Plans for a tidal pool at Hout Bay Beach are in the early feasibility stage and have not been approved by the City of Cape Town.
The project, led by non-profit organisation The Feel Good Initiative (TFGI), aims to create a safe, eco-sensitive swimming space for the local communities of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg.
TFGI is currently exploring the steps required to determine whether the project is viable. This includes identifying the necessary professional services, securing environmental and regulatory approvals, and developing a sponsorship prospectus to raise the estimated R50 million needed for construction.
The proposed site lies within a Marine Protected Area, meaning environmental considerations will be central to the project’s design and execution.
Local stakeholders have expressed support for the concept, but the project can only proceed once all required approvals and funding are secured.
Editor’s note (11 August 2025):
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the City of Cape Town had approved the proposed tidal pool at Hout Bay Beach. The project is a private initiative led by The Feel Good Initiative and remains in the early feasibility stage, with no formal City approval or commitment to funding. Quotes previously attributed to The Feel Good Initiative founder Sandy Daniel have been removed. We regret the error.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images
