Visit KZN | KZN South Coast

Southport Beach - KZN South Coast

(Also known as the Southport Anerley Beach)

Southport Beach KZN South Coast path through grassed area to beach with blue sea

Southport Beach is very popular, and both holidaymakers and locals keep on returning to it, and it is not difficult to understand why it is such a firm favorite.  This is one of our personal favourites to visit. It is easy to see why it has achieved Blue Flag Status since 2011. Nothing beats driving in and spying the beautiful blue sea framed by the trees. 

This picturesque beach has it all:

  • A safe swimming beach that is manned by capable lifeguards
  • Shark nets
  • A tidal pool that is both kid and adult friendly
  • Rocky areas and rock pools to explore
  • Gorgeous views
  • A restaurant/pub close by
  • Best of all, it is a Blue Flag Beach

SouthPort Beach is about 111km south of Durban and is just south of Sunwich Port Beach and about 8km north of Port Shepstone Beach.  See our map below to access this little gem of a beach. 

The area above the beach has lovely grassed areas, benches, picnic areas, ablutions, and most importantly, beautiful, large Milkwood trees that provide plenty of shade from the harsh African sun. So pick out a perfect spot for your chair in the shade and watch your kids on the beach, or, simply sit back and enjoy the view.

This is a popular spot for locals to come and enjoy the sunset.  Check out our information regarding parking below. 

What else can I do on the KZN South Coast?

There is so much to see, do, explore, and discover on the KZN South Coast.  Why not take a drive to Oribi Gorge and enjoy some Extreme Adventures (ziplines, wild swing, suspension bridge), Lake Eland Game Reserve to have a mini safari and enjoy the wildlife,  explore the Red Desert near Port Edward or discover the Reptile Parks on the South Coast! 

Check out our Explore Section and Things to do in the menu above. You will not be disappointed!

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This beautiful beach is a true hidden gem and an absolute favourite of the locals. Many of whom have been coming down daily for years! A perfect spot to take your picnic and enjoy the view.

You know it is a good beach when the locals love it. 

Blue Flag Beach Status - Southport Beach

Southport Beach is a Blue Flag Beach, the international gold standard for quality beaches. One of the stand-out features of Southport Beach on the KZN South Coast is that it is safe and clean, offering ‘a great day at the beach’ experience. It is a well-looked-after beach, and the locals are really proud of it. 

Some other nearby Blue Flag beaches on the KZN South Coast are: 

  • Scottburgh Beach (Pilot)
  • Pennington Beach
  • Umtwalume (Pilot)
  • Hibberdene
  • Umzumbe
  • St Michaels Beach (Pilot)
  • Ramsgate
  • Marina Beach
  • Trafalgar (15 consecutive years)

Learn more about the Blue Flag Beach Awards program here. 

Access to the beach

Access to the Southport Beach KwaZulu Natal

How to Access Southport Beach

  • There is a walkway (wheelchair friendly) that leads to the clearly marked (with flags) swimming area where you can safely swim while being watched over by lifeguards.
  • Utilise the steps that are situated in front of the lifeguards’ building/ablutions facilities. These lead down to the beach and the tidal pool on the right.
  • You can also walk down to the beach from the far right side of the parking area and go directly onto the sand.
  • Walk directly onto the beach from the barbecue area under the Milkwood trees.

Beach and Tidal Pool - Southport Beach

Parking Area

Southport Beach Parking Area

Southport Beach has two safe parking areas that both have easy (and wheelchair-friendly) access to the beach.  Please take note that they tend to quickly fill up during the height of the holiday season – go early! During ‘out of season’ times it is nice and quiet, and you can have your pick of the best parking spots.

The first parking area is in front of the Captain Anchor’s restaurant and close to the barbecue areas. The second parking area is a bit further on and right next to the beach. You really cannot get much closer to the beach with a clearer view on the South Coast!

If you are not up to going onto the beach and just want to stay in your car and enjoy the view, this is the perfect place to park your car, as it has lovely views. We have been lucky enough to spot whales playing from that parking area on several occasions.

Where is Southport Beach?

GPS:  -30.681375, 30.505789

Use the map below to find the shortest and easiest routes to the beautiful Southport beach.

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