Durban Beach Water Quality Update: Reunion Beach remains closed

Most beaches covered by the latest Durban beach water quality results remain open for swimming, but travellers should avoid Reunion Beach, which is currently closed after recording a very high E. coli level.

The latest results, dated 02 October 2026, show that Reunion Beach recorded an E. coli result of 4,611, well above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500. The beach is therefore listed as closed for swimming.

Most beaches remain open

The other beaches included in the latest results are listed as open for swimming. This includes popular central Durban beaches such as North Beach, South Beach, Addington, uShaka and Point, as well as beaches further north and south.

Water-quality results vary considerably between individual beaches. Among the latest measurements, Battery Beach recorded 41, uShaka 31, South Beach 51 and North Beach 75. Other open beaches had higher readings, including Umhlanga Main at 185, Country Club at 317 and UmdlotI Main at 487. Despite these differences, all are listed as open in the latest status.
Further south, Amanzimtoti Main recorded 246, while Doonside Beach recorded 269 and Winklespruit 160. Pipeline, at 31, is also listed as open.

What travellers should know

For visitors planning a beach day in Durban, the important point is the current swimming status of the individual beach, rather than assuming that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.

The municipality classifies results below 130 as excellent, between 130 and 500 as acceptable, and above 500 as poor.

At the time covered by this update, Reunion is the only beach in the listed results marked closed for swimming. The municipal information notes that recreational activities other than swimming can still take place at closed beaches, but visitors should not enter the water.

Beach conditions can change, however, and the municipality states that the status is updated when conditions change. Travellers should therefore check the latest local status before swimming in Durban, particularly after heavy rain or other events that can affect coastal water quality.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 02 October 2026.  

 

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