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MMarina Beach, located on the South Coast of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, lies just south of Margate, between the villages of San Lameer and Southbroom. The subtropical climate ensures year-long sunshine and warm water. Combined with a long, unspoilt beach and calm surf, it makes for the perfect family getaway.
Marina Beach a regular annual recipient of Blue Flag status along with a handful of other beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, making it a choice local holiday destination.
Margate is one of many small towns along the Hibiscus Coast, a region is famed for its warm weather, palm tree-lined beaches and bustling coastal resorts that give way to a green patchwork of tropical vegetation, plantations and championship golf courses.
Though less well-known than other South Coast beaches, Marina Beach has top-class facilities and scenic beauty. Five kilometres long and almost 200 metres wide, it boasts warm water, soft sand, restrained surf, shark nets and lifeguards in season – guaranteeing safe, pleasant swimming conditions all year round. Ablutions are onsite, and there is beach access for wheelchair-bound sun lovers.
Little ones can splash in the natural tidal pool or explore rock pools filled with sea creatures. At low tide, go snorkelling along the fascinating intertidal zone. You can stock up for a beach braai at the shops in the nearby village or opt for the freshest seafood at beachfront restaurants.
The private estate of San Lameer, Marina Beach Village and Mondazur Resort Estate Hotel all overlook Marina Beach. Nevertheless, nature reigns supreme here. Adjacent to the beach is the Mpenjati Nature Reserve. Walkways and observation platforms provide magnificent views of the wetland reserve, where picnic sites and nature trails entice visitors to pack a picnic.
Bordering on Marina beach is San Lameer's ‘urban' nature conservancy. The reserve protects indigenous dune, forest, and grasslands vegetation, 195 different bird species, and small antelope including impala, red, grey and blue duiker, reedbuck and bushbuck. An entrance fee applies for day visitors.
Between May and July, the annual Sardine Run spurs sharks, dolphins and seabirds into a feeding frenzy, as they battle for their share of millions of migrating sardines, a natural phenomenon that has been called the ‘greatest shoal on Earth'.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Hibiscus Coast Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)39 682 7944
Fax: +27 (0)39 682 1034
Email: info@hibiscuscoast.org.za
How to get here
From King Shaka International Airport follow the N2 along the coast to Ramsgate then take the R61 to Marina Beach.
Best time to visit
December to February are the hottest months and best for beach and water activities. Whale-watching peaks between late May and June, and the sardines could run anytime between May and July.
Thing to do in the area
Protea Banks is a top-rated dive site, and in the Trafalgar Marine Reserve you will be able to explore prehistoric marine fossil beds and a petrified underwater forest.
What to pack
A swimming costume, adequate sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. Scuba gear, kayaks and surfboards can be hired.
Where to stay
Self-catering guest houses, wooden cabins overlooking the beach, B&Bs, upmarket beach villas in San Lameer estate or Mondazur Resort Estate Hotel.
What to eat
Seafood is fresh and plentiful, and a good KwaZulu-Natal curry is never hard to find.
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