Relax on Durban's expansive beachfront. Durban city's beachfront ranges north to south in an uninterrupted stretch of golden sand that is divided into several named sections by man-made piers.
These sections include Blue Lagoon, Laguna and the Golden Mile, which embraces Tekweni, Country Club, Oasis, Battery, North, South and Addington beaches.
Facilities on all beaches include toilets, showers, lifeguards (from 8am to 5pm) and shark nets. Marked sections are reserved for swimmers and surfers. Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the beach.
A series of pristine and often wild beaches lie to the south and north of the city.
The best beaches in and around Durban include the following …
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and go swimming and surfing from several named sections on this uninterrupted 80m-wide beach. The Golden Mile stretches for more than 4km along a beachfront promenade lined with 5-star hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Go for a stroll and watch Tai Chi practitioners, enjoy a flutter at the gaming tables of the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World or take the kids to the themed marine water park of uShaka Marine World, which also features a dolphinarium and a restaurant with the largest shark tank in the world.
Facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, picnic areas and volleyball courts. Water sports activities include swimming, surfing, kite surfing and fishing.
Unwind on the soft sands of this very long beach and go swimming in the clean warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The beach is flanked by two large piers and is just a stroll away from a range of beachfront restaurants, nightclubs and bars, as well as the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, a large complex offering gambling, a cinema and a choice of restaurants and fast food eateries.
Facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, picnic areas, volleyball and skateboarding courts. Water sports include swimming, surfing, body boarding and fishing. North Beach is accessible from Marine Parade, which stretches north from the adjacent Golden Mile.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this pristine and unspoiled beachfront, part of an uninterrupted stretch of golden sand that runs south of Durban for 25km.
Explore the many tidal rock pools, work on your tan, go swimming or ride a reef break at the world famous surf spot, Cave Rock.
Choose from several hiking trails in the beachfront Bluff Nature Reserve, looking out for monkeys, mongoose and various species of birdlife. From atop the high dunes you can try to spot dolphins year round, as well as whales during their annual migration in the winter months.
There are no facilities here (except for those in nearby Brighton Village), so take your own food and drinks. Brighton Beach is a 20-minute drive from Durban city centre.
Discover one of KwaZulu-Natal’s best beaches, a 400m-long stretch of golden sand framed by rocky headlands and backed by a selection of shops, seafood restaurants and bars.
Sunbathe, go swimming and surfing, try a microlite flight or enjoy scenic walks on the boardwalk and along the coastline, discovering cute bays and secluded coves along the way.
Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, showers and lifeguards. Willard Beach is located at Ballito, around 50km north of Durban.
Unwind on the soft golden sands of this 80m-wide and 1.1km-long beach that stretches in front of the popular coastal resort of Margate.
A range of restaurants, cafes, bars and after-dark entertainment sit just a short walk away. The beach is set against a backdrop of estuaries and dense green forests and hillsides. Go swimming, body boarding and surfing and try fishing off the pier.
Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, showers and lifeguards. Margate Beach is located on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, around 135km south of Durban.
Latest update: Best Beaches in Durban: 3 January, 2023
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