KwaZulu-Natal: South Coast beaches closed to swimming due to Sardine Run activity!

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence has announced the temporary closure of multiple beaches along the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal as a safety precaution during the annual Sardine Run. Swimming is currently prohibited until further notice at 14 beaches where shark safety gear has been removed due to increased sardine activity and the presence of large marine predators.

The affected beaches are:

1. Anstey’s
2. Brighton
3. Isipingo
4. Amanzimtoti
5. Warner Beach
6. Winklespruit
7. Karridene
8. uMgababa
9. Scottburgh
10. uMkobi
11. Glenmore
12. Leisure Bay
13. T.O. Strand
14. Port Edward

The Sardine Run, often called the "greatest shoal on Earth", is a spectacular natural phenomenon that draws schools of sardines—and with them, sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds—close to shore. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence is actively monitoring sardine movements and will provide updates as beach safety conditions evolve.

KwaZulu-Natal: South Coast beaches reopen after Sardine Run activity moves offshore!

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence has announced the reopening of 13 popular beaches along the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal for swimming. This decision follows ongoing monitoring of the annual sardine run, which has shown that the bulk of sardine activity remains offshore, with only occasional small pockets appearing closer to the coast.
According to the Sharks Board, the current conditions pose minimal risk to beachgoers, allowing for the safe reopening of selected beaches. 

The following South Coast beaches are now open for swimming:

1. Hibberdene
2. Umzumbe
3. Banana Beach
4. Sunwich Port
5. South Port
6. Umtentweni
7. St Michaels on Sea
8. Uvongo
9. Margate
10. Ramsgate
11. Southbroom
12. San Lameer
13. Trafalgar

Five beaches remain temporarily closed as a precautionary measure:

• SYSU – Umkobi Beach
• Glenmore
• Leisure Bay
• T.O. Strand
• Port Edward

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board continues to closely track sardine movements and will update the public should conditions change. The annual sardine run, often referred to as the "greatest shoal on Earth", can attract large marine predators and requires careful management to ensure public safety.

Sardine Run 2025: Swimming banned on these 25 South Coast beaches!

The Sardine Run, often hailed as one of the world's most spectacular marine wildlife events, is currently underway along South Africa’s east coast, typically occurring between May and July each year. This natural phenomenon marks the largest fish migration in the Southern Hemisphere, with billions of sardines (Sardinops sagax) moving in vast shoals from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Agulhas Bank northward along the coastline. These sardines follow cooler ocean currents and plankton blooms, which form their primary food source.
As the Sardine Run intensifies in KwaZulu-Natal, it draws a frenzy of marine predators including dolphins, sharks, seabirds, and whales, turning the ocean into a dramatic feeding spectacle.
In response to the increased presence of large predatory fish and for public safety, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has temporarily removed shark safety gear from 25 beaches along the South Coast. As a result, swimming is currently prohibited at the following beaches until further notice:

1. Isipingo Beach
2. Amanzimtoti Beach
3. Warners Beach
4. Winkelspruit
5. Karridene
6. uMgababa
7. Scottburgh
8. Hibberdene
9. uMzumbe
10. Banana Beach
11. Sunwich Port
12. South Port
13. uMtetweni
14. St Michaels on Sea
15. Uvongo
16. Margate
17. Ramsgate
18. Southbroom
19. Kent Bay – uMkobi
20. San Lameer
21. Trafalgar
22. Glenmore
23. Leisure Bay
24. TO Strand
25. Port Edward

Visitors and locals are advised to avoid swimming at these beaches along the South Coast and to stay informed. For marine enthusiasts, divers, and photographers, the Sardine Run 2025 continues to offer unforgettable opportunities to witness nature’s oceanic ballet — but safety should always come first.

Please note that according to the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality the beach in Port Edward is open.