Beaches In Durban: Sun, Surf & Relaxation On South Africa’s Coast

A stunning sunrise over golden sands, perfect for peaceful Durban beach activities.

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 10 Beaches In Durban

Here is a list of the top 10 beaches in Durban, South Africa where you can enjoy with your loved ones:

1. North Beach

A view of Golden sand and surfers at North Beach, one of the beaches in Durban.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

2. Umhlanga Rocks Beach

Scenic view of Umhlanga Lighthouse with visitors exploring what to wear at Durban beach.

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

3. South Beach

Families enjoying safe swimming and relaxing, wondering what to wear at Durban 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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

4. uShaka Beach

Tourists enjoying beach activities near uShaka Beach, one of the beaches in Durban.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

5. Ansteys Beach

Surfers and beachgoers, exploring the waves at Ansteys Beach, one of the beaches in Durban.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

6. Brighton Beach

Crystal-clear rock pools at Brighton Beach, a top spot among the beaches in Durban.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

7. La Lucia Beach

Soft sand and rolling waves at La Lucia Beach, one of the best beaches in Durban.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

8. Blue Lagoon Beach

Beachgoers enjoying a relaxing day at Blue Lagoon Beach in Durban South Africa.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

9. Glenashley Beach

Kitesurfers and swimmers enjoying the peaceful shores of Durban Beach in South Africa.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport

10. Warner Beach

Surfers are catching waves at Warner Beach, a great place for adventure during December.

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
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durban offers various activities like surfing, swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and cycling along the Golden Mile. You can also enjoy snorkelling, jet skiing, and exploring rock pools at various beaches.
It's best to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing such as swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Durban Beach is located along the famous Golden Mile in Durban, South Africa. It's easily accessible from the city centre and offers numerous beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm.
Yes, Durban Beach in December is fantastic! The weather is warm and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying various water sports. It's also a great time for beach festivals and events.
Most of Durban's beaches are safe for swimming, especially the popular ones like North Beach and South Beach. Lifeguards are often present, and the beaches have designated swimming areas, making them safe for visitors.

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