Dias Beach is an undeveloped beach located within the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026, noting the updated Table Mountain National Park entry fees for the 2026 season.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | October–March: 06:00–18:00. April–September: 07:00–17:00 |
| Ticket prices | Standard adult: R515, Standard child: R250. SA Citizen adult: R110, SA Citizen child: R55. SADC adult: R225, SADC child: R115. |
| Address | Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa |
| Nearest public transport or parking | On-site parking at the main Cape Point car park; no direct public transport |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
Dias Beach opening hours
The Dias Beach opening hours are dictated by the broader Cape Point nature reserve gate times, operating from 06:00 to 18:00 between October and March. During the winter season from April to September, the gates are open from 07:00 to 17:00.
Visitors must ensure they have hiked back up from the beach and exited the main park gates before closing time to avoid penalties.
Dias Beach ticket prices
There is no separate fee for the beach itself, but access requires paying the Cape of Good Hope entry fee, which is R515 for standard adult entry and R250 for children. South African citizens with valid identification pay R110 for adults and R55 for children, while SADC nationals pay R225 for adults and R115 for children. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Entry to the reserve is included in the Cape Town City Pass, along with other regional attractions such as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and Groot Constantia.
Why book the Cape Town City Pass?
- 🚠 Table Mountain Cableway: Enjoy included access to Cape Town’s most famous landmark, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the Atlantic, and the Twelve Apostles.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Navigate the city effortlessly with a City Sightseeing bus ticket, connecting you to major sites like Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- 🍷 Wine & Wildlife Experiences: Choose from a variety of unique activities, including wine tastings at Groot Constantia, sunset harbor cruises, or visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on total admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each attraction.
- 📱 100% Digital & Easy: Manage your entire trip from your smartphone—simply show your pass at any of the 80+ participating attractions for instant, paperless entry.
How to get to Dias Beach
You can reach Dias Beach by driving south from central Cape Town along the M4 or M65 routes to the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, and continuing to the main Cape Point car park. There is no direct public transport to the park entrance, meaning visitors without a vehicle must rely on guided tours or private transport from Simon’s Town.
5 great Cape Town experiences to book
- ⛰️ Combine the region’s natural highlights on a Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape Point day tour.
- 🚌 Take the genuinely useful hop-on, hop-off city tour, with an optional harbour cruise.
- 🏛️ Go on a hassle-free Robben Island tour, with pre-booked tickets and transfers.
- 🦁 See the Big Five at the Aquila Game Reserve on a day trip including lunch.
- 🧗 Go ziplining at the foot of Table Mountain.
Parking at Dias Beach
Parking at Dias Beach is located at the main Cape Point lower funicular station car park, which serves as the starting point for the coastal trail. This parking is included in the standard park entry fee, but spaces fill up quickly during peak summer months.
How long to spend at Dias Beach
Visitors generally spend between one and two hours at Dias Beach, factoring in the steep hike down and back up. The walk down the wooden staircase takes approximately 20 minutes, leaving time to walk along the sand before beginning the strenuous ascent.
Accessibility at Dias Beach
Accessibility at Dias Beach is highly restricted, as the only way to reach the sand is via a long, steep wooden staircase built into the cliffside. The beach is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, though clear views of the beach can be seen from the paved lookout points near the upper funicular station.
What to see at Dias Beach
Dias Beach is a white-sand beach situated directly between the Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope promontories. It is encircled by towering cliffs and coastal fynbos vegetation, offering a remote environment away from the main visitor facilities.
The primary access point is a wooden staircase that descends down the cliffside from the coastal path. From the shoreline, visitors have a clear vantage point over the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky outcrops that define the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula.
Due to extremely strong rip currents and powerful surf, swimming is strictly prohibited at Dias Beach. The area is instead used for beach walking, photography, and observing the maritime conditions.
Wildlife, including baboons and various marine birds, can occasionally be observed near the beach or on the surrounding cliffs.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive early in the morning before the Cape Doctor winds pick up in the afternoon. |
| Crowds | The steep staircase deters many visitors, meaning the beach remains relatively uncrowded even during peak season. |
| Layout | The trailhead leading to the stairs is located off the main paved path between the car park and the Cape of Good Hope. |
| Entry process | Keep your park entry receipt with you, as park officials occasionally check them within the reserve. |
| On-site logistics | Carry sufficient drinking water, as there are no facilities, shops, or water stations located down on the beach. |
Frequently asked questions about Dias Beach
| Query | Answer |
| Is Dias Beach suitable for children? | Older children can manage the hike, but the steep stairs and strong ocean currents make it unsuitable for toddlers or swimming. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Dias Beach? | No advance booking is required for the beach, but paying the park entry fee online can save time at the main gate. |
| Is Dias Beach open on Sundays? | Yes, the beach is accessible seven days a week, following the Cape of Good Hope park gate hours. |
| Are bags allowed at Dias Beach? | Yes, visitors can bring day bags and backpacks down to the beach, but be cautious of baboons seeking food. |
Things to do near Dias Beach
- Flying Dutchman Funicular: A commercial railway taking visitors up to the Cape Point viewing decks.
- Old Cape Point Lighthouse: A historic 1859 lighthouse located at the highest peak of the peninsula.
- Cape of Good Hope sign: A rocky headland marking the most south-western point of the African continent.
- Two Oceans Restaurant: A dining venue situated near the main car park overlooking False Bay.
- Shipwreck Trails: Coastal walking paths leading to the remains of historic vessels like the Thomas T. Tucker.
More Cape Town travel
Other Cape Town travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to see the Boulders Beach penguins and Cape of Good Hope in one day.
- A guide to tackling Chapman’s Peak Drive in Cape Town.
- Plan your visit to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town.
- Plan your visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.
- What to expect at World of Birds in Cape Town.
