Durban is heading into its busiest month with almost its entire coastline available to beachgoers.
According to eThekwini Municipality, which expects approximately 1.3 million visitors in December, all of the city’s beaches have been open to the public since 13 November.
Only Ansteys Beach is off-limits after recent water tests showed unsafe E. coli levels.
Durban beaches ready for visitors
This update follows the launch of the city’s summer season campaign on 16 October, The Citizen reported, a drive focused on managing the crowds that typically pack Durban’s beaches at year-end.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the city has tightened its safety net ahead of the influx.
She confirmed that extra security teams are already in place, law enforcement has been bolstered, and the coastline will be staffed with “a sufficient number of qualified lifeguards.”
“Lifeguards are fully trained and equipped to respond swiftly to any incidents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all beachgoers,” Sisilana said.
Only one beach closed for swimming
The municipality’s 13 November 2025 water quality results list Ansteys Beach as the only site temporarily closed after recording an E. coli reading of 860, above the acceptable threshold.
All other monitored Durban beaches are open, including:
- POINT BEACH
- UMGABABA
- USHAKA
- ADDINGTON
- NORTH BEACH
- BAY OF PLENTY
- SOUTH BEACH
- WEDGE BEACH
- BATTERY BEACH
- BRIGHTON
- PIPELINE BEACH
- TOTI MAIN BEACH
- WESTBROOK
- THEKWINI BEACH
- LAGUNA BEACH
- COUNTRY CLUB
- DOONSIDE BEACH
- MDLOTI MAIN
- WINKLESPRUIT
- UMHLANGA MAIN
- BRONZE BEACH
- REUNION
The city said closures are enforced as soon as tests show elevated bacteria levels to safeguard public health.
To keep Durban residents and visitors informed, the municipality continues to publish beach status updates on its website and social media pages.
Sisilana said this is part of an effort to maintain transparency throughout the festive season.
