Thompson's Bay Beach
Thompson's Bay Beach
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
221 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
73
Average
24
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Suvina
Durban, South Africa37 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Residing in Ballito for a year , I decided to explore our current hometown , My boyfriend suggested we visit the much talked about “Hole in the Wall”
The “ Hole in the Wall “ is located at Thompson’s Bay - a true hidden gem of the KZN North Coast. As you drive through the main road the entrance is not visible to the eye and is very secluded. There was on road parking as well as R10 for the day parking available.
The 5 minute walk from your car to the beach builds the anticipation , the view gets more scenic. You pass a few local stalls selling local crafts on your left and as you turn right you get to view a little piece of heaven is tucked away in the heart of Ballito - The “Hole in the Wall'.
As you walk towards the Hole in the Wall you pass the beautiful beach clean and family friendly .Thompson's bay beach was clean and maintained well. Even the lifeguards were on point and alert despite it being a medicore Monday. We passed the bathrooms which to my surprise were exceptional clean and WORKING! There was toilet paper and hand soap in ablutions. The shower area was most certainly upgraded.
Stepping out of the bathroom area we entered a large 50m tidal pool where u can snorkel safely. We also saw a lion fish there ,brown and white branching corals and lots of sea urchins around the edges. It was so beautiful to see a place so full of sea life.
We then approached the "Hole in the Wall” - this area is any blogger or instagrammers dream with the amount of beautiful captures you can gain. If you are not a nature person prepare yourself for a wet experience and dress appropriately while exploring the walk way it can get a bit slippery.
Once we passed over the walk way we decided to explore more and ended up hiking to one of the most amazing mountains where you can watch the ocean. Def a romantic spot for any date hike.
I can’t wait to head back and snorkel at the tidal pool
The “ Hole in the Wall “ is located at Thompson’s Bay - a true hidden gem of the KZN North Coast. As you drive through the main road the entrance is not visible to the eye and is very secluded. There was on road parking as well as R10 for the day parking available.
The 5 minute walk from your car to the beach builds the anticipation , the view gets more scenic. You pass a few local stalls selling local crafts on your left and as you turn right you get to view a little piece of heaven is tucked away in the heart of Ballito - The “Hole in the Wall'.
As you walk towards the Hole in the Wall you pass the beautiful beach clean and family friendly .Thompson's bay beach was clean and maintained well. Even the lifeguards were on point and alert despite it being a medicore Monday. We passed the bathrooms which to my surprise were exceptional clean and WORKING! There was toilet paper and hand soap in ablutions. The shower area was most certainly upgraded.
Stepping out of the bathroom area we entered a large 50m tidal pool where u can snorkel safely. We also saw a lion fish there ,brown and white branching corals and lots of sea urchins around the edges. It was so beautiful to see a place so full of sea life.
We then approached the "Hole in the Wall” - this area is any blogger or instagrammers dream with the amount of beautiful captures you can gain. If you are not a nature person prepare yourself for a wet experience and dress appropriately while exploring the walk way it can get a bit slippery.
Once we passed over the walk way we decided to explore more and ended up hiking to one of the most amazing mountains where you can watch the ocean. Def a romantic spot for any date hike.
I can’t wait to head back and snorkel at the tidal pool
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irishmike60
South Africa257 contributions
Feb 2020
Out of season and mid week, parking was not a problem, but we have been here over weekends, and the limited parking means invariably a very long walk down to the beach.
However the beach is very protected and rather private, and there are lifeguards on duty. There is the addition of a very large tidal pool, ideal for swimming training. Also a unique walkway at the seaward side of the pool ( or south side) that can be rather exciting at high tides - careful footing.
However the beach is very protected and rather private, and there are lifeguards on duty. There is the addition of a very large tidal pool, ideal for swimming training. Also a unique walkway at the seaward side of the pool ( or south side) that can be rather exciting at high tides - careful footing.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kalia C
Johannesburg, South Africa314 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I’ve been going here for over 10 years and the Ballito area has just developed more and more year after year offering shopping and eating out experiences alike.
The beaches are clean and you tend to see the local law enforcement on regular occasions. People are friendly and I my only regret is we don’t visit more than we do!
The beaches are clean and you tend to see the local law enforcement on regular occasions. People are friendly and I my only regret is we don’t visit more than we do!
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronique
Cape Town, South Africa774 contributions
Jul 2023
The tidal pool is just amazing... A long 100m pool for swimmers to do length.
The only down thing is the facilities next to it. The toiletts are disgusting and lake of maintenance and toilet paper, and there is no space to keep your belongings.
My frustration was to made it short because I didn't want to take a chance to see my belongings disapearing.
The only down thing is the facilities next to it. The toiletts are disgusting and lake of maintenance and toilet paper, and there is no space to keep your belongings.
My frustration was to made it short because I didn't want to take a chance to see my belongings disapearing.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M. Matter
Johannesburg, South Africa125 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Definitely a pleasant beach with a very nice big pool. The constant whistling of the life guards and ice-cream seller bells made the experience quite frustrating.
It seemed there were way too many ice-cream sellers for what the current clientel demanded, hence you could not have a decent conversation. Constantly surrounded by 2 or 3 people from all sides ringing a bell. Very annoying.
It seemed there were way too many ice-cream sellers for what the current clientel demanded, hence you could not have a decent conversation. Constantly surrounded by 2 or 3 people from all sides ringing a bell. Very annoying.
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
23 contributions
Dec 2019
Thompsons Tidal pool is very big and has life savers .
There is high rock just across the bay as well worth looking at as it has good history the Zulu worriers used to push there enemies off the rocks .
There is a nice beach to tan and swim a bit rocky .
There is high rock just across the bay as well worth looking at as it has good history the Zulu worriers used to push there enemies off the rocks .
There is a nice beach to tan and swim a bit rocky .
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira L
Durban, South Africa77 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Such a beautiful spot hidden in the built up town of Ballito. There is an amazing tidal pool. The area is beautifully clean. Life guards on duty and it feels very safe.
There are great photo opportunities.
There are great photo opportunities.
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrahamVer
Pretoria, South Africa6 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Nice tidal pool but the sea is full of rocks. Have come here a lot since I was younger with my family. Definitely not a swimming beach with hard side currents but the temperature is nice and can do good beach activities.
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atjoubert
67 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is one of the best beaches at Ballito - it has a tidal pool that one can enjoy throughout the day. It also has the hole in the wall - a great photo opportunity. The beach was clean, and we enjoyed the time there.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jc26_11
Langkawi, Malaysia226 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Best beach in Ballito. Beautiful setting full of rock pools with the most amazing coloured coral. A huge tidal pool which is crystal clear.
Written 7 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can i pay money when I’m coming to spend a hole day in beach with my friends???
Written 15 November 2023
There is parking outside close the beach. Walking from Parking to the tidal pool is about 600 meters I guess. You can easily walk there, no problem. There is a very nice path down to the beach where the pool is. The tidal pool is also surrounded with concrete. Very big tidal pool. Enjoy
Written 23 February 2018
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