Most of Durban’s beaches remain open for swimming, but travellers should avoid Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach, which are closed following very high E. coli readings.
The latest beach water quality results, dated 08 October 2026, show that Thekwini Beach recorded an E. coli result of 5,794, while Laguna Beach recorded 3,609. Both readings are well above the municipality’s poor-water-quality threshold of 500.
Thekwini and Laguna beaches closed
The results for 08 October 2026 show a marked difference between individual beaches. Thekwini and Laguna beaches are closed for swimming, while Reunion Beach has reopened following an earlier closure.
Reunion Beach recorded an E. coli result of 408, which falls within the municipality’s acceptable range of 130–500.
Other beaches with relatively low readings include Doonside Beach (20), North Beach (20), South Beach (31) and uShaka Beach (below 10).
Most Durban beaches remain open
The latest report lists most beaches across Durban’s northern, central and southern coastline as open for swimming. These include popular central beaches such as North Beach, South Beach, Addington, uShaka and Point, as well as Umhlanga Main, Bronze Beach and Amanzimtoti Main.
Water quality varies considerably between beaches, so travellers should check the status of their intended swimming spot rather than assume that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.
The municipality classifies E. coli results below 130 as excellent, between 130 and 500 as acceptable, and above 500 as poor. Most results in the latest report were recorded on 05 or 06 October 2026, with the latest samples for Thekwini, Laguna, Reunion and Doonside dated 08 October 2026.
What travellers should know
Travellers planning a beach visit to Durban should avoid swimming at Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach while the closures remain in place. Other beaches remain available for swimming, but it is worth checking the latest water quality information before heading to the coast.
The municipality notes that recreational activities other than swimming may continue at closed beaches, subject to local restrictions.
Beach water quality can change, so check the latest updates before entering the sea.
Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 08 October 2026.
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