Arniston Adventure Swim - Sign up for (mis)adventure

Arniston is one of the most magical spots on the South African coast. The water is a tropical blue and the sands of Roman beach are whiter than white. Limestone cliffs and reefs have been eroded into gnarled shapes by the wind and Indian Ocean, creating a land and seascape which is instantly recognisable. Famously it is also the only town in the country with two official names: Arniston, for the 1815 wreck of the British East Indiaman, and Waenhuiskrans, the cavern where the swim will start.

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Or it will, in fact, start south of the famed Waenhuiskrans Cave on the sands of Otter Bay beach. The first of two sections where swell may provide some excitement comes leaving the shore and swimming into the mouth of the cave which is said to be large enough to house a wagon and its team of oxen. Exiting the cave the swim traces the coastline north, exploring the limestone reefs towards Roman Beach.

It’s possible to swim into the mouth of the Waenhuiskrans Cave.

After 1 kilometre of swimming Roman offers the opportunity to come ashore to rest and regroup. The second part of the swim rounds the headlands, past the blowhole rock shelf, and around the peninsula which shelters the harbour from the predominant south westerly swells. The tide and swell will determine if it is possible to hug the shore or if the longer route around the exposed reef will be required.

After 2 kilometres of swimming a decision can be made to head for the slipway and an exit after 2.4 kilometres, or to push on across the bay toward the Langklipkrans headland. A final push across the bay and around the corner into Kassiesbaai brings the full-length swim to a close at the 3-kilometre mark.

The azure waters of the Arniston Bay are ideal for open water swimming.

Download the Arniston Swim KLM File or the Arniston Swim GPX File for more route details.

The 3km route from Otter Bay to Kassiesbaai offers exits at the 1 and 2.4km marks.

Arniston Adventure Swim – Essential Details:

Date(s): Saturday, 15 or Sunday, 16 August 2026
Date Decision: Friday, 7 August 2026
Briefing: 08:00 at the Kassiesbaai Harbour
Swim Start: 09:00
High Tide: 05:14 on Saturday and 05:49 on Sunday
Low Tide: 11:19 on Saturday and 11:52 on Sunday
Tide Range: 1.6m to 0.2m on Saturday and 1.6m to 0.3m on Sunday
Sunrise: 07:18 on Saturday and 07:17 on Sunday
Expected Water Temperature: 14-16° Celsius
Swim Distance(s): 1km, 2.4km, or 3km
Essential Equipment: Swim Float
Accommodation Options: Arniston Resort (Camping and Self-Catering Cottage) or Arniston Tourism
Entry Fee: Free
Post Swim Brunch: Arniston Hotel (at your own expense)