Beaches of the Dolphin Coast

Tired of the same old beaches? Head out to some of these coastal gems.

Living on the coast means that you have almost immediate access to a whole series of beaches and – if you’ve lived here for a while – it also almost certainly means that you don’t really visit the beach very often.

So, if you’re in the mood for a day in the sun with the crashing of the Indian Ocean as mood-music and golden sand between your toes, maybe it’s time to consider some of the beaches outside Ballito and Salt Rock.

With this is mind, The North Coast Courier took a trip to some of the beaches outside of Ballito to see what they have to offer.

Zinkwazi Beach

Zinkwazi Beach is a long time favourite of locals.

Not only is it a beautiful beach but it also has a lovely lagoon for those who enjoy a little fresh water swimming when they pull themselves out of the breakers.

Zinkwazi has parking facilities on the beach, proper toilets and is under the watchful eyes of dedicated lifeguards.

Another big plus for Zinkwazi Beach is that there is a restaurant and bar right there, so you don’t have to worry about lugging food along with you.

Bring your boat along for a fun day out to Zinkwazi Beach lagoon.

Tugela Mouth

This beach is one of the better kept secrets on the North Coast.

The Tugela Mouth Beach should be the first stop for those people looking for a real old-school seaside experience.

True, there is a 4km stretch of dirt road in order to get to the beach and village, but that is what helps to maintain the rustic charm of this location.

Tugela Mouth Beach has a parking area with car guards, toilets and braai facilities, and – according to locals – some of the best fishing on the coast.

Tugela Mouth Beach is one of the better kept secrets on the Dolphin Coast.

Blythedale Beach

True, Blythedale Beach does tend to get a ‘little’ crowded on public holidays and the like, but if that is what you are looking for then Blythedale is your stop.

During the rest of the year, the quaint seaside village of Blythedale provides a picturesque getaway from the malls and traffic lights springing up over much of the rest of the coastline.

Blythedale’s beach has a protected parking area and toilet facilities as well as being under the care of lifeguards.

Tinley Manor Beach

Just a short ride north of Salt Rock, Tinley Manor Beach has a tidal pool ideal for the little ones to splash around in – naturally under the supervision of lifeguards.

It also has public toilets and plenty of parking space.

Another thing that Tinley Manor Beach has going for it are its braai facilities – so you can prepare your boerie while listening to the waves pounding the shore.

If you join Tinley Manor Ski Boat Club you can have access to their stunning private beach and launch site (also popular as an excellent surf spot).

Tinley Manor Ski Boat Club uses this private beach as a launch site.

The tidal pool at Tinley Manor Beach is ideal for the little ones to splash around in.

Westbrook Beach

If you’re looking for the ideal beach to visit with the family, look no further than Westbrook Beach.

Being the only Blue Flag beach in the area takes some doing, and this means that Westbrook is the cleanest beach with the clearest water on the Dolphin Coast.

Westbrook has plenty of parking and well maintained, clean ablution facilities.

Ever-vigilant lifeguards are on hand to make sure that you are safe while enjoying the beach, and there is even a fast-food cafe where you can pick up a snack to see you through the day.

Westbrook Beach is a favourite hangout for locals.

Casuarina Beach

Casuarina Beach is better known as the beach where Beach Bums is located – so an amazing pizza and ice cold beer are right there when you need them.

Casuarina also boasts with abundant parking under the care of car guards, handy ablutions near to the beach and some more of our hard-working lifeguards keeping an eye on beachgoers.

The rolling dunes at Casuarina Beach.

Umdloti Beach

Umdloti Beach is the place to be if you’re looking for a more ‘hip and happening’ spot along the coast, attracting a younger crowd of holidaymakers.

Umdloti has kilometres of parking space just above its beaches and toilets in convenient locations.

There are – naturally – lifeguards on duty up and down the beach, which itself is protected by beautiful rock ledges a few meters off shore that create large, calm pools in which to while away the hours.

Umdloti Beach is lined by hotels and quite a few trendy restaurants, cafes and little beach bars.

Its hip and happening at Umdloti Beach.