Permits for access to the Crystal Pools can be bought (fifteen Rand per person at time of writing) either from the reception at Sunbird Lodge or from the small hut at the entrance near the gate in the fence at the start of the hike. Most people park in the parking area opposite the fence and simply cross the road although some prefer to leave their car in the Sunbird Lodge car park and walk across the bridge to get to the gate entrance.

It’s a beautiful place to visit and one that most nature lovers will certainly enjoy. Hikers cool off with a swim or two and those who are more adventurous take to rock jumping. There are different heights to jump from into the deep water varying from the relatively low and easy through to the ridiculously high and crazy.

Two lovely waterfalls can also be found along this hike as seen in the pictures of Crystal Pools displayed below. If you wish to visit the area and want to go on this hike but are not too familiar with directions, simply drive all the way through Gordons Bay until you get to the R44 Faure Marine Drive which goes around the coast to Kool Bay, Bettys Bay, Kleinmond etc. About 5-10 minutes travelling on this road you will come to Sunbird Lodge on the right hand side by the ocean. Either pull in here to park and buy your permit/s for the hike or travel for a minute or two more to park opposite the entrance to the Crystal Pools at the car park opposite the gate in the fence.

The following are a selection of images taken on a recent hike up to the Crystal Pools:

Rock jumping is allowed, or you can just sit and relax watching the waterfalls at the Crystal Pools near Gordon’s Bay. Although rock jumping is allowed, it is not recommended as many people have had awful accidents, some fatal, by jumping off the rocks here. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit if you’re on your way to Cape Town, so be sure to pay it a visit when you are feeling very energetic. Of course the best time to do this is in summer, but a cool autumn or spring day would be good too as then it isn’t scorching hot while you embark on an hours walk on the hiking trail up the mountain.

This will be one of the most rewarding swimming experiences of your life and will definitely be one you won’t forget any time soon. The perfect place to just chill and relax if you don’t feel like getting into the water, surrounded by nature and its beauty is an experience on its own! Make sure the Crystal Pools near Gordons Bay is on your list of places to visit as it is an amazing experience that will definitely have you returning with your friends and family that are up for the walk.

You will find the place to buy your permits at a small hut at the beginning of the hiking trail before you go through a gate in the fence. This is located on the coastal road which winds around the mountains past beaches such as Kogel Bay, Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond.