The Dolphin Coast, an expanse of magnificent beaches and a panorama of waving sugar cane, stretches across the malaria-free North Coast of KwaZulu Natal from Zimbali in the South to the mighty Tugela in the North. The Dolphin Coast consists of the following towns: Zimbali, Ballito, Thompson's Bay, Shaka's Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach, Umhlali, Tinley Manor, Shakaskraal, Blythedale Beach, Zinkwazi and KwaDakuza / Stanger.

Ballito, the heart of the Dolphin Coast, lies nestled between rippling fields of sugar cane, KwaZulu Natal's famous Green Gold, and is flanked to the east by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Ballito is the Pearl of the Dolphin Coast. The town's origins date back to 1953, when a group of entrepreneurs began investigating land to develop a township in the Compensation Beach area.

Proclaimed a township in 1954, Ballito, whose name was gleaned from a magazine advertisement meaning 'Little Ball', became a town board in 1966. The town, which reached borough status in 1986, is well known for its superb, safe beaches.

The Dolphin Coast, as it is so aptly named, is the playground of bottlenose dolphins, which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The dolphins favour this stretch of coastline because of its relatively clear and shallow waters, allowing the dolphins to swim close to shore in order to feed. Whales can also be spotted on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer.

For the small price of a licence, which can be purchased at the Natal Sharks Board, you can pick your own mussels off the rocks, collect oysters or bring in fresh crayfish from the Indian Ocean. Ballito's friendly, village atmosphere is a welcome haven from the fast pace of big city life, yet it offers all modern amenities and services to residents and holiday-makers alike.

The North Coast offers visitors a unique blend of ultra-modern facilities at sun-drenched seaside resorts and ancient traditions in a lush, subtropical environment. The shoreline is an enticing combination of golden beaches and rock pools for safe bathing, surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, rock and ski-boat fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.

The following is a list of beaches on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast:

• Ballito Beach


• Zinkwazi Beach


• Umhlali Beach


• Tinley Manor Beach


• Thompson's Bay Beach


• Sheffield Beach


• Shaka's Rock Beach


• Salt Rock


• Blythedale Beach


• Clarke Bay

Three artificial reefs created by the Oceanographic Research Institute (based at uShaka Marine World) offer divers an opportunity to view a wide variety of marine life. During the 1990’s, the Fantao (an old Portuguese prawn trawler), and T-barge (a decommissioned floating crane) were towed out to sea and sunk. In addition to this, The Fame sunk in these waters in 2000, thereby making the third reef. These reefs have led to the discovery of three new species of Electric Ray, Moray Eel and Cardinal Fish. Sheffield Reef, Tiffany’s Reef, Big Bream Reef and Lemon Fish Reef provide additional scuba diving spots. The best months to dive on the North Coast are April to July, as these months provide the most consistent chance of good visibility.

Dolphins and whales are considered to be the “Big Two” of the sea. There are several licensed operators on the North Coast who can take you out to sea to get a close up view of these beautiful and mysterious animals. While dolphin viewings are a daily occurrence, you will be extremely fortunate to spot a Minke or a Shy Fin Whale. Humpback and Southern Right Whales are much more demonstrative and therefore can regularly be seen from shore. Their journey takes them north to breed off the coast of Mozambique during June and July. They can be seen returning in September and October to their feeding grounds in the southern ocean. Knowledgeable tour guides will provide fascinating information about the marine life, including sharks, turtles and manta rays, to further enrich your experience.

Whether you’re in the mood for any of the exciting watersports on offer, a round of golf on one of the North Coasts supurb courses or a game of tennis or squash, many of the country clubs along the Dolphin Coast extend a warm welcome to visitors.

The sport-inclined visitor is certainly catered for at the gracious Umhlali Country Club, located just outside of Ballito, which is open to visitors every day of the week. The Club’s magnificent 18-hole golf course, designed by Peter Matkovich, with its unique settings, superb greens and resident zebra, makes a round of golf an absolute pleasure. The clubhouse also has a swimming pool, and other facilities include tennis courts, squash courts and bowling greens as well as a halfway house and bar.

The Dolphin Coast, and surrounding areas, boasts some of the finest golfing turfs in South Africa. These magnificent golf courses are both challenging and unforgettably beautiful, with unique settings and breathtaking views.