Nahoon Beach

Nahoon Beach featuring surfing, landscape views and a sandy beach
Nahoon Beach featuring landscape views, a bridge and mist or fog
Nahoon Beach which includes a pebble beach, a sunset and landscape views
Nahoon Beach
Nahoon Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and landscape views


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 Nahoon Beach 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
Hemingways Hotel

Hemingways Hotel

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

Arbour Lodge

3 out of 5
12 Kiwi Road Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape
Arbour Lodge
Reef View BnB

Reef View BnB

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

Harewood Lodge

4 out of 5
11 Harewood Drive, Nahoon, East London, Eastern Cape
Harewood Lodge
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 in East London, Eastern Cape, is a haven for beach activities, offering stunning surf spots and excellent surf breaks for both beginners and experienced surfers. The vibrant atmosphere attracts sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby attractions, including local eateries and scenic walks along the coastline, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Beacon Bay Crossing, a vibrant shopping mall just 4.8km from Nahoon Beach, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. King's Mall, located 6.4km away, features a delightful mix of shops in a bustling atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit other shopping centres nearby.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club, surrounded by lush landscapes and outdoor vibes, only 20.9km from Nahoon Beach. For sports enthusiasts, Jan Smuts Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere just 4.8km away, while Alexander Country Club invites you for more golfing fun at 11.3km.

Adventure

Nahoon Beach offers thrilling activities like surfing the waves, exploring the scenic coastline on a kayak, and enjoying beach volleyball. For the adventurous, there’s also the chance to try stand-up paddleboarding while soaking in the stunning views of the Eastern Cape’s natural beauty.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Nahoon Beach area. Enjoy cocktails at the trendy The Venue, then groove to live music at the nearby Flamingo's. For a relaxed evening, visit the Ocean View Tavern, where you can savour local brews while soaking in the stunning beach 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 in East London, Eastern Cape, offers a delightful blend of beach experiences and cultural attractions for every traveller. Visit the renowned Nahoon Reef and the picturesque beach itself, while also exploring nearby historical museums and art galleries. The beauty of Nahoon Beach is complemented by the scenic Beach Road, making it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and local culture.

  • Bonza Bay Beach: Experience the laid-back beach vibes at Bonza Bay Beach, located merely 1.6km from Nahoon Beach. This picturesque spot offers golden sands and stunning ocean views, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
  • East London Museum: Just 4.8km away, the East London Museum provides a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With fascinating exhibits showcasing local history, wildlife, and the famous Coelacanth fish, it’s an enlightening stop for history buffs.
  • Ann Bryant Art Gallery: Also 4.8km from Nahoon Beach, the Ann Bryant Art Gallery features a remarkable collection of South African art. Explore diverse exhibitions and appreciate the local artistic talent in a serene and inspiring setting.

Best time to go to Nahoon Beach

The best time to visit Nahoon Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nahoon Beach falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nahoon Beach falls in July, 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

For a budget-friendly trip to Nahoon Beach, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, while Fridays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and accommodation type, ensuring you sort results from lowest to highest price. Additionally, save more by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Look out for accommodation deals and special offers to maximise your savings during your stay at this beautiful beach destination.

  • 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, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Nahoon Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.