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Durban is a city on the east coast of South Africa, known for its beautiful beaches. The beaches in Durban have warm water, soft golden sand, and many fun things to do. You can go swimming, surfing, or just relax in the sun. There are many Durban beach activities for everyone to enjoy. If you are planning to visit, it is good to know the best time to go and what to pack. The beaches are perfect for a holiday, and you will have a great time by the sea. Durban is a wonderful place for beach lovers.
Top 14 Beaches In Durban
Here is a list of the top 14 beaches in Durban, South Africa where you can enjoy with your loved ones:
1. North Beach
Photo: Guru Santillan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
North Beach is a famous beach in Durban, found along the Golden Mile. This area has a long walkway and many sandy beaches. The waves here are great for surfing, and you can often see people surfing in the morning. Lifeguards are always there, so it is safe for swimming. There are many Durban beach activities to enjoy, like cycling, jogging, and beach volleyball. You can also find many restaurants nearby for a tasty meal.
Top Experiences: Surfing, Beach volleyball and cycling along the Golden Mile
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In South Africa
2. Umhlanga Rocks Beach
Umhlanga Rocks Beach is a lovely beach just north of Durban. It has soft golden sand, clear blue water, and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Many people enjoy walking along the shore, swimming, and snorkelling in the calm waters. A popular spot here is the Umhlanga Lighthouse, which is great for photos. One of the fun Durban beach activities is exploring the area and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. If you visit, bring a light swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable under the sun.
Top Experience: Umhlanga Lighthouse
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
3. South Beach
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
South Beach is a lovely beach along the Golden Mile. It’s great for families because the waves are gentle, making it perfect for children and people who want to try surfing for the first time. You can enjoy various beach activities like renting a paddleboard, swimming, or relaxing under an umbrella. There are also many restaurants and cafés nearby to enjoy fresh seafood. If you’re wondering what to wear at the beach, light clothes like shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals are ideal for a comfortable day at the beach.
Top Experiences: Swimming, and paddleboarding
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Beaches In South Africa
4. uShaka Beach
Photo: Ossewa / Wikimedia Commons
uShaka Beach is located near uShaka Marine World, a popular theme park and aquarium in Durban. This beach is great for families and people who love adventure. The waves are perfect for bodyboarding and surfing, and you can also enjoy fun water sports like jet skiing and kayaking. If you want to do something different, you can visit the uShaka Marine World, where you can see sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Top Experiences: uShaka Marine World, jet skiing, and vibrant beach parties
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
5. Ansteys Beach
Photo: PhilippN / Wikimedia Commons
Ansteys Beach is a quiet and beautiful beach located on the Bluff, not far from Durban city centre. It is less busy than other beaches, making it a great choice for those who want a calm time by the sea. The waves are perfect for surfing, and the rock pools are full of small sea creatures. One of the best beach activities here is taking a walk along the shore to enjoy the amazing views. When you visit, remember what to wear at Durban beach – a sunhat, flip-flops, and light clothes like a beach dress or shorts will keep you comfy.
Top Experiences: Surfing, rock pools, and enjoy peaceful walks
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Top Popular Waterfalls In South Africa For An Exciting Adventure
6. Brighton Beach
Photo: Arnas Goldberg / Wikimedia Commons
Brighton Beach is a lovely spot on the Bluff. It is known for its amazing rock formations and tidal pools, which are perfect for snorkelling and looking at marine life. If you enjoy adventure, this beach is great for surfing and has fantastic views for whale watching. Since Brighton Beach is less crowded, it is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Top Experiences: Snorkelling and whale watching
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
7. La Lucia Beach
Photo: XeresNelro / Wikimedia Commons
La Lucia Beach is a peaceful and beautiful beach located north of Durban. It is perfect for people who want to escape the busy city and relax by the ocean. The beach has soft sand, lovely dunes, and clear water. One of the best activities here is sunbathing and reading a book while enjoying the sound of the waves. The beach is also great for long walks and spotting dolphins early in the morning. If you are visiting Durban Beach during December, remember to bring a swimsuit, a sunhat, and a beach towel to enjoy the warm weather.
Top Experiences: Dolphins and long beach walks
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Lakes In South Africa
8. Blue Lagoon Beach
Photo: Dolphins / Wikimedia Commons
Blue Lagoon Beach is a lovely beach where the Umgeni River meets the Indian Ocean. It is a great spot for picnics, fishing, and family trips. Locals often visit to have a barbecue with friends and watch the sunset. If you are looking for beach activities, you can try fishing, take a boat ride, or cycle along the nearby promenade. The weather can be hot, so it’s a good idea to know what to wear at the beach—a light cotton outfit and comfy sandals are perfect for a day at the beach.
Top Experiences: Fishing, or a boat ride along the lagoon
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
9. Glenashley Beach
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Glenashley Beach is a calm beach near La Lucia. It is a nice place to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful sea views. The beach is also popular for kitesurfing and fishing. If you are looking for fun beach activities, you can try windsurfing or just sit under the shade and read a book. If you are wondering where the beach is, Glenashley Beach is located in the northern part of Durban, close to La Lucia and Umhlanga Rocks. It is a perfect spot for a peaceful day by the sea.
Top Experiences: Kitesurfing, relax in a peaceful environment, or take a fishing trip
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near South Africa
10. Warner Beach
Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Warner Beach is located south of Durban and is known for its soft, clean sand and great waves. It is a popular place for surfing and bodyboarding. If you enjoy adventure, this beach is perfect for you to ride the waves. One of the fun beach activities is exploring the rock pools, where you can find small fish and crabs. In December, the warm summer weather makes it a great time to swim and sunbathe. If you are wondering what to wear at the beach, a comfy swimsuit, sunglasses, and a light cover-up will keep you cool and comfortable.
Top Experiences: Surf, bodyboard, or explore rock pools at this adventure-filled beach
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
11. Golden Mile Beach
Photo: JasonSmuts / Wikimedia Commons
Durban’s Golden Mile is a lively stretch of coast, packed with energy and perfect for a relaxed day out. It runs from Blue Lagoon to uShaka Marine World, with beaches that are great for swimming, surfing, or just soaking up the sun. The promenade is always busy with people walking, cycling, or grabbing a bite at local cafes. Street performers and small markets bring extra charm. It’s no surprise the area often features among the top 5 beaches in Durban.
Top Experience: Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Surfing
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Africa
12. Suncoast Beach
Photo: lienyuan lee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Suncoast Beach sits right next to the lively Suncoast Casino, making it easy to pair a beach day with some local entertainment. It’s one of the popular beaches in Durban, with soft sand, warm waters, and plenty of space to relax or go for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty, so families often feel at ease here. You’ll also find food spots, shaded picnic areas, and the beachfront promenade nearby, ideal for a stroll after a sunny afternoon by the sea.
Top Experience: Beach volleyball, Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
13. Laguna Beach
Photo: Levi Clancy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Laguna Beach is a lovely stretch of coastline in Durban, great for a relaxed beach day. The sand is soft and golden, making it ideal for laying out a towel and soaking up the sun. It’s just over 1.5 km long, giving you plenty of space to wander or unwind by the water. Whether you’re after a quiet morning walk or an easy afternoon by the sea, it’s one of the calmer beaches in Durban, South Africa, worth spending time at.
Top Experience: Swimming, Surfing, Beach volleyball
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
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14. Wedge Beach
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Wedge Beach sits in Durban’s lively South Beach area and is loved for its golden sand and clear water. It’s a great place to swim, surf, or just relax on the shore. Locals and tourists often gather here to enjoy the sun or play a game of beach volleyball. With palm trees lining the coast and plenty of nearby cafes and shops, it’s easy to spend the whole day. Among the beautiful beaches in Durban, Wedge Beach stands out for its energy and charm.
Top Experience: Beachside yoga, Surfing
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport
The best beaches in Durban has some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches, offering adventure, relaxation, and fun for families. From the lively North Beach to the peaceful Ansteys Beach, there’s a spot for everyone. If you visit Durban in December, you can enjoy summer festivals and exciting events. Plan a trip with TripXL for an unforgettable experience!
Cover Photo: Jason Briscoe / Unsplash
