22 Durban beaches declared safe for swimming (13 November 2025)!

Great news for summer travellers! As of 13 November 2025, 22 beaches along Durban’s iconic coastline have been declared safe for swimming, following the latest round of water quality tests conducted by the eThekwini Municipality. With warm Indian Ocean waters, golden sands, and that unmistakable KwaZulu-Natal holiday atmosphere, Durban is ready to welcome beach lovers, surfers, and families looking for the perfect coastal escape.

Durban – South Africa’s ultimate coastal playground
Vibrant, sun-kissed, and full of coastal energy, Durban remains one of South Africa’s most beloved seaside destinations. Its subtropical climate, legendary Golden Mile, and year-round beach culture attract both local and international travellers. From sunrise surf sessions to beachfront markets and café hopping, Durban delivers the best of laid-back oceanfront living.

To protect this valuable coastline, the eThekwini Municipality conducts ongoing water quality monitoring and shares frequent safety updates. These efforts ensure that every swim, surf, or beach stroll remains safe, clean, and environmentally responsible.

Beaches open for swimming (as of 13 November 2025)
A total of 22 Durban beaches have passed the latest safety assessments and are officially open for swimming, with lifeguards on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30.

Open beaches include:
Point Beach • uMgababa • uShaka • Addington • North Beach • Bay of Plenty • South Beach • Wedge Beach • Battery Beach • Brighton • Pipeline Beach • Toti Main Beach • Westbrook • Thekwini Beach • Laguna Beach • Country Club • Doonside Beach • mDloti Main • Winklespruit • uMhlanga Main • Bronze Beach • Reunion

Whether you're visiting for swimming, surfing, or bodyboarding, Durban’s open beaches offer excellent water quality, full lifeguard supervision, and that vibrant Indian Ocean energy.

Beach(es) temporarily closed
For now, Anstey’s Beach remains temporarily closed due to elevated contamination levels. Swimming and surfing are restricted, but visitors can still enjoy sunbathing, walking, and photography. The beach will reopen as soon as water quality meets the required safety standards.

Durban’s public swimming pools
Prefer a controlled swimming environment? Durban operates 40 public swimming pools across the metro - ideal for families, recreational swimmers, and fitness enthusiasts. Clean, well-maintained, and monitored by lifeguards, these pools offer a safe and convenient alternative to ocean swimming.

 

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