The 10 best beaches in Durban

Hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Durban, Thompson’s Bay is admired for its safe swimming conditions - shackled by shark nets and proactive lifeguards. This beach is just around the corner from Shaka’s Rock, along Marine Drive, which is deemed as a top fishing spot in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Its 50m tidal pool, perfect for snorkelling, is also child-friendly, allowing everyone to explore subtle waters with a dash of the ocean. Beachgoers are cautioned to bring their own food, drinks and snacks to nibble on as there are no nearby eateries. The Hole in the Wall at Thompson’s Bay Beach is not only the ultimate picture spot, but a lasting impression that keeps you coming back.

Surrounded by an influx of high-end restaurants, holiday accommodation and affluent individuals, breathing in the fresh air of Umhlanga Main Beach is evident of Walt Disney’s wise words: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Screaming luxury personified, from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Oceans Mall, Radisson Blu, the Pearls of Umhlanga, and the notorious Lighthouse - you know you’re certainly in for a treat! Over the years, this beach has received the esteemed Blue Flag status title, underscoring its safety and cleanliness. For those who live up to their fitness mantras, this quiet and seamless environment makes room for morning and evening jogs along the promenade while standing in awe of the beauty of this commercial development.

Named after fallen Zulu King, Shaka kaSenzangakhona, who ruled the Zulu nation from 1816 to 1826, uShaka Beach is the epitome of happiness, every child’s dream and a true reflection of the richness of KwaZulu-Natal’s culture and heritage; from amagindangoma (traditional dancers) who strongly express the pride of their roots through song and celebration along the shores, to those who clap and rejoice at their unavoidable presence. Over the years, this beach has been deemed the key attraction of Durban’s coastline, all thanks to its wide range of entertainment and leisurely activities, including the exhilarating water park uShaka Wet ‘n Wild and the uShaka Sea World where masses get to bask in the energy of mother nature’s finest creatures, through dolphin and seal shows, an aquarium, snake exhibits and more. This wanderlust creates moments worth cherishing, while giving tourists a hard time picking which souvenirs to purchase in its many outlets - to best tell the story of time spent on these shores.

This beach consists of the renowned expansion of the Durban beachfront, as well as the promenade, which is great for jogging and cycling. Year in, year out, the Golden Mile is commended for its immense contributions to the city’s economy through exquisite hotel accommodation and distinct tourist attractions, especially during the busy December/January holiday period. In September 2024, the eThekwini Municipality appointed Southern Sun Hotel Interest as the Preferred Bidder for the long-term leasing and redevelopment of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels, worth over R1 billion for a period of 50 years. This was a culmination of the Request for Proposals from industry issued in November 2023, in terms of the Metro’s Proactive Land Release Strategy, requiring bidders to further invest in the beachfront precinct. Ensure that your Randelas are always in your possession as craft stalls and restaurants with a variety of cuisines are ready to satisfy your cravings in a flash.

Can’t figure out the best location to gather your family and friends alike? Look no further! Suncoast is the answer to your confusion. This gaming dreamland suitable for both children and adults, with the Suncoast Casino and The Magic Company, are a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to let loose and awaken their inner child! Surrounded by your favourite restaurants, you’ll certainly have no need to worry about the rhythm of your grumbling stomach. While following doctor’s orders to ensure your food is digested properly, a walk (long or short) along the beach is mandatory to make you one with nature, giving you the best view of the sun’s blinding rays. While you’re at it, you can book your holiday stay at the top-ranked Suncoast Hotel.

Blue Lagoon Beach remains a timeless, effortless part of Durban - known and loved by many for its ability to attract scores of people regardless of its simple nature, as a result of the limited activities available to beachgoers. Just a short distance from this serene space, is the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool which reopened in November 2023 after necessary refurbishments. While it exudes the typical park and go setting, this is also the perfect go-to for a breath of fresh air, space to gather your train of thought or just a long stroll on the golden sand while devouring a delectable ice-cream. Endless laughter, flowing conversations, rounds of sundowners and braai vleis are the way to go in defining your Blue Lagoon experience!

This beach is a reminder that Durban beaches are not only a sight to marvel at, but are without a doubt, ‘the warmest place to be’. Located just at the beginning of Amanzimtoti, Pipeline beach continues to be one of the magnetic spots, drawing in people from all walks of life, considering that the suburban area is neighbouring townships and rural settlements such as uMzumbe, KwaMakhutha and uMbumubulu, among others. The consistent vibrations of the ocean waves and light conversations from the diverse demography is a tranquillity only this ambience can afford you. Lauded for its high police visibility, a plethora of holiday accommodation and shopping centres, these are the cherry on top to ensure local beachgoers, visitors and tourists get a holiday experience to remember.

While Umgababa Beach remains a painful memory of the apartheid era in South Africa, set aside as a beach for the black majority from 1948, it is undoubtedly a tourist destination with a story that inspires change. When the sun rises on this beach, located 36km South of Durban, we relearn the importance of unity leading up to the dawn of democracy in 1994. Notorious for its Umgababa New Year’s picnic, this gives visitors the ultimate experience without making them dwell on the thought of being miles away from busy Durban central. And to seal this, Umgababa is among three out of 23 beaches in the city commended by the eThekwini Municipality for the lowest E-coli levels this past festive season.

This semi-hidden gem located on the Bluff, just 5km from the industrial park in Jacobs, boasts the childhood memories of many Durbanites. While the smoke from the numerous factories is evident of the hustle and bustle of the working-class striving to make a difference in their families, the calming ambience of Anstey’s Beach sets the mood for a perfect tan session or brief meditation in the early morning hours to ensure the chakras are well-aligned - a dream we all wish becomes a reality. Whether you’re taking a sho’t left or in for a lengthy getaway, this is the perfect destination with an array of self-catering guesthouses, B&Bs and hotel accommodation to eliminate any second thoughts of having the time of your life and ensuring you make EVERY second count.

Nothing seals an incredible beach trip like a welcoming vibe. Warner Beach is a stark reminder that it’s the little things that make up the bigger picture. From the moment you feel the golden sand running between your toes, to the overwhelming scent of the ocean, you can’t help but imagine what a seat at the table of the world’s creator feels like. Have a knack for fishing? Worry not! The Warnerdoone Ski Boat Club just next to the beach has got you covered. With the aim to cater to everyone’s needs, the tidal pool is perfect for bathers who are intimidated by the dance moves of the ocean waves. All in all, your sight will be blinded by the impeccable views from every angle.