Durban is a sunny seaside town spoilt for choice! From its luscious coastal scenes to its warm golden beaches, serene wildlife and vibrant people, Durban offers the perfect playground for anyone looking to fill their days with adventure and unforgettable activities.

Whether you’re an avid trail runner, a tame nature lover, a beach bum or you really love a good curry, Durban has got loads of fun things to do to keep you entertained! And to help fill your bucket list, we’ve put together a list of some of the best activities in Durban.

Don't forget to check out what’s happening in Durban today.

If you’re looking for things to do that won’t having you digging deep in your pockets, then Durban has got you covered. From visits to the botanical gardens to strolls through the many markets, there are loads of cheap outdoor activities on offer.

Big Rush Bungee Swing

Holding the Guinness World Record for the highest bungee swing in the world, this activity will take your breath away.

Set at the Moses Mabhida Stadium jumpers fall a staggering 60 meters, reaching speeds of up to 120km per hour.All jumps are streamed live to the Big Rush stadium shop where you can purchase video footage of your brave accomplishment. There is no age limit for adrenaline jumpers, you must only meet the minimum weight restriction of 40kgs.

• Operating Hours:
• Mon - Sun, 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Cost:
• R695pp
• Contact Number: (031) 312 9281
• Address: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
• More Info: Website

Shark Cage Diving

Want to get up close and personal with an ocean predator?

Blue Wilderness Shark Adventures

If you’re an extreme sport enthusiast or a nature lover keen to experience the ocean and sharks, visit one of Durban’s many professionally run shark cage diving experiences.

The pioneers of shark cage diving in Durban boast a 100% safety record which means you are definitely in good hands.

Blue Wilderness Shark Cage Diving aim to promote conservation through education, excitement and entertainment.Trips are tailored specifically to the age group, experience level, and capability of each member. Offering shark cage diving, snorkeling with sharks and shark scuba trips, they have something for the entire family. Activities take place on Durban’s Aliwal Shoal.

• Operating Hours:
• Mon - Sun, 6am - 8pm
• Cost:
• R950pp
• Contact Number: 071 705 8518
• Address: 7 Cordiner St, Durban
• More Info: Website

Snorkeling

When the warm ocean waters are calling your name, what better way to get wet than explore the tropical waters off the coast of Durban?

Umdloti Tidal Pool

One of Durban’s more famous snorkeling locations is the Umdloti Tidal pool. Only 20km North of Durban, nestled near a lovely seaside village, it has an old world feel to it. Marine life often seen while snorkeling here includes:

• Convent Surgeon
• Flag Tail
• Strepies
• Blacktail
• Spot Damsels
• Coral
• Colourful Sponges
• Anemones

The best time to snorkel here is when the swell is at its peak.

Vetch's Pier - Snorkeling and Diving

Often confused with uShaka beach, Vetch’s Pier is a great spot for snorkeling. The water is good all year round and the spot is sheltered by a reef which results in a huge variety of marine life. Keep in mind on weekends and during school holidays the beach can get very busy.Vetch’s Pier is also home to the Calypso Dive School If you are willing to travel about 500km outside of Durban, you will reach Sodwana Bay. This is one of the top diving spots in South Africa and offers a much better diving experience than the local beaches.

• Contact number: 031 332 0905
• Address: uShaka Marine World
• More info: Website

Helicopter Rides

What better way to experience the beauty of Durban than from a helicopter ride? Here’s a list of the top helicopter touring companies with the best safety records for you to choose from. Touring via helicopter can be quite pricey so be aware of that before visiting these sites.

BAC Helicopters

BAC Helicopters offers a wide selection of tour routes, each with views better than the last.

They also have a teaching tour where you can learn to operate and fly a helicopter with Durban’s scenery as your backdrop.

• Operating Hours:
• Mon - Sun, 7am - 7pm
• Cost: From R4500 for two people
• Contact Number: (031) 569 1531
• Address: 135 N Coast Rd, Durban
• More Info: Website

Sky Adventures

Sky Adventures is a cheaper option for helicopter rides without skimping on safety.

Boasting an incredible safety record, Sky Adventures charges per helicopter and not per person as other traders might do.They offer helicopter rides, picnics, hot air ballooning, micro-lighting, and many other sky activities.

• Cost:
• Starting from R2880
• Contact Number: 073 334 7911
• Address: 234 Anton Lembede St, Durban
• More Info: Website

King Shaka Aviation

King Shaka Aviation caters specifically for each client's needs.

They offer tailor-made tours which means that they will fly anywhere and show you anything you wish to see.From low-flying ocean trips viewing whales and dolphins to city skyscrapers, you will be thrilled.

• Cost: Get a quote here
• Contact Number: (031) 563 7226
• Address: Virginia Airport, Fairway
• More Info: Website

Mitchell Park Zoo

Home to crocodile, buck, flamingos, monkeys, giant tortoises and a wide variety of bird life, the Mitchell Park Zoo is full of beautiful sights and sounds.

Named after Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, this is the only zoo in Durban and is home to a walk-through aviary that allows you to get up-close views of many beautiful bird varieties. There is also a sand-filled playground equipped with jungle gyms, swings, and slides perfect to keep the little ones entertained.

The park is perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic or if you’re keen for a cooked meal and a delicious cup of coffee - visit the Blue Zoo tea garden at the top of the park.

• Cost:
  • Adults: R10.00
  • Children: R7.00
  • Pensioners: R4.00
• When: Daily from 08:00 - 16:00
• Where: 10 Ferndale Road, Morningside
• Contact: 031 303 2275
• More Info: Website

Rickshaw Rides

Looking to experience the beach front a little differently?

Why not hitch a ride on a local rickshaw while chomping on a spicy pineapple. There are over 20 registered rickshaw drivers in Durban that will give you a scenic and colourful ride along the Golden Mile.

The Rickshaws are a unique tourist operated by the Zulu population. You will also find many locals selling their handmade crafts along the Rickshaw tour. The drivers are known for their fascinating outfits and are sure to put a smile on your face.

• Cost: R20 for a short ride along the beach front
• When: Daily from 08:00 - 17:00
• Where: Upper Marine Parade, Durban
• Contact: 031 332 5671

Durban Mini Town

Ever wanted to see Durban from a bird’s eye view? Then mini-town is the place to visit.

This mini city is one of Durban’s iconic beachfront attractions scaled down to 1:24 of the Durban city, filled with tiny details of the most well-known buildings in Durban. Mini town is also a major fund raising tool for the Quadriplegic Association of KwaZulu-Natal.

The miniature trains and planes move around making it seem like Durban has truly come alive in a little toy land. There is even a miniature harbour with ships, as well as an airport.

• Cost:
  • Adults: R25
  • Children: R20
• When: Daily from 09:30 - 16:30
• Where: Snell Parade, Beachfront, Durban
• Contact: 031 337 7892

Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park

Giba Gorge MTB Park has about 45km of trails that can be used for biking, hiking or even trail running.

Nestled in a lush green valley alongside the N3 freeway just outside Pinetown, lies Giba Gorge MTB Park. A place for outdoor enthusiasts with something suitable for the whole family, from kids to grandparents.

Whether it’s the kids scooting around the BMX track, the avid mountain bikers and adrenalin fuelled downhillers on the single track or the families picnicking on the lawn or relaxing in the outdoor restaurant, there is something to appeal to everyone of all ages and sizes.

• Cost: Ranges per activity. Click here for park fees
• When: Daily from 07:00 - 17:00
• Where: 110 Stockville Road, Pinetown
• Contact: +27 31 769 1527
• Latest Events: Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
• More Info: Website

Zulumoon Gondolas

Looking for something fun to do in Durban, take a ride through the canals on a Gondola.

From romance to family fun, they have a ride for everyone! Take some time out to experience this unique activity so that you can create a very special memory. This is perhaps one of Durban’s best kept secrets - this is certainly not an activity to be missed.

• Cost: Prices range per ride. Click here for complete price list.
• When: Daily from 10:30 - 18:00.
  • Night rides are also available. See online for ride packages
• Where: 39 Timeball Blvd, Point, Durban
• Contact: 084 730 8784
• More Info: Website

SkyCar

Your journey starts with a SkyCar ride to the top of the stadium arch, before you step onto the platform and take in the unparalleled 360º views of Durban and beyond.

The SkyCar gives you the chance to discover Durban from a 106m-high vantage point. Look one way and take in the ocean views as far as the eye can see, look the other way and you’ll see the city stretching for miles.

Why not try to spot your neighbourhood if you’re a local?

• Cost:
  • Adults: R60 per person
  • Pensioners: R55 per person
  • Children under 12: R30 per person
  • Children under 6: Free entry
• When: Daily from 09:00 - 17:00 (last SkyCar trip at 16:30)
• Where: Moses Mabhida Stadium, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Durban
• Contact: 031 582 8242
• More Info: Website

Wave House

Located at Gateway’s Theatre of Shopping, the Wave House has something for the whole family.

Wheels, water, waves, whatever. The fun flows at Wavehouse, with activities for adrenaline junkies, toddlers and even teens. Everyone in the family gets to play in the park, even when mom’s idea of play involves a lounger!

It’s time to switch the screens for screams. It’s always the season to get wet, or fly high on a bungee. The rates are structured to make it easy and affordable to choose a single activity.

Conveniently situated on the north side of Gateway’s Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, the Wavehouse is an ideal venue for families. With trained lifeguards and instructors in attendance, parents as well as kids get to take time off and play in this well-run, secure, safe environment.

• Cost:
  • R120pp/All Day - includes Slides, Inflatable Park, Bungee, Pumptrax and Splash pad area. 
  • Indoor Play (for ages 0 - 6 years, does not include inflatable area)  R40 per session
  • Click here for a list of all facilities and rates
• When:
  • Slides closed on Mondays & Tuesdays expect for public holidays
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 09:00 - 17:00
• Where: 1 Palm Boulevard, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Shop G83
• Contact: 031 584 9400
• More Info: Website

uShaka Marine World

A day out in Durban doesn’t get much better than this.

Packed to the brim with slides, rides, restaurants, culture, wildlife and so much more - uShaka is an absolute must-do when visiting Durban!

uShaka has brought together cultures into a safe and clean environment home to fun, laughter and togetherness. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the daytime operations of Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night time festivities of the Village Walk.

• Cost: Click here for full list of costs
• When: Click here for times
• Where: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban
• Contact: 031 328 8000
• More Info: Website

Durban Beachfront Skate Park

Located on Durban beachfront near North Beach, this concrete skate park is a local hotspot.

With quarters, rails, flat banks, stairs, hips, ledges and a mini bowl area, this skate park welcomes anyone wanting to test out their latest moves. The skate park is open to skateboarders, roller-skaters and BMX riders and it is always buzzing with activity. If you’re not much of an adrenaline junkie, grab a cuppa and spend a few minutes admiring the skills of those who are!

• Cost: Free
• When: Daily
• Where: 90 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban Beachfront
• More Info: Facebook Page

Zorbing

Groovy Balls Lifestyle Adventure has taken the art of zorbing to another level, with water balls, tandem rides, harnessed rides and a choice of three runs on which to enjoy this extreme sport of rolling downhill encased in a large plastic ball.

Zorbing is an exciting extreme sport in which you roll down a hill inside a large, transparent, inflatable ball - it’s more fun than it sounds, promise!

With three professionally designed zorbing runs, this zorbing adventure caters for those in search of anything from moderate to manic riders.

• Cost: Costs vary according to group size
• When: Daily from 08:00 - 20:00
• Where: Lot 152, off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale
• Contact: 084 330 3112
• More Info: Facebook Page

Markets

Durban is home to an impressive array of markets that are free to enjoy and full of tasty treats and creativity. If markets are your thing, check out our comprehensive guide to markets in and around Durban.

Every now and then, the Durban locals put on their shoes and head indoors for some entertainment! From museums to ice skating arenas, the indoor entertainment scene promises to keep you and your family entertained all day!

Durban Ice Arena

The new Durban Ice Arena recently celebrated one year since it’s re-launch.

The facility is a world class establishment and makes Durban proud. The Durban Ice Arena continues to offer the ideal space for all ages to enjoy a day out - in. With a range of fun-filled recreational ice skating activities, the Durban Ice Arena offers so much more!

The Durban Ice Arena offers a host of team-building exercises, birthday parties, group parties, school events and excursions, ice shows, ice hockey lessons and ice skating/figure skating lessons all under one roof.

• Cost: Pricing varies according to sessions. Click here for more.
• When: Click here for various session times
• Where: Corner Somsteu Road 81 & Sylvestor Ntuli Road
• Contact: 031 332 4597
• More Info: Website

Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World

With sun, sea, great food, ice-cold cocktails and plenty of entertainment, it’ll set your night on fire!

Captivating entertainment can be found at Suncoast through thrilling gaming in the casino, unforgettable entertainment.

Enjoy the latest movies and a fun night out or a day at the beach. Spend some quality time together at one of Durban’s most exciting destinations.

Suncoast boasts 1,600 Slot machines and 67 gaming tables, as well as an exclusive Salon Prive called 77 Ocean Drive for higher limit slots and tables - you’ll find something to keep you entertained.

• Cost: Click here for more.
• When: Daily
• Where: Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade
• Contact: 031 328 3000
• More Info: Website

Warwick Junction - Guided Tour

Warwick Junction lies on the lip of inner-city and is the primary transport interchange in the city.

On an average day the area accommodates 460 000 commuters, and at least 6000 street vendors. Given the confluence of rail, taxi and bus transport, this area has always been a natural market for street vendors.

The Markets of Warwick includes between 5000 and 8000 vendors trading in 9 distinct markets. Currently this is the only informally structured market in a public space of this magnitude, and thus establishes itself as the single most authentic African market that South Africa has to offer.

• Cost: R50 per person
• When: Daily between 09:30 - 12:00 and 13:00- 15:30
• Where: 127 Johannes Nkosi Street | NGO Asiye eTafuleni Unit 111 Business Incubation Building, SEDA eThekwini, Durban
• Contact: 031 309 3880
• More Info: Website

Shopping in Durban

If mall-ratting is your thing, then take your pick of one of the many shopping centres Durban has to offer. From the Pav to Gateway, Durban has made sure to cover all the bases. Take a look at our list of the best spots to go shopping in Durban.

Museums

Whether you’re a keen scientist, an avid nature lover or a history and art fan, the museum scene in Durban is nothing short of impressive! Check out our guide to the top must-see Museums in Durban.

So there you have it; Durban truly does cater to all walks of life! With over 20 indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, a day out in Durbs will always be filled with adventure, good vibes and fun-fuelled activities.

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If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com