Summer may be waning, but the arrival of cooler weather isn't going to stop the staunch swimmers in Cape Town's tidal pools.
The rain could be coming sideways on a Friday morning, the mercury toying with single digits, and you'll still find Dalebrook tidal pool filled with hardy (or should that be foolhardy?) swimmers stripping down to their speedos for a few laps of the most popular tidal pool in False Bay. Come evening, there's rarely a spare piece of granite above Saunders Rock in Sea Point; the tidal pool with one of the best sunset views in town. Unless you're more of a fan of Camps Bay and Maiden's Cove, that is.
Tidal pools have been a feature of Cape Town's coastline for more than a century, a rich history interwoven with the advent of public leisure facilities and the egregious racial division of apartheid. They have provided a swimming space for those without, a gathering place for communities, and an opportunity for us all to discover the world that lies beneath the waves.
The many charms of Cape Town's tidal pools are beautifully celebrated in Serai Dowling's 'A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape', released in late 2024. Dowling has been immersing herself in the history and culture of Cape Town's tidal pools since 1999, and in her handy guide, she profiles 34 pools in and around Cape Town, and as far afield as Gansbaai.
Along with maps of the city, for each pool you'll find useful information on how to get there, accessibility, facilities on site, what to expect when you get there, things to do nearby and safety. There's also a 'swimmability' rating, depending on whether you plan to count off the laps or just have a splash. I especially enjoyed discovering the history and lore around each pool, from who built it, to how it was named.
Beyond guiding swimmers to the highlights of each pool, the book offers a fascinating history lesson about the role of apartheid segregation in the Cape and how many of the pools came to be. From penguins to urchins, there's also plenty of handy information on the marine life you can expect to encounter and ways to ensure a safe and uneventful swim (water shoes for the win!).
Whether you're looking to make the most of the last weeks of summer or fancy some armchair swimming through the winter, it's a must-have for your bookshelf.
A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape' is available online and through all good bookstores. Recommended retail price is R395.
While you wait... Time Out's pick of The 11 Best Tidal Pools in Cape Town.