The sea whispering up golden beaches or crashing spectacularly on the rocks is rich in marine life, heaven for fishing, snorkeling, deep-sea diving or scuba diving off the Protea Reef.

All along the 18km coastline, stretches of rolling surf offers superb opportunities for surfing, ski-boating and jet-skiing whilst sheltered bays ensure safe bathing and paddling. The famous Sardine Run takes place in the wonderfully warm winter months when the sea boils with millions of small fish running close to shore and excited crowds gather to scoop them from the sea or even the sand! Throughout the year, holders of Boat-Based Whale Watching licences on the South Coast take visitors to see Humpbacked and Southern Right Whales up as close as legally allowed while all around hundreds of dolphins leap and play. Our coast is one of the world’s top destinations for dolphin viewing.

The calm waters of the Mzimkulu River are perfect for windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing and taking leisurely cruises on a River barge. The Port Shepstone Country Club with its popular restaurant and pub has bowling greens, tennis and squash courts and its superb 18 hole golf course running along the river bank.

From here the Mzimkulu River cuts inland and joins the Mzinkulwana River to form the 24km long Oribi Gorge with its spectacular rocky outcrops like the Overhanging Rock and the 170m Lehr’s Falls, where the brave can enjoy the thrill of the world’s highest commercial abseil at 110m or shoot the rapids, white water rafting. Hiking trails through beautiful scenery echoing with the bird calls of over 250 species and the forest sounds of buck, baboons and monkeys.

The less energetic can enjoy panoramic views from the vintage Edwardian narrow gauge Banana Express Steam Train through indigenous forests, sugar cane fields and green hills, dotted with traditional villages - home to six Zulu Chiefs - to the Paddock Station, a national monument. Nature lovers can extend their trip to include the Oribi Gorge led by SATOUR accredited guides and be transported back to Port Shepstone in air-conditioned vehicles. Another option is to self-drive into the hinterland to visit the Ostrich Farm near Izingolweni or continue on to the Ingeli Indigenous Forests for more abundant bird life; 350 species recorded in the area make it an ornithologist’s delight.

As the day ends you can sip sundowners looking across the Indian Ocean, enjoy a fine meal in one of our excellent restaurants, take in a little night life perhaps and then be lulled to sleep by the gentle echoing of the sea.

Port Shepstone is 117km south of Durban and is less than half an hour from Margate, offering locals and visitors a wide variety of services and entertainment. The greater Port Shepstone offers a variety of excellent accommodation - Hotels with conference facilities, cosy B&B’s, tranquil Caravan Resorts, comfortable Time Share Units, Self Catering Chalets, Flats and Holiday Cottages to rent.