South Africa is 7th best country in the world for skinny dipping

Girl in a jacket

South Africa is more nudist-friendly than we thought. New survey from Outforia shows that we made the “top 10 skinny dipping countries in the world” list. We’re right behind Israel and just beat the United Kingdom.

SKINNY DIPPERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU

The outdoor, nature-loving enthusiast online guide, Outforia, found out from their own survey and scoring methods, that “South Africa is the world’s 7th best country for skinny dipping”. So we asked you, the skinny dippers, beach bums and water babies of South Africa, where your best skinny dipping spots are. This is what came back.

SANDY BAY BEACH

Karen Compton and Patricia Sandra Langenberg Gerber both agree: Sandy Bay Beach just south of Llundudno is just private enough to bare all for a refreshing swim.


Sandy Bay. Image: Antonia Heil

COETZENBURG POOL

“In my younger days Coetzenburg pool in Stellenbosch after a night out.” Hendrik Lamprecht shared with us.

South Africa is 7th best country in the world for skinny dipping

“STRAND BEACH…

…on a hot summer night”, says Eugene G. Saayman.

CAMPS BAY BEACH

“Not really a skinny-dipping spot, but Camps Bay was my first with my oh-so adventurous boyfriend and some friends, before curfews and alcohol bans” Khanyisa Ziqhu told us.

SILVERMINE DAM

Khulood Arendse says, “…back in my wild rebellious youth, it was Silvermines, today like everybody else, it’s my bathtub”.

TABLE MOUNTAIN, ANY ADVICE?

Laura Van Wyk asked, “Is skinny dipping in the reservoir on top of Table Mountain allowed, the spring fountain bath in Kirstenbosch gardens on a misty day? Asking for a friend.” Give your legs a break once you’ve reached the top and rest the night at the Overseer’s Cottage.

HEAD OUT TO BEAVERLAC OR THE DRAKENSBERG

Ndabie Kgosidialwa says Beaverlac, in the Cederberg. Or, if you’re close to the Drakensberg, Richelle Steyn recommends the Marble Baths.

THE WORLD’S TOP 10 COUNTRIES FOR SKINNY-DIPPING:

Outforia rated countries based on several important skinny-dipping factors: nudist beaches and clubs, campsites, average annual and water temperature and legality. And, the scores are in.

Rank 

Country

Number of nudist beaches and clubs

Number of naturist campsites

Average annual temperature (degrees celsius) 

Average water temperature (degrees celsius) 

Legality

Skinny dipping score

1

France

397

212

10.7

15.8

Legal

7.04

2

United States

299

253

8.6

16.9

Partial

6.95

3

Spain

422

95

13.3

17.9

Legal

6.52

4

Thailand

9

12

26.3

29.1

Legal

5.64

5

Australia

66

57

21.9

20.9

Partial

5.19

6

Israel

3

2

19.2

22.8

Legal

4.37

7

South Africa

17

25

17.8

20

Legal

4.37

8

United Kingdom

51

160

8.5

11.8

Legal

4.16

9

Italy

38

36

13.5

18.9

Legal

4.06

10

Greece

13

18

15.4

19.8

Legal

4.00