Your guide to the ultimate Dolphin Coast holiday

Your holiday is booked, your bags are packed and the pet-sitter has arrived – you are ready to make your way down to the beautiful Dolphin Coast for that much-needed family ‘vacay’.

A travel itinerary is all that’s left to plan before hopping in the car and escaping to our beautiful coastal town for an experience you will treasure.

Here is your guide to the ultimate Dolphin Coast holiday.

Beach it up

The North Coast is home to many gorgeous beaches, all with their own unique characteristics.

We have selected our favourite five for you to explore.

1. Willard Beach (main beach) is undoubtedly the most popular of our beaches. This is the party beach, favoured by hip youngsters and families. Surfers have four main spots to choose from here: Bog, Bathers, Surfers and Sunrise. The promenade begins here and runs south, hugging the coastline until Salmon Bay. Popular with joggers, pram pushers and dog walkers.
2. Thompson’s Bay is arguably the most beautiful of our swimming beaches. Walk through the ‘hole in the wall’ to discover a number of picturesque coves, made striking by the limestone rock formations of the cliffs.
3. Salt Rock beach has it all, plenty of parking, a wide sandy beach and great waves for the surfers. It is also spitting distance from the caravan park and Granny’s pool, a fantastic children’s labyrinth of a tidal pool.
4. Chakas Rock is home to a very special tidal pool, teeming with life, including parrot fish and incredible soft corals. Your children will be delighted to see the treasures this pool has to offer, but tread carefully as the sea urchins have painfully sharp spines.
5. Sheffield and Christmas Bay are our northern most beaches. This is where you want to go if you want a quiet wallow in the rock pools, away from the crowds. This is the perfect beach for toddlers and small children. Take note: These two beaches are slightly more secluded and are not protected by lifeguards.

For a list of the best tidal pools click HERE.

If you’re wandering what the beach conditions are like, visit Cyberview Letting’s website HERE and watch live feed from four different beaches.

Top five beachfront restaurants

Italian? Seafood? Steak and a cold one? What ever tickles your fancy, you’ll find it on the Dolphin Coast.

Here are five excellent beachfront restaurants

Gianni’s

Pizza and vino by the water – what more could you want? Gianni’s Ristorante is perfectly positioned for you to indulge in old school Italian food that warms the heart, while the view of the ocean does wonders for the soul. Located at 17 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito.

Hops

Experience spectacular sunsets, whale and dolphin watching while sipping on your favourite beverage or savouring a juicy steak at Hops Ballito. Located at 14 Edward Place.

The Galley

Seafood and cocktails on the beach – say no more. Positioned right below Gianni’s, The Galley beach bar and grill is right by the water, allowing you to dig into that fresh seafood dish while breathing in that salty, crisp sea air. Located at 17 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito.

Al Pescatore

What more can one ask for than a breathtaking view of the ever-changing Indian ocean, the finest food and a delightful team that is at your service. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito is located at 14 Edward Place.

Concha Cafe

Born of both foreign and local influences this little family run bakery is a gem in its own right. One gets a sense of belonging while gazing over the ocean as it rolls in, drinking a beautifully assembled drink and indulging in a freshly baked pastry or bread. Concha Cafe is located at 18 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito.

Magnificent memorabilia

Before reality sinks in that your holiday is almost over, make sure you stop by one of our local gift shops for something to remind you of your whirlwind getaway.

The Fat Whale

This gift shop is just as creative as its name. Filled with gifts, home decor and souvenirs, The Fat Whale has something for everyone! Located at shop 3, The Boulevard Shopping Centre, Ballito.

The Beach Shack

If you walk across to the other side of the centre you will find The Fat Whale’s sister store, The Beach Shack. Filled to the brim, this shop sells loads of gorgeous mobiles, ornaments and jewellery made entirely from shells. Located at shop 12, The Boulevard Shopping Centre, Ballito.

Natural Living

Beautiful, hand-poured candles and décor products; complimented by local and imported items allowing you to decorate your home with a coastal feel. Natural Living is a must before you head on home. Located at Burnedale Farm, Umhlali.

Beach vendors

If you walk down Ballito’s famous promenade you will stumble across a number of beach vendors selling just about everything you could imagine. Support local by taking home a shell bracelet or wire coffee mug made by our talented craftsmen and women.

Emergency numbers

There is nothing worse than being faced with an emergency in an area you aren’t familiar with.

Be sure to keep our list of emergency numbers at hand should anything go wrong.

You can find them HERE.

For more tourist info visit Cyberview Letting at 18 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, or visit their website HERE or call them on 032 946 0538 to book your perfect getaway!