The naked truth: Sandy Bay not a naturist beach, says SANParks

For decades, people who enjoy sunbathing 'in the altogether' have ventured to Cape Town's Sandy Bay to strip off and soak up some rays.

But now it seems those days are over.

SANParks has clarified that Sandy Bay Beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and has never been formally designated as a naturist beach.

The response follows complaints from members of the naturist community who say some visitors have recently been harassed while sunbathing nude there.

In a written response to CapeTalk, SANParks said rangers have not been instructed to target naturists.

Instead, officials say patrols are routine and aimed at ensuring visitors comply with park regulations and broader legislation.

This follows a recent conversation on Good Morning Cape Town with Marthinus Pretorius, a coordinator and representative for the World Naked Bike Ride in Cape Town.

He spoke to Lester Kiewit about the cancellation of this year’s event.

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Members of the naturist community say Sandy Bay has been used for nude sunbathing for decades and argue that the fact people have done so for so long has effectively made the beach an informal naturist space.

Pretorius says a similar situation happened with Graafs Pool in Sea Point, also once a popular nudist site.

"There are people who had an issue with it, residents, and there are various reasons for it, they said, crime becomes a problem."

Pretorius argues that the real issue was a lack of maintenance and management.

"The same kind of sounds we're getting [from residents of Llandudno]. The rate payers in the area are going to be bothered because [crime] influences the value of your property."

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Referring to them as a 'cultural group', Pretorius says naturists are being unfairly treated. He says Sandy Bay started being marketed as a naturist venue as early as the 1980s.

"There are two naturist guesthouses within walking distance to Sandy Bay, people invest money, and in the mid-90s, the City council also mentioned Sandy Bay as a naturist beach in their tourism promotions."

Response from SANPARKS:

Sandy Bay Beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and is not, and has not been, formally designated as a naturist beach.

SANParks recently undertook engagements with key stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town, law enforcement authorities, and local community safety structures, following concerns that had been raised about various unlawful activities occurring in the area. SANParks rangers have not been instructed to harass visitors. 

Their role is to conduct routine patrols and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and park regulations in order to maintain a safe and lawful environment for all visitors.

SANParks is also in the process of developing new signage for the area, which is currently undergoing legal review. The signage will clarify the rules applicable to the site and help avoid any misunderstanding regarding permitted activities.

To listen to Marthinus Pretorius in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: