Windmill Beach

Tucked behind the golf course at Froggy Pond, this sheltered cove sits just past the famous Boulders penguin colony in Simon's Town. Giant granite outcrops break the wind, leaving flat, clear water good for swimming, snorkelling and scuba training. City of Cape Town rules let dogs run free on the sand, though leads are required on the approach paths. Parking and toilets are on site, and the beach doubles as a launch point for sea kayakers.