These beaches offer something for everyone, from sheltered beaches for family outings to the more untamed beaches that are a surfer’s paradise. Dive or snorkel off the Elephant Coast or enjoy the party atmosphere at one of the South Coast’s four ‘Blue Flag’ beaches.

The beaches offer many opportunities to relax and play sports, such as surfing, boating, fishing, and whale and dolphin watching, or for the more adventurous, take a trip in an ultralight to enjoy the spectacular view from above. It is also a paradise for surfers, as it offers some of the best waves in the country. There are big waves everywhere you go, with warm waters year-round, so you need little more than a spring wetsuit to keep you warm, and on hot summer days even this isn’t a necessity.

Winter heralds the start of true surf season, with eight-foot waves rolling in off the Cape coast between May and August. The swell is a bit smaller in the summer months, making for fun surfing at the many beach breaks, and most surfers take advantage of the windless mornings before the northeasterly winds pick up.

With some 600 kilometers of coastline, only a handful of popular waves fill in, but many calmer waves can be found along the coast, with many good roads making it easy to access. With all of this on offer, any surfing fan would be sorry to miss out on this incredible coastline, and your adventure might even find you surfing a stretch of coastline that has never been touched before!

The south coast of KZN is home to a variety of ‘blue flag’ beaches.

MARGATE BEACH:

A mile-long beach on the south shore, great for swimming, body boarding, and surfing. There is also a famous fishing spot on a specially built pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as accommodation to suit all budgets.

MARINA/ST LAMEER:

A beautiful long sandy beach with an adjacent tidal pool. The beach is located between Southbroom and San Lameer and is close to the Trafalgar Marine Reserve and the mouth and lagoon of the Mpenjati River. Lifeguards are always present and the facilities are maintained to the best standards throughout the year. Easy access for the disabled

RAMSGATE BEACH:

Ramsgate is a picturesque town south of Margate. A quiet beach with picnic facilities in a park-like setting offers a haven of peace away from the bustling seaside towns. An easy walking path runs south from Ramsgate towards the picturesque beach and lagoon of Southbroom.

HIBBERDENE BEACH:

Based on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Hibberdene is a relatively narrow beach that is sheltered from southerly winds. The beach, often with steep slopes, has good waves. A grassy picnic area makes it ideal for families. A new boat launch site has been developed next to the Blue Flag area.

LUCIEN BEACH:

Lucien’s Beach, located north-east of the main Margate beach, is a quiet but popular beach accessed by steep stairs. First class lifesaving facilities are in place in a new building which has plenty of parking. The elevated parking area offers good views of the sea and the coastline stretching towards Margate. A good place to park and then walk along the coast towards Uvongo, a nice walk with views of dolphins and other marine life. Easily accessible from the adjacent holiday apartments.

WILLARD BEACH:

This is the main beach for swimming in Ballito, ‘Pearl’ of the North Coast. A 2.4 km promenade follows the coast to the south, providing the opportunity for an easy stroll with spectacular views of bays and coves. A rougher trail runs north from Willard to Shaka’s Rock, which takes you through a hole in a cliff; it is better to try it at low tide.