Nestled along South Africa's picturesque Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, or Gqeberha as it’s now known, boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country.
With its golden sands, stunning coastal scenery, and warm water thanks to the Indian Ocean, Port Elizabeth offers a paradise for beach lovers and sun-seekers alike.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best beaches in Port Elizabeth to help you find the perfect beach day in South Africa’s Windy City. Let’s dive in!
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Situated in the heart of Port Elizabeth's bustling beachfront, Hobie Beach is the beach hotspot as a favourite among locals and tourists alike. With its calm waters and pristine sands, Hobie Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and even windsurfing.
The beach is also home to the iconic Shark Rock Pier, offering stunning views of the coastline. Plus, it’s just a short walk to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment — PE’s biggest tourist spot with shops, restaurants, a casino, a cinema, an arcade, go-karting, theme park rides, a spa and more.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Blue-flag: Yes
Main attraction: In the centre of town with the Shark Rock Pier and proximity to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment.
Location: Summerstrand
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For those seeking a more secluded and pristine beach experience, Sardinia Bay is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Worth the drive, Sardinia Bay boasts unspoiled stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, offering a slice of paradise for nature lovers and solitude seekers.
The beach is ideal for long walks, swimming in rockpools and surfing, with opportunities for dolphin and whale watching during the migratory season.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
Blue-flag: No
Main attraction: One of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in PE.
Location: Sardinia Bay
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Stretching 2 km along the city's scenic coastline, Kings Beach is a popular family beach with soft sands, rock-free waters and lifeguards during the week and weekends.
Beyond the golden sands, you also find ample grassy areas, perfect for picnics, playgrounds, kiosks with food and refreshments, a skating rink, an outdoor gym and the Supertubes just a short walk away.
The beach is also equipped with excellent facilities, including changing rooms, showers and ample parking, making it a convenient choice for families and visitors.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must be leashed and are only allowed on the grassed areas.
Blue-flag: Yes
Main attraction: Family-friendly beach with lots of other amenities to keep the whole family entertained.
Location: Summerstrand
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Located adjacent to Kings Beach, Humewood Beach offers a quieter beach experience and is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, plenty of shade and sand dunes, Humewood Beach offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
As PE’s longest blue-flag beach, you can be assured of its quality, beauty and safety. The beach is popular for its calm, gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming, body surfing and even snorkelling.
Dog-friendly: No
Blue-flag: Yes
Main attraction: Beautiful blue-flag beach that’s quiet, private and peaceful.
Location: Humewood
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Located a short drive from Port Elizabeth's city centre, Maitlands Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its rugged coastline, rolling sand dunes and powerful surf breaks, Maitlands Beach is a mecca for surfing, kite flying, and beachcombing.
The beach also offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, providing the perfect backdrop for sunset picnics, romantic walks and even horse rides along the shoreline.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be leashed.
Blue-flag: No
Main attraction: Famous for its breathtaking rolling dunes, popular for sandboarding and tobogganing.
Location: Beachview
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Situated just outside of Port Elizabeth, Bluewater Bay Beach offers a tranquil retreat away from the city. Bluewater Bay Beach is another popular family beach with its warm waters, playground and lifeguards during peak season.
Local surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers love Bluewater Bay Beach for its wilder water and windy afternoons. The beach is also popular for its excellent fishing opportunities, with anglers casting their lines in search of a bountiful catch.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash and outside bathing area.
Blue-flag: No
Main attraction: Large beach out of the city that’s also very family friendly.
Location: Bluewater Bay
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Wells Estate Beach boasts expansive recreational areas, pristine sand dunes and warm waters. Ideal for families, the beach offers well-maintained water slides, paddling pools and scenic picnic spots. Visitors can also enjoy dolphin and whale watching from the raised pier, while lifeguards ensure safety during the peak summer season.
In addition to family-friendly amenities, Wells Estate Beach provides excellent swimming and fishing opportunities. Whether it's casting a line into the surf or enjoying a refreshing dip, visitors can experience the best of coastal relaxation at Wells Estate Beach.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are only allowed on the cycleway and at the back of the dunes.
Blue-flag: No
Main attraction: Quieter beach outside of the city centre with some fun amenities for the family to enjoy.
Location: Wells Estate
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Locally known as the Pipe, Pollock Beach is the local surfing hotspot, offering consistent waves and stunning views. With its relaxed atmosphere and soft sand, it's also great for sunbathing, beach games and long beach strolls across the miles of sand.
Pollock Beach has a natural tidal pool, formed by a shelf of rocks between which there is a narrow channel of water which is great for kids and families. It’s also very close to Nelson Mandela University, making it a great spot for students needing a post-class swim.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Blue-flag: No
Main attraction: Top surfing spot in PE close to other main beaches.
Location: Summerstrand
From its warm waters, soft white sands and stunning coastlines, Port Elizabeth beaches have a lot to offer beachgoers — whether you’re looking to swim, tan, surf, windsurf, snorkel kitesurf and more!
The beaches are just one of the many perks of life in the Friendly City. Find out everything you need to know about living in Port Elizabeth here.
And if you decide to make PE your new home, then you know who to call to find the most affordable and trusted moving service to get you and your belongings to PE’s shores — Wise Move!
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