A Seaside Gem for Adventure, Relaxation & Retail Therapy

Shelly Beach is one of the crown jewels of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, offering a blend of coastal adventure, great dining, family activities, and convenient shopping. Whether you’re casting a fishing line into the deep, strolling past tidal pools, or enjoying beachfront dining with ocean views, Shelly Beach has something for everyone.

What to Do in Shelly Beach

Fishing & Boat Adventures

Shelly Beach is a hotspot for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and diving excursions. Reputable charters launch regularly from the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club, offering trips to Protea Banks, one of South Africa’s top shark diving locations.

Top Boat Charters:

• Offshore Adventures – Thrilling boat rides and scuba experiences.
• C-Freaks Fishing Charters – Family-friendly and gear-inclusive.
• Aqua Planet Dive Centre – Scuba diving professionals and courses.

Tidal Pools & Rocky Exploration

Low tide reveals rock pools teeming with life — ideal for kids to spot sea urchins, crabs, and fish. The Shelly Beach coastline is a natural playground.

Places to Stay in Shelly Beach

From family-friendly resorts to private seaside apartments, here are some top places to stay:

Hotels, B&Bs and Apartments:

• Emerald Cove
  Self-catering log cabins right by the beach, ideal for families or couples.
• Shelly Beach Lodge
  A tranquil guesthouse with modern amenities and breakfast included.
• Sea Breeze Shelly Beach
  Stylish self-catering units with stunning ocean views and easy access to shops and the beach.
• Breakerview Bay
  Modern apartments with patios overlooking the sea — a peaceful, central location.
• Amour Guest House
  Boutique guest house with lush gardens, great service, and a homely vibe.

Where to Eat in Shelly Beach

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, steak, a coffee catch-up, or a casual meal with a view — Shelly Beach delivers.

Casual Dining:

• Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club Restaurant
  Right on the beachfront. Great seafood, pub-style dishes, cocktails, and coffee with views of the sea and boat launch zone.
• Mugg & Bean – Shelly Centre
  A local favourite for breakfasts, big cappuccinos, and hearty lunches.
• The Press Club Café
  Quirky, relaxed spot with good coffee, toasted sandwiches, and light lunches.

Family-Friendly & Local Favourites:

• Tiago’s Flame-Grilled Chicken
  Famous for jumbo chicken burgers and great takeaway value.
• Sumi Modern Asian Cuisine
  Asian fusion spot at Shelly Centre — sushi, noodles, and bao in a contemporary space.
• John Dory’s (Shelly Centre)
  Reliable for seafood, sushi, and grills — kid-friendly and budget-conscious.
• The Highland Fryer
  British-style fish and chips in a relaxed atmosphere near the main road.

Shopping in Shelly Beach

Known as the retail capital of the South Coast, Shelly Beach has two major shopping malls and a variety of boutique outlets.

Malls:

• Shelly Centre
  • Over 70 stores including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Truworths, Clicks, Mugg & Bean, Dis-Chem, and Ster-Kinekor movie cinema.
  • Restaurants, salons, surf shops, and boutiques.
• Southcoast Mall
  • Home to big brands like Game, Builders Express, Mr Price Home, Sportsmans Warehouse, and Checkers Hyper.
  • Offers budget, lifestyle, and homeware shopping.

Markets & Boutiques:

• Shelly Beach Flea Market (Weekends)
  Great for handmade crafts, jewelry, snacks, and clothing.
• Quaint Local Shops
  Scattered along Marine Drive and inside Shelly Centre — look out for surfwear outlets, local art, and gift shops.

Bonus Attractions Nearby

• Pure Venom Reptile Park
  The largest reptile farm in Africa — perfect for families and animal lovers.
• Saints Walk
  A scenic coastal walk connecting Shelly Beach to nearby St Michael’s on Sea and Uvongo.
• Shelly Beach Tidal Pool
  Safe ocean swimming ideal for kids, next to the boat launch site.

Location & Accessibility

Shelly Beach lies between Margate (8 km south) and Port Shepstone (7 km north), accessible via the R620 (Marine Drive) or R61 Izotsha Road exit.

Final Word

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a diving adventure, or just need a well-located coastal base with all the comforts, Shelly Beach offers the best of both worlds: beach life and urban convenience.