The stunning beaches of the Dolphin Coast bring holidaymakers from all over the country to this piece of paradise. Have fun exploring all the beaches and finding your perfect spot.
This is the main beach of Ballito and its home to a number of events throughout the year, such as the Ballito Pro surfing competition and the Easter Beach Festival. In the mornings, you will find locals and visitors alike using the 2.4 km boardwalk that starts at this beach and follows the shoreline South. This beach is ideal for surfers and strong swimmers. There are lifeguards on duty to make sure that you stay safe.
Just a short walk from Willard Beach, you will find the much quieter Clarke Bay. The beach is protected by shark nets and life guards are on duty. Explore the many rock pools and the safe tidal pool here. This is the perfect spot for searching for starfish and other small creatures. Spend your morning making sand castles and playing on the beach. At lunch head to one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby, including Hops and Al Pescatore.
A few steps past the restaurants of Clarke Bay, you will find the Ballito Tidal Pools. This is an ideal beach for families with young children. The beach has a number of small rock pools and safe coves. The Ballito Tidal Pools consists of a small pool for children and a larger, deeper pool for adults. There are plenty of interesting sea creatures in both pools. Those wanting to enjoy lunch with an ocean view can walk a few meters to Ocean Basket and The Galley Beach Bar.
Head to Thompsons Bay on a windy day to take advantage of this sheltered beach. Charlie’s Pool is a lovely tidal pool that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy but watch out for sea urchins. The beach does have shark nets and life guards for those wanting to swim in the waves. There are no restaurants within walking distance of this beach so it is a good idea to take your own refreshments. There is a small fruit stand near the parking area that offers curried pineapple, cooldrinks, and a small seasonal fruit selection.
Surfers will love Salmon Bay as it consistently provides great waves due to its exposed position. Fisherman can launch boats here or fish straight from the beach. Spend your mornings or evenings catching fish, such as Cob, Snoek, and Kingfish. You will need to bring your own refreshments to this beach and be careful as there are no lifeguards here.
A short drive North of Ballito, you will find the main beach of the small town of Salt Rock. This is a popular beach for families and those wanting to just relax on the beach. The beach is safe thanks to life guards and shark nets. Enjoy a swim in the warm Indian Ocean or paddle with the kids in Granny’s Pool. After a day spent swimming and building sand castles, head to the child-friendly German restaurant, Siggis for dinner or try one of the famous curries at the Salt Rock Hotel.
This hidden gem can be found by following the beach access next to Salt Café. Grab a cup of coffee from Salt before heading down to the beach. This small tidal pool is host to a wide variety of sea life. Kids and adults alike can spend many happy hours snorkeling or watching the different fish from the surface. This pool is perfect for small children and is a sheltered spot from the wind.
Contact Utopia Ballito to book your perfect holiday getaway within steps of an idyllic Ballito beach.
