.

How to Get to Essaouira:

Drive or take a CTM or Supratours bus from Marrakesh; once in town, the beach is just a short walk from the medina and harbor.

📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:

  • Where can you find amazing beaches in Africa?
    • Whether you're in Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, or out on the gorgeous Seychelles Islands, Africa is home to a long list of mind-blowing beaches.
  • Are there still untouched beaches in Africa?
    • Many of these beaches are still untouched by the tourism industry, providing pristine pieces of paradise for beach-goers of all ages and backgrounds to love.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy on Africa’s beaches?
    • Maybe you’re looking to simply spend some time lying around on the sand with good friends or a good book.
  • Are there water sports available on Africa’s beaches?
    • Perhaps you’re hoping to set off on the waves and enjoy some thrilling, adrenalin-fueled water sport activities.

🌤 Best Time to Visit African Beaches

  • December to March – Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and vibrant beach festivals in southern Africa.
  • June to September – Best time for beach escapes in East Africa with dry weather and calm seas.
  • April & May – Quieter beaches and lush landscapes after seasonal rains in tropical regions.
  • October & November – Great for diving and snorkeling with warm water and good visibility.
  • Rainy Seasons (varies by region) – Expect fewer tourists, lower prices, and dramatic coastal beauty.

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