Durban’s North Beach is extremely popular during the festive season and December school holidays. Thousands of tourists and holiday-makers flock to the beach to get into the water.

The warm water offers ideal swimming conditions, but you might find it difficult during these months to find a spot on the sand to work on your tan.

The water is also good for surfing, paddle ski’s and body boarding, you’ll feel safe thanks to the shark nets and the dedicated lifeguards on duty. Please make sure you stay within their flags. The boardwalk next to the beach is vibrant and full of activity. Don’t be surprised to find youngsters practicing their skateboarding tricks.

Head up to one of the restaurants or bars after your day at the beach to grab a bite to eat and drink.

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Address: Bluff, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

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Thompson’s Bay Beach is a sheltered escape from the elements as well as from the non-stop buzz of city living. It is situated just north of Ballito and near Chakas Rock, along Marine Drive. This is a popular beach for its safe swimming conditions (because it is protected by shark nets and lifeguards), as well as for its warm waters, thanks to the Indian Ocean. Because it is nestled in a cove, Thompson’s Bay Beach enjoys protection from the wind too, making it a fabulous option on days when other beaches may leave you feeling sandblasted. There is also a massive tidal pool, which is great for little ones to explore. Ice-cream can often be bought here. However, visitors need to bring their own food and water, as there are no stalls or restaurants at the beach. Remember too to bring along plenty of high-factor sunscreen and to keep reapplying it throughout the course of the day to avoid getting nasty sunburn. There are ablutions at Thompson’s Bay.

The beach is less than an hour’s drive from the centre of Durban and about 25 minutes from the King Shaka International Airport.

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The Umhlanga Coast is characterised by long stretches of sandy beaches that promise stunning backdrops against which to swim, surf or sunbathe. The Indian Ocean has particularly warm waters, averaging 24 to 26 degrees during the summer. The Umhlanga Coast is a magnificent stretch of the South African shoreline. It shows off the splendour and wonder of this country in a tranquil display that remains extremely powerful. This is part of KwaZulu-Natal, and is very close to the city centre of Durban, which is the province’s main city and one of South Africa’s major metropolises. However, the Umhlanga Coast whisks you away from the bustle of city living and to the peaceful prettiness of the Indian Ocean as it lazily dances onto the sand. We suggest sitting by "Granny's" Tidal pool for the kids.

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Address: Umhlanga. But, there are a number of beaches along the Umhlanga Coast: Umhlanga itself, La Lucia, Mount Edgecombe and Umdloti.)

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The Dolphin Coast offers visitors a combination of modern facilities at it's sun drenched seaside resorts in a lush, subtropical environment. The Dolphin Coast shoreline is an exciting blend of golden beaches and rock pools for safe bathing, surfing and scuba diving, rock and skiboat fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.

At Willard Beach, the main swimming beach in Ballito, a 2.4km boardwalk follows the shoreline southwards providing an opportunity for an easy stroll with spectacular views of bays and coves.

 

A more rugged trail extends northwards from Willard to Shaka's Rock which takes you through a hole in a cliff - best attempted at low tide.

 

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Here are a list of beaches in the North Coast which you should visit: Ballito Beach, Zinkwazi Beach, Umhlali Beach, Tinley Manor Beach, Thompson's Bay Beach, Sheffield Beach, Shaka's Rock Beach, Salt Rock, Blythedale Beach, Clark Bay.

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