A growing campaign is calling for Cape Town’s Sandy Bay, long regarded as a gay-friendly nudist beach, to be formally recognised and regulated as an official naturist space.
The call comes amid renewed public debate sparked by a discussion on CapeTalk, which prompted SANParks to clarify its position on the use of the beach.
SANParks: No Official Nudist Status
In its statement, SANParks confirmed that “Sandy Bay Beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and is not, and has not been, formally designated as a naturist beach.”
The agency added that it had recently engaged with stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town and law enforcement, following concerns about unlawful activities in the area.
“SANParks rangers have not been instructed to harass visitors,” the organisation said. “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 also revealed that new signage is being developed and is currently under legal review. “The signage will clarify the rules applicable to the site and help avoid any misunderstanding regarding permitted activities,” it noted.
A Longstanding Queer and Naturist Space
Despite the lack of formal recognition, Sandy Bay has for decades been widely known as Cape Town’s only nudist beach and a popular gathering place for gay men.
Its history as a queer space dates back to the 1970s, and it has gained international recognition as one of the world’s top gay-friendly beaches.
Tucked away and relatively difficult to access, the secluded beach has long offered a sense of privacy and freedom for visitors, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Advocates argue that this informal status has created uncertainty and vulnerability, with no clear rules or protections in place.
Petition Calls for Regulation and Protection
A petition launched on Change.org is now urging authorities to formally designate Sandy Bay as a regulated naturist beach.
“We, the undersigned, call on the City of Cape Town and relevant authorities to formally recognise and regulate Sandy Bay as a designated naturist (nudist) beach,” the petition states.
It highlights that, “for decades, Sandy Bay has been informally known and used as a naturist beach by both locals and international visitors,” but warns that the lack of regulation has led to ongoing challenges.
These include a “lack of enforceable rules and behavioural standards,” an “increased risk of harassment, voyeurism, and non-consensual photography,” and “difficulty in managing inappropriate or unlawful behaviour.”
The petition stresses that the initiative is not about encouraging nudity, but rather about addressing an existing reality. “This petition is not about promoting nudity, but about recognising an existing and longstanding use of the space,” it states.
It adds that formal designation would help create “a safer, more respectful environment for all users” and allow for “clear rules, boundaries, and enforcement mechanisms.”
Lessons from the Past
Speaking on CapeTalk, Marthinus Pretorius, a coordinator for the World Naked Bike Ride in Cape Town, drew parallels with the now-defunct Graaf’s Pool in Sea Point, once a well-known nudist and gay meeting spot that was partly demolished in 2005.
Supporters of the Sandy Bay campaign fear a similar outcome if the site remains unregulated and vulnerable to shifting enforcement or public pressure.
The petition also frames the issue within a global context, noting that many cities have successfully implemented regulated naturist beaches that contribute to tourism and inclusivity.
“Cape Town, as a globally recognised and progressive destination, has the opportunity to approach this matter with maturity, balance, and respect for diversity,” it states.
For now, Sandy Bay remains an unofficial but significant space — one that continues to sit at the intersection of queer history, public policy, and the ongoing quest for safety and recognition.
2 Responses
I love the freedom of being naked at Sandy Bay. It should be given the official status as a naturist beach, i.e. a non-sexual naked beach.
This headline is false and misleading. I’ve found no other reports that the beach is going to become an official nude beach, only that it is under review. Given the statements made buy SANParks, I would not assume the intention is to sanction the nude use at this point.