Tidal Pools on the KZN South Coast
While many visitors gravitate to the South Coast for the excitement of surfing, diving (with or without sharks) and big game fishing, others seek more relaxing pastimes. Along with having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the whole of KwaZulu-Natal, the coastline between Port Edward and Scottburgh also boasts the highest number of tidal pools – 21 in all. And these are what attract those who favour gentler pursuits.
Cleaned by the wild waves at high tide and protected from the fury of the ocean as it recedes, the tidal pools offer safe bathing for the elderly, splashy fun for toddlers and a chance to get up close and familiar with some of the smaller, fascinating denizens of the sea. Don a mask and snorkel and observe the everyday life of the small fishes, crabs, shellfish and marine plants that make their home among the rocks.
Let’s take a tour of some of the best-loved pools.
Starting from the south, the natural tidal pool at Palm Beach, just north of Port Edward, is a relatively large expanse of calm water, protected from the crashing waves all around it. It has easy access to the sea for those who are more adventurous.
Southbroom beach has a variety of tidal pools, of which Granny’s Pool is the most popular, with safe bathing for children and the surrounding rocks to explore. The main tidal pool is larger and a popular spot for snorkelling.
Ramsgate’s tidal pool has the added attraction of being adjacent to a grassy picnic site where you can sit and watch activities in the pool and the ocean, without getting large portions of sand in your sandwiches!
Margate beach’s tidal pool is spacious and accommodates a large number of swimmers, with or without snorkels. The pool is safe and perfect for families with small children. There is also a second tidal pool to the north of Lucien Beach, accessible from Lilliecrona Boulevard in Manaba.
Uvongo, at the mouth of the Ivungu River, has arguably the most spectacular beach on the entire coast. The river has a waterfall that plunges 23 metres down into the lagoon, creating one of the deepest lagoons in the country. The rocky coastline north of Uvongo, up to St Michael’s beach, boasts tidal pools at either end.
Southport beach has long been a favourite with local people and used to be one of the South Coast’s best-kept secrets. Blue Flag status has made it more widely known but it hasn’t lost its natural charm. The tidal pool, with its sloping, sandy bottom, is a big part of the attraction for adults and children alike.
Apart from the wonderful tidal pools, the KZN South Coast has a variety of natural rock pools on the shoreline which are ideal for snorkelling and discovering local marine life.
Tidal pools are, by their very nature, at the mercy of winds and tides and their depth may vary considerably from one season to the next. But if you find that one is too shallow for an energetic swim, or too deep for your toddler, it’s not very far to the next one. Have fun exploring!