Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
mixed
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
steep
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
5 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
rock
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
4 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Cape Cross Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity murky, average temperature +14.0°C, warms up to +17.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Cape Cross Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Cape Cross Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — steep. The shallow area extends for 5 metres from the shore. Bottom — rock. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The steep entry requires extra care, especially with children.
Cape Cross Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — mixed. Sand colour — grey. Texture — coarse. Beach length — 4 000 metres.
Cape Cross Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is November. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Cape Cross Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Cape Cross Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, brown hyenas, jackals. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Cape Cross Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Cape Cross Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming. A first aid station is available.
Cape Cross Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Cape Cross Lodge. Cuisines available: International. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Cape Cross Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Windbreaker, Comfortable shoes, Headwear, Camera, Cash.
Cape Cross Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and rocks. The best time to visit is November to December, when the colony has the most seals.
Cape Cross Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is prohibited. Do not approach seals. Do not leave litter. Follow reserve rules.
Cape Cross Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Suitable for observing the world-s largest colony of Cape fur seals. Not suitable for swimming or families with small children due to the strong smell.
Cape Cross Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Cape Cross is home to the world-s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus), with up to 210,000 individuals during the breeding season. It is also a historic site where Portuguese explorer Diego Cão erected a stone cross in 1486.
Cape Cross Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: World-s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals (up to 210,000 individuals), Historic site (Diego Cão cross, 1486), Scenic rocky coastline, Wildlife watching, Information signs and wooden boardwalks, Camping nearby. Cons: Very strong smell from seals, Swimming prohibited, Rocky shore, Remote location (60 km from Henties Bay), Paid entry to the reserve.
Cape Cross Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Seal Colony, Diego Cão Cross, Skeleton Coast. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Cape Cross Beach: how do I get to the city of Henties Bay?
The beach is located near the city of Henties Bay. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Henties Bay.