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Top Things I Like to Do in Sheffield Beach KwaZulu-Natal
Whenever I feel sick of city noise and work stress, I look for the peaceful rush of the water to shore. This is why I often visit Sheffield Beach for a quick break with my family or myself.
With child-friendly activities and ones for adults, this beach has establishments that make it a perfect getaway for all ages. Here are my top activity recommendations for families and adrenaline junkies.
Things to Know
Address: Sheffield Beach, Ballito
Beat the heat in the rock pools
Media from leannemanas
Sheffield Beach is filled with safe rock pools and coves that are perfect for adventurous individuals and families with kids. The views here are stunning, so even if you don’t want to take a dip in the water, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
I hang out with friends here, and we just soak in the sun and breathe in the salty wind. I’m not much of a swimmer myself, so sitting in shallow rock pools helps with the sweltering heat. The sand is quite fine too, so I laze on it after my little soak.
| Pro tip: Sheffield Beach has no lifeguards, so don’t take the risk of exploring hidden coves and deeper pools, especially if you’re not a good swimmer. There are no shark nets in place in Sheffield Beach, but it’s safe because of the rocks surrounding it. However, I’m always cautious and never swim too far from the shore. I suggest you do the same. |
Wave at the dolphins and whales
Media from iloveballito
If you’re around the winter months (which is June to November), then you’re in luck! Around these months, it’s common to spot dolphins and humpback whales swimming happily nearby. It’s always a majestic thing to behold, so pack your cameras!
The ideal time to start your lookout for these beautiful creatures is around either early morning or late afternoon. We got the best view of the dolphins (sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to catch sightings of the whales) on the rocks on the beach.
| Pro tip: Pick a spot early. The higher the rock, the better the view. However, be careful as the rocks are slick, and don’t wear any plastic slippers or shoes that could make you slip! I heard there’s more success seeing the dolphins early in the morning, and my friends and I happened to catch a glimpse of them around the same time. 6:00 AM to be exact. |
Ride the tenacious waves
Media from aljohns
Looking for a challenging wave to ride? The waters here are strong enough for even seasoned surfers to enjoy them.
If you want a more challenging surfing area, the waters with reefs and rocks might be the difficulty you’re looking for. However, only consider this route when you’ve been surfing for years.
| Pro tips: The months of May to September have higher swells compared to the rest of the year. The perfect time to catch these bad boys is early morning. There are no nearby rentals for surfing boards, so you have to bring your own or rent somewhere else. For your safety, only surf when you have a clear view of the ocean. Even seasoned surfers never surf when it’s still dark out since there’s no one watching over the beach. |
Snorkel with colorful schools of fish
Kids and kids at heart will both enjoy the teeming schools of fish and marine life thriving in Sheffield Beach’s rock pools. The pools are shallow enough for kids to snorkel safely, and there are deeper ones where an adult can comfortably swim with the fish.
The open sea is an even better view, but just watch out for the towering reefs!
I’m not a strong swimmer, so I only enjoyed the shallow waters with my nieces. The fish, shells, and small crabs were enough to entertain them. However, even with the shallow waters and safe fish species, I suggest you keep your eye out for your kids.
| Pro tips: There are a lot of blenny fish chilling at the bottom, so I advise you to watch your step when you explore these pools. The common rock pool fish species are harmless, but always keep an eye out. I recommend packing a waterproof camera. There were colorful corals, fish, and other marine life I wanted to take photos of. It’s also a beautiful way to capture memories with the curious tots! Some of the rocks are sharp, so make sure the kids (and you) are wearing swim shoes or secured sandals when you’re in the pools. |
Fish for your dinner
Media from jakeskzn
Whether you prefer to fish by the shore or in the open sea, fishermen will have fun here too! There’s a spot called Dave’s Rock that’s popular amongst local anglers. It’s a massive rock on the beach, so it’s nearly impossible to miss it.
Just prop up some folding chairs, prepare an ice box, and cast your line to start fishing.
I’m not the type who fishes, but during my visit, I saw a lot of anglers chilling by the shore, and they shared some insights with me. They said that the common fish varieties you’ll catch from that spot are usually blacktails, bronze breams, and rock cods.
| Pro tips: Experienced anglers have success using river prawns and light jigs as bait. An angler shared that live shrimp are also great if you don’t have the other two available. The best time to go fishing is during daybreak since they’re the most active at those hours. Fish in the outgoing tide (the movement of water away from the shore) for higher chances of success. |
Bond with your dogs
Media from queeryfaery
Sheffield Beach isn’t only for humans to enjoy, as these fine sands and warm waters are perfect for well-trained furbabies! This beach is one of the many pet-friendly locations where you can bring your dog for a day of fun.
During my visit, I met a few friendly dogs who loved getting belly rubs and treats from beach bums there. From playing frisbee to just lazing on the soft sand, these dogs were happy for a little break on the beach with their owners.
| Pro tips: I strongly advise against bringing a nervous dog to Sheffield Beach. There are kids and curious strangers there who might try to interact with them, and it might end terribly. There are no nearby stores to buy food and essentials for your pup, so pack everything before your trip to the beach. I don’t recommend bringing your dog here without a leash on. Even if you think your pup is well-behaved, it might not be a pleasant experience for other beachgoers. |
Go for a morning jog at Christmas Bay
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Address: 99 Colwyn Dr, Sheffield Beach
Contact info: +27 325 2553 47
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 24 hours
Whenever I visit Sheffield Beach, I make sure to squeeze in some time to go on an early morning jog at Christmas Bay. It’s always a peaceful morning when I do so since it’s not as popular as the neighboring beaches.
If you want something more adventurous, there’s a nearby hiking trail that leads you to a perfect spot to view the ocean. You can access this little trail through the parking lot by the entrance. I suggest going there during sunrise or sunset to capture a stunning photo.
| Pro tips: This place has wooden stairs leading to the shore, so I recommend skipping this if you have seniors and young children with you. Go here before 9:00 AM to secure a good parking space. The parking is free, but it’s quite small, so plan ahead! This beach is also pet-friendly, but I only recommend this to owners with dogs used to crowds. |
