Salt Rock Beach

About Salt Rock Beach

Salt Rock Beach is the main beach of the little town of the same name, which is perched along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is idyllic for its palm trees, white sand, and warm turquoise waters. And, thanks to its being protected by shark nets in the water and lifeguards on the beach, it is a fantastic choice for families and those that want to cool off in the temperate waters of the Dolphin Coast.

Although the waters are fantastic for swimming, they are also irresistible for surfing, body-boarding, hydrofoiling and stand-up paddling. The warm sands lure sun-worshippers to spend hours bronzing up (lathered in a good quality sunscreen, of course), or for couples to walk hand-in-hand and enjoy the salty sea spray. Children love playing beach games and building castles in the sand too. The palm trees provide welcome shade for picnics, reading a good book, or catching up with friends and family.

The reefs just off Salt Rock Beach are alive with marine animals and fascinating plant life. Snorkellers can bring their gear and dip just below the water's surface for some great sightings. Qualified SCUBA divers can also head into the deeper waters and see what beautiful fish, anemones, starfish, and much more await them. Because there are so many fish around the reef, Salt Rock Beach is also very popular for keen fishermen (and ladies).

The large tidal pool, called Granny's Pool, is perfect for little ones, as it is calm (with only a few ripples caused by the waves crashing on the rocks) and shallow (about waist high to an adult at the deepest spots).

There are ablutions and showers available at the beach, which are ideal for surfers and families with little ones after a long day in the water. There is ample free parking.

The town of Shark Rock is just north of the holiday hotspot of Ballito, about 45 minutes from the centre of Durban, and about 25 minutes from its international airport.