As Durban heads into another busy travel period, the latest coastal water quality update offers reassuring news for holidaymakers, surfers and families planning time along KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.
According to the latest results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 19 May 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently comply with South Africa’s national recreational water safety standards and remain open for swimming and surfing.
Only one beach is currently closed as a precaution while additional water quality testing continues.
Durban beaches currently open for swimming and surfing
The following beaches are presently open for recreational use, subject to continued monitoring and testing:
- Point Beach
- uMgababa Beach
- uShaka Beach
- Wedge Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Country Club Beach
- Westbrook Beach
- mDloti Main Beach
- Anstey’s Beach
- Thekwini Beach
- Laguna Beach
- uMhlanga Main Beach
- Bronze Beach
- South Beach
- Doonside Beach
- Addington Beach
- North Beach
- Bay of Plenty Beach
- Battery Beach
- Toti Main Beach
- Pipeline Beach
- Winklespruit Beach
For travellers visiting Durban, these beaches continue to offer swimming, surfing, beachfront walks and family-friendly coastal activities along the city’s famous Golden Mile and surrounding coastline.
Durban beach currently closed
The following beach remains temporarily closed as a precaution due to ongoing water quality concerns:
Authorities say the beach will reopen once testing confirms full compliance with national recreational water safety standards.
Travellers are advised to check updated municipal notices, beach signage and lifeguard instructions before entering the water, especially after periods of heavy rainfall, which can temporarily affect coastal water quality.
How Durban monitors coastal water quality
The eThekwini Municipality operates an ongoing coastal water monitoring programme aimed at protecting both residents and visitors using Durban's beaches.
The programme includes:
- Regular seawater sampling at bathing beaches
- Accredited microbiological laboratory testing
- Ongoing public reporting of water quality results
Testing is conducted according to South Africa’s national recreational water quality guidelines, with beaches only declared safe once they meet the required health standards.
Alternative swimming options for families visiting Durban
For families travelling with young children, or visitors looking for more predictable swimming conditions, Durban's municipal swimming pools remain a useful alternative during periods of unstable coastal conditions.
The city operates around 40 public swimming pools across the metro, many of which are supervised by lifeguards and regularly maintained. These facilities can provide a safer and more controlled environment for families while certain beaches remain temporarily closed.
For many travellers planning winter sun escapes, surf trips or family holidays in KwaZulu-Natal, the latest update means most of Durban's main beaches remain open and accessible heading into the busy travel season.
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