False Bay · Cape Town Coastal Day Trip
Muizenberg & Kalk Bay Day Trip
One of Cape Town's most beautiful coastal experiences.
A full-day, hour-by-hour itinerary from the colourful bathing huts of Muizenberg, along the St James coastal walk, into the working fishing harbour and boutiques of Kalk Bay, and up to the sunset panoramas of Boyes Drive.
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Muizenberg Beach
Start your day at Surfers Corner, Muizenberg, where the relaxed beach atmosphere sets the tone for the day. Walk the beachfront, photograph the famous colourful Victorian bathing huts and watch surfers riding the gentle waves of False Bay.
Breakfast pick
Hans & Lloyd Coffee Co.
A favourite among locals serving excellent speciality coffee, fresh pastries and delicious breakfasts.
Breakfast pick
Empire Café
One of Muizenberg's most popular cafés — generous breakfasts, quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, a short stroll from the beach.
9:00 AM
Learn to Surf at Surfers Corner
Muizenberg is internationally recognised as one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. Its long sandy beach, gentle rolling waves and sandy seabed make it ideal for beginners.
Several professional surf schools operate from Surfers Corner, offering lessons for children, adults and complete beginners. Surfboards and wetsuits can be hired, with lessons available throughout the day. Even if you don't plan to surf, it's worth watching the colourful line-up of surfers enjoying the waves.
10:30 AM
Muizenberg Water Slides
Perfect for families travelling with children — multiple water slides, splash pools, shaded seating and refreshments.
Address: 20A Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Guests can purchase one-hour, two-hour or full-day passes depending on how long the family wants to spend on the slides.
11:15 AM
Muizenberg Putt-Putt
A few minutes away is one of Cape Town's classic family attractions — a traditional 18-hole miniature golf course that has entertained visitors for generations and is suitable for all ages.
Address: 6 Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
12:00 PM
Walk the Muizenberg to St James Coastal Walk
Begin the spectacular coastal walk towards St James. The easy path hugs the shoreline with uninterrupted views across False Bay towards the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
During whale season (June to November), Southern Right Whales are frequently seen from the coastline.
12:45 PM
St James Tidal Pool
One of Cape Town's most photographed locations — the sheltered tidal pool framed by the world-famous rainbow-coloured bathing boxes.
- • Swimming in the sheltered tidal pool
- • The colourful Victorian bathing boxes
- • Spectacular ocean views
- • Seasonal whale watching
1:15 PM
Dalebrook Tidal Pool
Continue to Dalebrook Tidal Pool — a quieter favourite among Cape Town locals with crystal-clear water on calm days, ideal for another swim before arriving in Kalk Bay.
1:45 PM
Explore Kalk Bay Village
Wander through one of South Africa's most charming coastal villages. Kalk Bay is best enjoyed slowly.
- • Boutique clothing stores
- • Antique shops
- • Independent bookstores
- • Art galleries
- • Jewellery stores
- • Home décor boutiques
- • Local gift shops
2:15 PM
Visit Kalk Bay Harbour
Explore one of the oldest working fishing harbours in the Western Cape.
- • Commercial fishing boats
- • Fishermen unloading the day's catch
- • Cape Fur Seals swimming around the harbour
- • Local harbour life
2:45 PM
Lunch in Kalk Bay
A choice of excellent restaurants along Main Road and inside the harbour itself.
Lunch
Kalky's
Inside Kalk Bay Harbour
Famous for traditional fish and chips.
Lunch
The Reef
35 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Fresh seafood in a relaxed coastal setting.
Lunch
Ohana Café
23 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Excellent breakfasts, lunches, coffee and homemade cakes.
Lunch
Sirocco Café
75 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Relaxed café serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and cocktails.
Lunch
Satori
78 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and Mediterranean cuisine.
4:00 PM
Visit Olympia Bakery
No visit to Kalk Bay is complete without stopping at one of Cape Town's most famous bakeries.
Address: 134 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- • Artisan sourdough bread
- • Fresh pastries
- • Croissants
- • Cinnamon swirls
- • Excellent coffee
4:30 PM
Afternoon Coffee at Salt
If you're still in the mood for coffee, continue next door to Salt — a stylish café serving speciality coffee, breakfasts, light lunches and delicious baked treats.
Address: 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay
5:00 PM
Walk up Jacob's Ladder
Climb Jacob's Ladder from Main Road up to Boyes Drive. Although steep, the reward is one of Cape Town's finest viewpoints.
5:20 PM
Boyes Drive Viewpoint
Take in breathtaking panoramic views across Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, False Bay and the surrounding mountains — one of the best photography spots anywhere along the False Bay coastline.
5:45 PM
Return to Kalk Bay
Walk back down Jacob's Ladder and spend your final hour at the harbour, over an ice cream, a final coffee, gift shopping or a drink before returning to Cape Town as the sun sets over False Bay.
Photo gallery
Muizenberg & Kalk Bay in pictures
A closer look at the villages, harbour, railway and False Bay coastline you'll experience along this day trip.
Explore Independently — or Let a Local Guide Show You Around
Private Guided Cape Town Day Tours
Everything in this guide can easily be explored independently with your own vehicle. If you'd rather relax while an experienced local guide takes care of the driving, route planning and insider recommendations, South African Adventures offers fully private guided day tours throughout Cape Town — flexible itineraries built around your interests.
- • Hotel collection and drop-off
- • Comfortable private vehicle
- • Experienced local guide
- • Flexible itinerary
- • Local restaurant recommendations
- • Hidden gems not found in most guidebooks
- • Suitable for couples, families and small private groups
South African Adventures is our recommended private touring partner for this guide.
Muizenberg & Kalk Bay — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking your Hermanus whale watching trip.