Cold-water Dipping

Known for its chilly water, the Mother City has slotted right into the cold-water-immersion wellness trend (paging Dr Huberman!). On any given morning, no matter the season or weather, you’ll find keen swimmers (or dunkers) in stunning tidal pools or in the waves. There are dozens of informal, word-of-mouth groups; a more public one is the Cold Water Social Club, which brings devotees together on the Atlantic side for swims and breathwork. Adding some fun and colour to the endeavour is Pool Party Cape Town, which hosts monthly “mass floats” on lilos in various tidal pools, with an aerial photo snapped and the print sold to raise funds for kids’ water safety.
Cost Free
Times Check social media for schedules
Where to find it Camps Bay Tidal Pool, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
(sometimes on the beach or at Clifton)
Contact on Instagram @coldwatersocialclub, @poolpartycapetown

Good to know

• The Cape Town Open Water Swim Group guides newcomers (including offering a four-week intro course) and helps more seasoned swimmers keep fit and reach their goals, including the famous Robben Island Swim. It meets every day except Sunday, in Clifton, Simon’s Town and Blouberg.
• The Sunday Hot Chocolate Swimming Group meets at 9am at Caprice in Camps Bay every week for a 1.5km ocean swim – and hot chocolate afterwards. (Other branches of the group meet in Big Bay, False Bay and Gordon’s Bay). swimcapetown@gmail.com
• If you’d prefer freshwater swims, see our rivers and dams listing.