Nahoon Beach Tours and Activities

Nahoon Beach featuring surfing, landscape views and general coastal views
Nahoon Beach showing a bridge, general coastal views and mist or fog
Nahoon Beach featuring a pebble beach, a sunset and landscape views
Nahoon Beach
Nahoon Beach showing landscape views, a sandy beach and general coastal 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 & Accommodation 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
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
Premier Hotel Regent

Premier Hotel Regent

3 out of 5
22 Esplanade, Beach Front, East London, Eastern Cape
Premier Hotel Regent
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
Harewood Lodge

Harewood Lodge

4 out of 5
11 Harewood Drive, Nahoon, East London, Eastern Cape
Harewood Lodge
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
Arum Guest House

Arum Guest House

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

The Hillcrest Guesthouse

4 out of 5
67 Hillcrest Drive, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape
The Hillcrest 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 stunning coastal views and a fantastic swimming area, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. With its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for relaxation and fun. Whether you're keen on swimming, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Nahoon Beach provides a delightful escape for all visitors.

Shopping

Nahoon Beach offers convenient shopping options. Beacon Bay Crossing, 4.8km away, boasts a lively atmosphere with various businesses and entertainment. King's Mall, situated 6.4km away, features a mix of city and family vibes, perfect for gift shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out more options further afield.

Recreation

At Jan Smuts Stadium, engage in invigorating sports activities while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Alexander Country Club offers a serene golfing experience amidst lush greenery, perfect for relaxation. Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club provides a picturesque outdoor setting, ideal for enjoying nature and unwinding after a day of exploration.

Adventure

Explore Nahoon Beach for thrilling water sports like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, perfect for all skill levels. The nearby Nahoon River offers kayaking adventures, while the scenic coastal trails provide a fantastic opportunity for hiking and birdwatching amidst stunning natural beauty.

Nightlife

Nahoon Beach offers a vibrant nightlife with a mix of beach bars and lively pubs. Enjoy cocktails at the trendy Nahoon Corner, or unwind at the relaxed beachside pub, The Fish and Chip Co., where you can soak in the ocean views and local vibes.

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

Find the best attractions near Nahoon Beach

Discover the charm of Nahoon Beach, where you can soak up the sun on its famous sands, explore local galleries, and dive into the region's rich history at nearby museums. Enjoy the vibrant beach culture, catch some waves at East London Nahoon Beach surf, or relax on the Eastern Beach. With plenty of attractions to explore, Nahoon Beach is the perfect spot for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

  • Eastern Beach: Located 3.2km from Nahoon Beach, Eastern Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with its golden sands and gentle waves. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a leisurely stroll along the promenade, allowing you to soak up the local beach culture.
  • Bonza Bay Beach: Just 1.6km away, Bonza Bay Beach is a picturesque spot known for its stunning views and relaxed vibe. Ideal for families, you can enjoy picnics, beach games, or a refreshing dip in the ocean, making it a great spot for a day of fun in the sun.
  • Ann Bryant Art Gallery: Situated 4.8km from Nahoon Beach, this gallery showcases a rich collection of South African art and culture. Explore its diverse exhibitions and immerse yourself in the local artistic heritage, making it a perfect cultural escape.

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 slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

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 SunnyAverageAverage
May65.8°F (18.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
August62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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

Nahoon Beach offers budget-friendly options for Australian tourists. The best months to visit for lower rates are June and October to November, while Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book. Use Expedia to refine your accommodation choices and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Look for Eco-certified hotels for a sustainable stay. Sorting by price from low to high can help unveil great deals, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience with the best prices available. Keep an eye out for booking fees to maximise your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nahoon Beach are June and October 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’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Nahoon Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.