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Things to do in Umdloti
A small seaside village between Umhlanga and Ballito, with one of the safest tidal pools on the coast, east-facing beaches and a river mouth full of birds.
Swim and snorkel in the tidal pool
Umdloti’s big tidal pool is the heart of the village. The sea washes in over the rocks at high tide but the pool stays calm, which makes it one of the safest places on the North Coast for children and nervous swimmers.
Bring a mask: small reef fish, crabs and anemones live along the rocky edges. Go early on summer weekends and public holidays, when it fills up by mid-morning.
Watch the sunrise from the beach
Umdloti’s beaches face due east, so the sun comes straight up out of the Indian Ocean. In summer it rises before 5am. Walk south along the sand towards Umhlanga or sit on the rocks at the main beach with a coffee.
Dolphins often pass just beyond the backline in the early morning, and the fishing boats can be seen heading out.
Surf and learn to surf
The beach and reef breaks around Umdloti work through much of the year, and the water is warm enough for a short wetsuit or boardshorts in summer. Beginners should start with a lesson and stay between the flags where lifeguards are on duty.
Victory Surf in the village rents and sells boards and gear and offers lessons.
Look for whales, dolphins and birds
Humpback whales pass Umdloti on their migration from about June to November, often close enough to see from the beach. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins can be seen all year.
At the north end of the village the Mdloti River meets the sea. The estuary draws herons, egrets, kingfishers and waders, and African oystercatchers nest on the open beach. See our Umdloti wildlife guide for the full species list.
Eat and drink by the sea
The beachfront road has restaurants and cafes a few steps from the sand, from breakfast spots to seafood and Portuguese-style grills. Many have sea views, so book ahead for sunset on weekends.
Day trips from Umdloti
Umhlanga Rocks is about ten minutes south, with its red and white lighthouse, the long promenade and Gateway shopping centre. La Mercy is next door, and Tongaat Beach, Westbrook, Zimbali and Ballito are a short drive north.
King Shaka International Airport is about 15 minutes away, which makes Umdloti an easy first or last night on a KZN trip.
Listed on Explore Umdloti
- Victory Surf – surf shop, board hire, lessons and Bru Co coffee
- #9 Umdloti Cabanas – beachfront self-catering on South Beach, sleeps 4
Run a business here? List it for free as one of our founding businesses.
Questions people ask
Is it safe to swim in Umdloti?
The tidal pool is the safest place to swim. On the open beach, swim only between the flags when lifeguards are on duty and stay out of the water near the river mouth and rocks.
When is the best time to visit Umdloti?
Umdloti is warm all year. Summer (November to March) is hot and busy, especially in December. Winter (June to August) is dry and mild, and the best time for humpback whales.
How far is Umdloti from King Shaka Airport?
About 15 minutes by car, which makes it one of the closest beach villages to the airport.
What is there to do in Umdloti with kids?
The tidal pool, rock pools at low tide, the beach and the estuary birdlife. Umhlanga’s promenade and Gateway are ten minutes away for rainy days.