7 Reasons the KZN South Coast is Your Ultimate Summer Beach Destination
For Immediate Attention
16 September 2025
“The KZN South Coast is a well-established coastal holiday site for families – for good reason!” commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “We’re home to some of the country’s most incredible beaches, which provide the perfect space for family members of all ages to uncover adventure. With the days warming up, there’s no place better to cool down than on the KZN South!”
Sibiya says, for those who have yet to experience this world-class holiday destination, SCTIE has shared 7 reasons why the KZN South Coast is considered the ultimate beach destination.
1. Highest Number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN
The KZN South Coast’s commitment to conservation, health, and safety is evident through its many Blue Flag beaches – with the region boasting the highest number in KZN! Alongside the 7 Blue Flag beaches – Marina, Ramsgate, Umzumbe, Trafalgar, Hibberdene, and Southport – there are a further 5 with Blue Flag Pilot status.
Pro Tip: Trafalgar Beach earned a certificate for 15 consecutive years in the programme in 2024, while Marina Beach celebrates 21 consecutive years.
2. World-Class Dive Sites
Scuba divers and free divers from around the world visit the KZN South Coast for its unmatched marine life viewing. Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, two Marine Protected Areas, are considered among the top scuba diving sites globally. Aliwal Shoal has stunning fossilised sand dunes, shipwrecks, and incredible shark sightings of ragged-tooth, tiger, and blacktips. Protea Banks is home to seven shark species with huge schools of hammerhead and ragged-tooth sharks.
Pro Tip: Aliwal Dive Centre offers scuba diving courses, accommodation, and charter boats for daily reef and wreck dives, shark cage dives, snorkelling, and fishing trips. Visit www.aliwalshoal.co.za
3. Top Surfing Destination
The KZN South Coast boasts some of the best point breaks in the world, making it a top destination for surfers year-round. The numerous beach breaks also make this the perfect spot to learn how to surf, with instructors taking newbies onto the waves at Scottburgh, Umzumbe, St Michael’s, and other spots!
Pro Tip: You can learn to surf on holiday with one of the KZN South Coast’s surf schools! Try Umzumbe Surf Camp – www.umzumbesurfcamp.com or Pumula Surf Camp – www.pumulasurfcamp.co.za
4. Premium Fishing Spots
The 120-kilometre coastal stretch from Scottburgh to Port Edward has several great fishing spots for every level of angler, no matter the skill or budget. The region caters to shore-based and deep-sea angling, with charter boats available.
Pro Tip: Hire equipment, cast a line, or get local insight from anglers at these great spots: Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club – www.shellybeachskiboatclub.co.za | Marlin Ski Boat Club in Port Edward – Facebook | Rocky Bay Resorts – www.rockybay.co.za
5. Great Snorkelling
The KZN South Coast has a variety of natural rock pools on the shoreline, which are ideal for snorkelling and discovering local marine life. Visitors can wait until the tide gets low before heading out with snorkelling gear, and buckets and spades for the little ones.
Pro Tip: Local companies are on hand to take families on snorkelling trips (as well as scuba diving and fishing) while providing all the necessary gear! Visit South Coast Diving Co. – www.southcoastdiving.co.za | Shark Cage Diving KZN – www.sharkcagedivingkzn.com.
6. Protected Bathing at Tidal Pools
In addition to having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in KZN, the KZN South Coast has the highest number of tidal pools, providing visitors with protected bathing areas throughout the year. These are great spaces for family members of all ages to enjoy the ocean.
Pro Tip: Some of the most popular tidal pools can be found at Pennington Beach, Umthwalume Beach, Southbroom Beach, Southport Beach (Blue Flag status), and Umzumbe Beach (Blue Flag status).
7. Ocean Conservation
Ocean health is vital for the health of the planet – and central to the tourism economy of the KZN South Coast. That’s why conservation initiatives are always underway, with beach clean-ups and awareness days celebrated throughout the region. The KZN South Coast is home to three Marine Protected Areas – Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks, and Trafalgar – with marine life protected through no-take zones and other restrictions to ensure marine biodiversity and protected ocean wilderness. Aliwal Shoal is also a Hope Spot, which is a critical space identified by NPO Mission Blue, to create awareness about ocean issues.
Pro Tip: Visitors are encouraged to look after KZN South Coast beaches when visiting, and can also get involved in ocean conservation initiatives that support ocean health! International Coastal Clean-Up is hosting several beach clean-ups in September. Visit the Events page at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to find more.
Unlock More on the KZN South Coast!
The KZN South Coast is a premier beach destination offering a diverse array of tourism experiences. With the most Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province, it’s perfect for seaside relaxation, while world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks provide thrilling marine adventures alongside deep-sea fishing. The region is a golfer’s paradise, featuring 11 top-quality courses and welcoming clubhouses.
Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast with hiking, mountain biking, 4×4 trails, and extreme sports like ziplining and gorge swinging in the scenic hinterland. Nature lovers can explore vast reserves and the Wellness Way Route, while cultural and heritage attractions include township tours, the Mission Tourism Route, and many hiking excursions.
Agri-tourism flourishes with farm visits and rural outings, and motorsport enthusiasts can head to Dezzi Raceway for high-octane action. The area also supports business tourism and event hosting with great MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) facilities in a breathtaking coastal setting.
Get in Touch!
Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast! Unlock more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app, visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
Follow the hashtags #uncovermore #uncoveradventure
/ENDS
Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. All images are
complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit is included and
the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.
High resolution images are available upon request.
(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Ramsgate Beach.
Trafalgar Beach.
Protea Banks.
Surfing.
Fishing.
Shark Cage Diving KZN.
Margate Tidal Pool.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
