Beyond Expectations…Within Your Reach

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a paradise on earth, a place to kick off your shoes and sink your feet into the sand. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and forget about the hustle and bustle of the real world.

From rocky areas interspersed with crystal clear tidal pools for that invigorating morning swim to awaken your senses to the out stretched sands of the Blue Flag beaches to the cascading waterfalls of Uvongo.

Blue Flag Status

In the race to be the best the South Coast has taken the Blue Flag. Five of them to be precise. This is an accomplishment to be proud of as only ten of these internationally- recognized beach classifications were awarded to South Africa. The soul purpose of Blue Flag beaches is to employ the highest standard of environmental management, cleanliness and safety for you and your family, together with world-class infrastructure and support. All main beaches are manned by lifeguards and most beaches are protected by shark nets.

A Vast Ocean Teeming with Life

The warm Indian Ocean rolls onto the sands of the South Coast, making it a familiar paradise for swimmers, surfers and anglers alike. But below the waves lies a wonderland that is just waiting to be explored.

The Greatest Shoal on Earth

Every year around June/July ‘sardine fever’ hits the South Coast as massive shoals of these small silvery fish migrate northwards, occasionally beaching in their millions to the sheer delight of residents and visitors alike. These shoals are prayed on and pursued by thousands of dolphins, whales, sharks and game fish such as barracuda and yellow tail. But above the waves masses of Cape Gannets have a feeding frenzy of their own circling and diving down into the dark shoals. This truly is a spectacle not to be missed!

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Humpbacked and Southern Right Whales can frequently be spotted off the coast from July to November as they move north on their way to the breeding grounds off the Mozambique coast, and then return, heading for the nutrient –rich waters of Antarctica. Take the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures close up in their natural environment, or look out as you walk along the shore for the telltale water spouts they produce when they are on the move.

Bottlenose Dolphins are familiar residents off the South Coast, with pods of 30-50 swimming up and down just beyond the breakers. They can be seen clearly from the beach surfing in the waves and sometimes jumping clear of the water. Tour operators based in Shelly Beach offer dolphin-watching trips out at sea.