Ballito is not only one of the most popular holiday destinations in KZN but has a beach for any occasion, whether you are looking to simple relax, surf or fish. There’s always something fun to do in Ballito.
Here is a list of some of the best beaches in and around Ballito. You might want to visit:
WILLARD BEACH
Willard Beach is the main beach of the town Ballito and has been awarded as one of the few Blue Flag beaches in the country.
The beach is close to several Ballito accommodation facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and the main campsite. It has lifeguards on duty, a perfect swimming area and some great surf all around.
It hosts one of the largest surfing competitions presented by Billabong. Surfers have four main spots to choose from, namely Bog, Bathers, Surfers and Sunrise.
The tidal pools are ideal for families with little ones that can safely splash in the pools with no waves and calm waters.
Lifeguards and shark nets entail safe swimming, bodyboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, and stand-up paddling. The nearby skateboard park is also very popular.
The wooden walkway begins behind the beach and is popular with joggers, those with prams, and dog walkers. It runs south right up to Salmon Bay. There are many little beaches along the way, with access points all along Compensation Beach Road. This is a great place to stay in Ballito.
CLARKE BAY
Just south from Willard Beach, lies the quieter Clarke Bay with rocky pools on either side of this sandy bay. Lifeguards and shark nets are provided.
It has a tidal pool where many living sea creatures can be observed in their natural environment.
BALLITO’S TIDAL POOL
Still further away you come across Ballito’s Tidal Pool built on Ballito Point in between the rocks.
It provides fun for adults and children alike with the two different sized pools. The bigger one is ideal for adults who like to swim in the sea but not out in the open water, while the smaller pool is cordoned of and fills up when the tide comes in, which is ideal for the little swimmers.
SALMON BAY BEACH
Salmon Bay Beach is right at the southern part of Ballito next to Zimbali Coastal Resort and is great for surfing.
This beach is popular as a launch site for deep sea Ski Boats, Jet Skis and Paddle Ski anglers. This is one of the most productive areas for rock and surf anglers. Sunbathers share the beach with anglers that catch Cob, Stumpies, Couta, Snoek, Couta, Kingfish and even the add juvenile dusky sharks and sand sharks.
SHEFFIELD BAY
This is one of the more popular and least crowed beaches of Ballito and perfect for toddlers and small children.
The rock pools are in abundance with sea life and have incredible coral growth and fish. It is some of the best snorkelling areas in Ballito.
Sheffield is also one of the best places to look out for marine mammals, especially dolphins in the early mornings.
CHRISTMAS BAY
Christmas Bay beach is most Northern of Ballito beaches. It is always quiet and have beautiful rock pools.
Walking to the North past the “point” you will find endless open sandy stretches of beach. This is the place for unrivalled peace and quiet; a great addition to any Durban tour itinerary.
THOMPSON’S BAY
Thompson’s Bay Beach is just north of Ballito near Chaka’s Rock and protected by shark nets and lifeguards.
It is nestled in a cove which gives protection from the wind. At the southern end you will find a large tidal swimming pool called Charlie’s Pool as well as a hole in the rocks which leads to two secluded small bays.
To the north you will see Chaka’s High Rock which is a very popular fishing spot for the experienced angler.
The beach has no stalls or restaurants and visitors need to bring their own picnic baskets and drinks. Active families can walk from Thompson’s Bay to Willard Beach.
