Nahoon Beach

Nahoon Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and surfing
Nahoon Beach showing a bridge, general coastal views and landscape views
Nahoon Beach featuring landscape views, a sunset and a pebble beach
Nahoon Beach
Nahoon Beach featuring general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach


This popular East London beach is famous for its surfing competitions, kayaking excursions, river fishing and scenic walks across the headland.

Whether you hit the beach to carve up the surf breaks, reel in a catch or simply relax on the sand, Nahoon Beach is a versatile getaway on the Wild Coast. Surf big waves, watch national surfing competitions and enjoy kayaking adventures. This area is also a popular destination for picturesque hikes and spectacular views of the coast. Nahoon Beach fronts a suburb of the same name, located a short drive east from East London’s city centre.

The beach itself is comprised of a long sweep of golden sand curving up into large dunes, with clean waves rolling in from the Indian Ocean. You’ll find facilities such as changing rooms at Nahoon Beach but there are no restaurants or snack bars. Lifeguards patrol the beach and mark out the safe swimming area with flags. At the north end of the beach, the ocean converges with the Nahoon River and creates a calm lagoon.

The waves are famously big here, especially in the winter months. Watch surfers and kitesurfers perform impressive tricks in the waves. Sign up for surf lessons with the adventure centre located on the beach. Join a kayaking or fishing trip and cruise inland along the Nahoon River.

Stroll to the south end of the beach to find a boardwalk that leads through rolling sand dunes to the rocky headland, Nahoon Point. Admire the rugged scenery of the Wild Coast and look down to see Nahoon Reef, a famous surf spot where regular competitions are held. Follow the Dassie Trail, a 1.2-mile (2-kilometre) long trail that winds through the mangrove forests and mudflats of the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve.

Away from the beach, the suburb of Nahoon Beach is home to useful amenities. Find backpacker hostels, guesthouses, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. 

Nahoon Beach is about a 15-minute drive from East London’s city centre. The easiest way to get here is by car, as public buses in East London are infrequent. Free parking is available at the north entrance to the beach and Nahoon Point.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Premier Hotel East London ICC

Premier Hotel East London ICC

4 out of 5
22 Esplanade, Beachfront, East London, Eastern Cape
Premier Hotel East London ICC
Premier Hotel Regent

Premier Hotel Regent

3 out of 5
22 Esplanade, Beach Front, East London, Eastern Cape
Premier Hotel Regent
Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre

Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre

3 out of 5
21 Blue Bend Pl, East London, Eastern Cape
Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre
Reef View BnB

Reef View BnB

3.5 out of 5
4 Blue Bennd place, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape
Reef View BnB
Arbour Lodge

Arbour Lodge

3 out of 5
12 Kiwi Road Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape
Arbour Lodge
Hemingways Hotel

Hemingways Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner Western Bypass & Two Rivers Drive, Cambridge, East London, Eastern Cape
Hemingways Hotel
Road Lodge East London

Road Lodge East London

1 out of 5
Corner Union Avenue and Cheltenham Road, East London, Eastern Cape
Road Lodge East London
Arum Guest House

Arum Guest House

4 out of 5
19 A Kenyon Crescent, Bonnie Doon, East London, Eastern Cape
Arum Guest House
Santorini Guesthouse

Santorini Guesthouse

3.5 out of 5
19 John Bailie Rd, Bunkers Hill, East London, Eastern Cape
Santorini Guesthouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nahoon Beach

Nahoon Beach offers a vibrant array of activities, perfect for a fun-filled vacation. Engage in thrilling banana boat rides or enjoy various beach activities such as volleyball and sunbathing. The lively atmosphere is accentuated by beach parties, where you can dance the night away with fellow tourists and locals. For a more relaxing experience, consider a beach retreat, soaking in the stunning views and serene surroundings of this beautiful coastal paradise.

Shopping

Located 4.8km from Nahoon Beach, Beacon Bay Crossing offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly options. King's Mall, situated 6.4km away, provides a mix of business and city vibes for a delightful shopping spree.

Recreation

At Jan Smuts Stadium, enjoy a dynamic atmosphere filled with sports activities. The Alexander Country Club offers a delightful golfing experience amidst picturesque landscapes. Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club provides a serene outdoor setting for relaxation and leisure, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Adventure

Explore the stunning Nahoon Beach with thrilling activities like surfing or paddleboarding on the waves. For a unique adventure, try kite surfing, where you can glide over the water with the wind in your sails. Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along the scenic coastline.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Nahoon Beach with a visit to The Venue, where you can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. For a relaxed evening, head to the Nahoon Beach Club for cocktails and good company while soaking in stunning ocean views.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Nahoon Beach

Nahoon Beach, East London, offers a delightful blend of attractions, perfect for those seeking both sun-soaked relaxation and cultural enrichment. Visitors can enjoy the pristine beach, delve into local history at nearby museums, and appreciate the vibrant art scene in galleries. This coastal gem caters to travellers eager to immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage of the Eastern Cape, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

  • Bonza Bay Beach: Located a mile from Nahoon Beach, Bonza Bay Beach offers stunning coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing while soaking up the local beach vibes.
  • East London Museum: Situated three miles away, the East London Museum provides a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture. Explore its unique exhibits, including the famous coelacanth, and immerse yourself in the local heritage.
  • Ann Bryant Art Gallery: Also three miles from Nahoon Beach, this gallery showcases a diverse collection of art, featuring both local and international artists. The cultural vibes make it a perfect stop for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Best time to go to Nahoon Beach

The best time to visit Nahoon Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.8°F (18.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June62.8°F (17.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
July61.9°F (16.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
August62.4°F (16.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
December69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nahoon Beach

To save money during your visit to Nahoon Beach, plan your trip between September and November when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, while avoiding Fridays, which are pricier. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly options, eco-certified hotels, and the best deals by arranging prices from lowest to highest. Consider combining your hotel booking with flights and activities for additional savings. Explore free beach activities to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nahoon Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nahoon Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Nahoon Beach is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Nahoon Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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