In the heart of the Dolphin Coast lies Ballito, nestled between the sugar-cane fields of KwaZulu Natal's famous 'Green & Gold' and is flanked to the East by golden Beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The waters off Ballito's Beach are the playground of the bottle nose dolphins, which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The dolphins favour this stretch of coastline because of its relatively clear and shallow waters, allowing dolphins to swim close to shore in order to feed. Surveys of these waters suggest that they are frequented by a school of about 200 dolphins, which break up into smaller groups. Whales can also be spotted on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer. The main swimming beach in Ballito is: 'Willard Beach'. It provides safe swimming with qualified lifeguards seven days a week and is protected with shark nets. It also has a fully equipped first aid station. Willard Beach is also a popular spot for surfing and body boarding. Lifeguards and shark nets are provided at a second beach, Clarke Bay. Further South of Clarke Bay is the Ballito tidal pool which caters for the young and old. The Pools are well maintained, clean and are home to a wide variety of sea life. Moving South is Salmon Bay, which is a launch Area for watercraft. This Beach is popular with surfers! The Ballito Inflatable Boat Clubhouse is also located here. Ballito is home to plenty of fishing spots, which guarantee keen fishermen of at least a good bite and perhaps the catch of a lifetime. Fishing licences can be purchased at any of the local post offices. Licences for mussels, oysters and crayfish can only be obtained from; the Nature Conservation offices at 25 Stella Road, Umbilo in Durban!
Place record
Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN
- Coordinates
- -29.5430, 31.2140
- Updated
- 25 May 2026
Location Map
Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN
How we know this
Last updated · 25 May 2026
South African History Online. (2020, June 29). Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/xh/ref/P-0150292
South African History Online (2020) 'Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN', South African History Online, 29 June. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/xh/ref/P-0150292 (Accessed: 21 July 2026).
South African History Online, Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN [website], https://sahistory.org.za/xh/ref/P-0150292, (accessed 21 July 2026).
"Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN." South African History Online, 29 June 2020, https://sahistory.org.za/xh/ref/P-0150292. Accessed 21 July 2026.
South African History Online. "Ballito, Dolphin Coast- KZN." South African History Online. June 29, 2020. https://sahistory.org.za/xh/ref/P-0150292.
Further reading
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Amabedlana, a Mountain in Kwa Zulu Natal
Zimbali Coastal Resort, Ballito
Zinkwazi Beach
Umdloti, North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal
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