Visiting Durban by yacht

When to come, how to arrive at Durban Marina, the superyacht plans the city has announced, and the safety advice the UK government gives for South Africa.

Picture made with AI. It shows the place but is not a photograph.

Seasons

When to come

Season	Months	Daily high	Monthly rain
Peak	May to September	22.6 to 24.5 °C	28 to 73 mm
Shoulder	April and October	24.0 to 26.1 °C	73 to 98 mm
Off season	November to March	25.2 to 28.0 °C	102 to 134 mm

WMO World Weather Information Service, Durban, South African Weather Service data 1961 to 1990. Season bands are our own estimate.

At the water

Arriving at Durban Marina

EntryThe marina says a yacht arriving at the Port of Durban calls Durban Port Control on VHF channel 9 about one mile off the Breakwater and asks permission to enter the harbour.

First berthIf space is available, incoming yachts tie up at the International Jetty. The marina gives the depth there as 3.5 m at low tides. The depth of the other walk-on jetties varies.

AnchoringThe marina names an anchoring area at 29°51′53.91″ S, 31°01′36.62″ E, on the line where catamarans anchor and clear of the main channel.

Large vesselsThe marina asks owners of vessels over 20 m length and 8 m beam to contact the office at moorings@durbanmarina.co.za before booking.

Port taxesThe marina says Port Authority taxes apply to yachts that stay more than 30 days. The rate depends on yacht size.

Durban Marina visiting yachts page.

Plans

Superyacht plans for the port

Precinct site

24 ha

On 20 October 2026 SAnews said a proposed superyacht precinct has been earmarked for a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban. On 22 March 2026 it said the Transnet National Ports Authority ship repair strategy for 2025 to 2035 reserves the site for the refit market.

Investment

ZAR 1.9 billion

SAnews said on 22 March 2026 that Navigo, which SAnews describes as associated with the YARE programme, had confirmed a commitment to mobilise private-sector investment, with projected investment estimated at over ZAR 1.9 billion. The eThekwini Municipality signed a letter of intent with Navigo.

Superyacht visits

10+

On 20 October 2026 SAnews said Navigo had committed to bringing 10 or more superyacht visits to Durban each year from 2028.

Safety

UK government safety advice

Crime

The UK government says: "There is a high crime rate in South Africa". Its page was updated on 5 November 2026 and was current on 8 November 2026.

Tourist areas

The UK government says violent crime can take place anywhere, including in tourist destinations and transport hubs. It says the threat is higher when it is dark.

Beaches

The UK government says to avoid isolated beaches and not to walk alone on beaches when deserted, especially when it is dark. It says many people drown every year in strong sea currents.

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