Durban Beaches - tips and hints for the best of Durban's beaches north of the city

So you are visiting Durban and want to know which are the best beaches to visit? Take a stroll on the southern beaches, especially if you are interested in surfing, but for more family-oriented beaches travel further north and you will encounter the very family-oriented Umhlanga Rocks Village.

The beaches of Umhlanga allow you to explore the beautiful rock pools with your family. Umhlanga's beaches offer you a great selection from surfing to rock climbing. Visit the main beach, or head along to Bronze Beach to surf and body space in shark-protected and life-protected beaches. If you are looking for a place to explore with your kids, the lighthouse clings to some lovely rock pools where you will be able to find many different species in our wonderful marine life. Snorkeling is also possible in Umhlanga, and many locals learn this skill at Umhlanga's famous granny's Pool. Granny's Pool is a protected bay with small swells. Many of the boats launched from Unhlanga are launched from here, but it is by no means busy, in fact it is rare that your swimming will be disrupted by the boats.

Traveling even further north and away from the staffing crowd you will encounter Umdloti. Umdloti is a quiet holiday village with some beautiful little alcoves to swim in as well as snorkelling and surfing. These beaches are not protected by the shark as there is a reef on the back line that protects the coastline. The biggest beaches are patrolled by rescue guards. Walk along the beach and choose which little rock pool or alcove you would like to explore. These alcoves are the perfect places to teach your kids the skills of boarding and snorkeling safely and securely. It is also possible to surf the main beach and you will surf with the locals, many of whom have grown up in Umdloti, so be sure to use their advice and knowledge of the local area!

Ballito is another holiday town and is a little busier than Umdloti, with fantastic beaches easily reached from Durban. Dolphins are often seen here, which is why the coastline is known as the Dolphin Coast. Ballito has many safe beaches and rock pools as well as a tidal pool that ensures families are able to spend a fun filled happy day exploring, snorkeling and surfing.