South Africa’s Dolphin Coast
South Africa’s coastline is almost 3,000 km long, offering a wonderful variety of experiences. In this series, SA Blog dips a toe in the country’s major destination coasts.
The Dolphin Coast
- Where: The stretch of coast in KwaZulu Natal Province immediately north of Durban – hence the coast’s other moniker, the North Coast – from Zimbali to Tugela Mouth (just north of KwaDukuza-Stanger), with the resort town of Ballito as its unofficial capital.
- Attractions: Ballito, one of SA’s major surfing centers.
- How to get there… By car: *Best Option* From Durban, Ballito is just a 40-minute drive on the N2.
By Baz Bus: Just hop on! The bus takes you straight up the Dolphin Coast. See Baz Bus route map | Book Baz Bus ticket
If you’re wild’n’crazy (& with at least one travelling companion): take a minibus taxi. A. Proceed to the Durban minibus taxi terminus, in the city centre. B. Ask random people about taxis to Ballito. C. Hop in and you’re off!
- Highlight: The Dolphin Coast is celebrated for its year-round surfing, lapped as it is by the mellow (and shark-infested) waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s a favorite haunt of South Africa surfing star Grant “Twiggy” Baker, and is patrolled by pods of hundreds of bottlenosed dolphins.
- More information:
Wavescapes.co.za (SA surfing)
Natal Sharks Board (KZN surfing shark report)