All are good for sunbathing and picnics. Most do not allow dogs, nor charge but in season, some parking is charged.
Umdloti Beaches
Fantastic beaches for both swimming and interest. Good surfing and paddle boarding. Nearby restaurants.
There is a North and a South beach. North Beach has a lovely large, semi- natural tidal pool and South beach is a long stretch with rock pools and interesting rock formations at low tide. Great beach for picnicking and a little less crowded than the very popular north beach. This section of coastline is protected so no fishing or collecting from rocks and pools.
Park along the road or the small parking opposite the garage but be aware that cars are limited to a few besides residents in season, so you have to arrive early.
Westbrook Beach
A good walking beach and dogs allowed. Unfortunately not all scoop. Also, this is a fishing beach, not a swimming beach and fishermen can leave debri, such as hooks … so be careful for dogs.
Lovely restaurant up the hill.
Zimbali
3 kms of unspoilt beach but no swimming is allowed due to treacherous currents and there are no life guards. Swim in the estate’s swimming pools.
Willard Beach, Ballito
The centre of Ballito action. Lovely long stretch and is the main beach with lifeguards and shark nets. Good for surfing and body boarding. Busy as there is good swimming! Tidal pools.
This is where the Ballito Pro surf contest takes place which draws contestants for all over. Surfers can pick from four main spots: Bog, Bathers, Surfers, and Sunrise.
The Ballito Boardwalk starts here.
No dogs. There are ablution facilities and rinse off showers.
Thompsons Bay
A gorgeous, picturesque beach with safe swimming, lifeguards in season and nets. There are lovely rock formations and the hole in the wall to walk through when the tide is low.
A grassy area makes a good picnic area especially if there is some wind. The tidal pool-Charlies, is fantastic . Careful of sea urchins.
There is a look out point to climb up to- High Rock with lovely views and a good spot to watch for whales in season.
Paid parking in season. No dogs.
Shakas Rock/ Chakas Rock
A small beach, with a very special tidal pool. There are corals growing in the tidal pool and rich marine life, all of which is protected and may not be removed but lovely to snorkel around. This is the most southerly area that we can find coral.
No swimming allowed unless in the tidal pool. This area is best for rock pool exploring. Wear shoes as there are urchins, stone and scorpion fish.
Parking needs to be paid for in season. Get here early as it fills up quickly.
No dogs.
Salt Rock Beach
A popular wide, sandy beach and great for swimming with life guards and nets. It is also good for snorkeling and scuba as the reefs team with life as well as some coral. Nice beach to stroll along. Lovely large tidal pool. Granny’s Pool is ideal for children… just adult waist deep.
Good place for a picnic as the beach is fringed by palms which give some shade. Ablution block with showers. No dogs. Lots of parking.
Bollard Bay, Ballito
This small cove is great for surf swimming. There is a backwash, so you need to be careful. Access is through a walkway/path between the complexes. No dogs.
Clarke Bay, Ballito
Popular for fishing and surfing. The New Year’ Eve bash happens around here.
Good family beach with shark nets, lifeguards all week and a tidal pool. Quieter than other beaches.
Restaurants nearby. No dogs.
Salmon Bay
Salmon Bay is a hotspot for water lovers, offering snorkelling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The clear waters reveal an exciting underwater world for both beginners and experienced adventurers. A cool feature is a tidal pool, great for safe snorkelling and swimming.
Surfers love Salmon Bay for its awesome waves. Fishing fans can launch boats or try their luck from the shore, aiming for fish like Cob, Snoek, and Kingfish in the mornings or evenings. Just a heads up, there are no lifeguards, so be careful. Bring your snacks and gear for a day of water fun at this lively beach.
No dogs.
Sheffield Bay
Both Sheffield and Christmas Bay are perfect for toddlers and small children. While lacking lifeguards, the well-protected coves ensure a secure environment.
Sheffield Bay Beach, found towards the northern end of Ballito, is a peaceful haven cherished for its natural beauty and rocky pools. Embraced by divers, fishermen, and locals taking strolls with their dogs, this beach provides a quiet escape from the usual crowds. Despite the absence of lifeguards, the numerous rock pools offer safe spots for exploration.
Sheffield Bay is especially favoured by nature enthusiasts seeking a tranquil coastal experience, offering a touch of wilderness and unspoiled landscapes. Known for its beautiful rock pools and great snorkelling, it remains one of Ballito’s less crowded yet highly valued beaches, presenting a unique charm and natural serenity.
Christmas Bay
Christmas Bay Beach, the northernmost retreat in Ballito, is a peaceful haven known for its quiet charm and captivating rock pools. Though there are no lifeguards, the little coves are safe for exploration. This beach offers a touch of wildness and a serene atmosphere, making it a favourite among nature enthusiasts and those who prefer a quieter escape from busy beaches.
Frequented by divers and fishermen, as is Sheffield Beach.
With expansive sandy stretches and the option to hike to Tinley Manor, Christmas Bay Beach provides a unique and tranquil coastal experience, perfect for those seeking peace and solitude in Ballito.
Exercise caution at Christmas Bay, especially when walking to Tinley Manor, and avoid solitary walks due to the secluded nature of this stretch. Additionally, be vigilant about car security to deter potential break-ins.
4 Polls Beach (-29.4976774,31.232967)
Away from the crowds. This beach is conveniently situated close to Salt Rock. If you’re willing to walk down the beach and over some rocks, you’ll find a little private beach, sheltered by 2 rock formations. Sheltered dipping and rock pools.
Tiffanys Beach (-29.5006943,31.2415232) 8 Hewitt Rd, Umhlali Beach.
This is a gem with lovely sandy beach and interesting salt rock formations.
There is a coastal break here which attracts surfers and windsurfers. A tidal pool and rock pools at low tide make it a great spot for youngsters. Okay for swimming but there are hidden rocks. Great for sunbathing as quieter than most of the local beaches. Neither nets nor lifeguards so swim at your own risk.
The reef here is good and used by snorkelers and scuba divers. Both mussels and crayfish are found here, but you need a licence in season, or else you will be walking home.
There are ablution facilities and outside fresh water showers but no nearby cafes. Parking is limited. Visitors should park at the nearby Shrimp Lane parking area and walk over.
Tinley Manor Beach This is a sprawling beach with a lagoon and a tidal pool. The beach is lined with indigenous coastal forest and there is a nice walk northwards for 4 kms which takes about an hour. The lagoon is used by paddle skiers and wind surfers.
Large tidal pool.
Dogs allowed only if on a leash. Club Med is based here.
Blythedale Beach
An unspoilt haven with a combination of endless white sands, subtropical vegetation, and warm ocean. Water quality is excellent. Dolphins and whales can be spotted from the beach, and the beach is protected by shark nets and in season, lifeguards. Good for swimming and water sports including surfing, jet-skiing, ski-boating and fishing.
The beach is very popular among nature lovers as it is connected to a small conservancy including the Umvoti River mouth which teems with birdlife’. There are ablution facilities and rinse off showers.
Protected, paid parking. Great beach bar and restaurant just off the beach.
Zinkwazi Beach
Beach known for its 7-kilometer navigable lagoon, rich birdlife of over 200 species, and golden-sand. The lagoon offers flat, shallow, and safe water ideal for swimming, canoeing, skiing, and small speedboats.
The beach is edged by coastal dunes and tidal rock pools with seasonal lifeguards and shark nets. Steep areas have you constantly bowled over by dumpers!
Café and restaurant nearby as well as a camping site. Small parking area. Warning after weekends there can be litter on the beach…sad.
Mtunzini Beach
No nets and we do not recommend swimming unless at your own risk and with extreme care. The beach is lovely with large dunes and coastal forest. A lovely place to walk or laze on the sand.
Some do swim in the river alongside the camping site, but be aware that there are crocodiles a little higher up stream… enough said!
See iSimangaliso for the countries best beaches.
61 North Beach Road, Umdloti, ...
61a North Beach Road, Umdloti ...
Shop 7, Umdloti Beach Centre, ...
