Durban Beaches: KwaZulu Natal and
Durban boast 600km of subtropical beaches on the warm Indian Ocean coastline. What makes
this fantastic coastline even better is that Durban also has fantastic weather all year
round - even in winter! The water is warm and contains an abundance of magnificent
tropical fish and coral reefs. The beaches in Durban offer something for everyone - from
safe beaches for family outings to the wild beaches that are a surfers paradise and
the waves in Durban are fantastic wherever you go.
A Blue Flag status is awarded to those beaches that achieve excellence in water quality,
environmental education and information, adhere to international safety standards, a high
level of cleanliness, good quality of facilities (toilets and showers) and professional
lifeguard services. Five beaches in the Zulu Kingdom were awarded Blue Flag status for the
2002/3 namely Margate Main Beach, Ramsgate
Beach and Marina Beach near Southbroom
on the South Coast; South Beach in Durban, and Willard Beach in Ballito. |
Margate Beach is long stretch of beach on the
Durban South Coast and is ideal for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. There is also a
famous fishing spot off a pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with an abundance of
restaurants, bars and shops. After enjoying a refreshing swim, stop over at one of the
many cafés and sip on a cool cocktail whilst admiring the magnificent view.
Ramsgate Beach is situated along a quaint village known as Ramsgate just south of Margate.
It is a quiet beach with awesome picnic facilities. If you feel like a contemplative
stroll, theres a beautifully scenic walking trail that extends southwards from
Ramsgate towards the picturesque Southbroom beach and lagoon.
Marina Beach is a long pristine beach and tidal pool between Southbroom and San Lameer. It
is also rather close to the awesome Mpenjati river mouth and lagoon.
Willard Beach is the main swimming beach in Ballito, 'Pearl' of the Durban North Coast
where you can enjoy a scenic walk on the boardwalk and take pleasure in the spectacular
views of bays and coves. South Beach is part of Durban's world famous 'Golden Mile' and is
ideal for swimming, especially for children as it is protected from the powerful westerly
winds and large waves.
The Elephant coast boasts pristine beautiful beaches namely Black Rock just South of Kosi
Bay, Cape Vidal (a noted fishing venue), First Rocks, Hulley Point, Jesser Point, Kosi Bay
Estuary, Leven Point, Liefeldt's Rock, Mission Rocks, Rocktail Bay, Sodwana Bay, St. Lucia
and St.Lucia Estuary. St Lucia Wetlands Park is a World heritage Site and boasts long
stretches of white sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the many rock pools along the
beach, and watch for humpback whales in October.
Zululand has many gorgeous beaches perfect for all water sports namely Alkantrand,
Durnford Point, Five Mile Beach, Mbonambi Beach, Mtunzini Beach, Newark and Two Mile
Beach.
Durbans North coast shoreline is an attractive combination of golden beaches and
rock pools perfect for safe swimming, surfing, scuba diving, rock and skiboat fishing, or
just relaxing on the beach. There are numerous gorgeous beaches namely Ballito Beach,
Zinkwazi Beach, Umhlali Beach, Tinley Manor Beach, Thompsons Bay Beach, Sheffield
Beach, Shakas Rock Beach, Salt Rock, Blythedale
Beach and Clark Bay.
The lovely South Coast has an abundance of magnificent beaches namely Southport (Anerley),
Banana Beach, Bazley Beach, Beach Terminus, Big Tree Beach, Clansthal, Glenmore Beach,
Green Point, Margate Beach and Marina Beach to mention a few. Clearly, KwaZulu Natal is a
mecca for all beach lovers. Warm waters, white sands, fantastic waves and plenty of warm
sun makes Durban a popular South African beach destination. |