Coast & outdoors
Coastal holidays: beyond the beach towel
Plan beach days, water activities and relaxed sightseeing with local conditions in mind.
Durban, Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape each offer their own coastal rhythm. Build a beach holiday with room for changing weather and activities away from the water.
Choose your beach day carefully
Check local beach conditions and ask where lifeguards are on duty. NSRI advises swimming at lifeguarded beaches and within the marked swimming zone. An attractive photograph does not tell you whether a beach is safe to swim at that day.
Keep the whole party in mind
Agree who will supervise children around water. Plan shade, drinking water and breaks from the sun. For boat trips, ask about life jackets, age requirements, weather cancellations and departure points before booking.
Leave space for more
Combine beach time with local food, cultural visits and scenic stops. Confirm transport back to your accommodation and allow for traffic around popular holiday destinations. Choose an alternative activity for days when water conditions are unsuitable.
Further information
Check current guidance and requirements with the relevant organisation before travelling.