Top reasons to visit Shelly Beach
- Stunning Beaches: Shelly Beach boasts beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- Outdoor Activities: Visitors can engage in whale watching, scenic boat tours, and hiking in the picturesque surroundings.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: The charming village is known for its friendly locals, enhancing the overall holiday experience.
- Shopping and Dining: Explore the vibrant Shelly Centre for a variety of shopping and dining options.
- Family-Friendly: Shelly Beach offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, making it ideal for family vacations.
Find great hotels near Shelly Beach
Discover the charm of Shelly Beach, where a variety of accommodation options await to enhance your stay. From delightful bed and breakfasts to well-appointed hotels like Shore Breakers, you'll find the perfect base for your beach vacation. Whether you're seeking a golf-themed getaway or a relaxing retreat, Shelly Beach offers tourist accommodations that cater to all needs, ensuring a memorable experience in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Beachcomber Bay - Guest House: Nestled a mere 8.0km from Shelly Beach, Beachcomber Bay - Guest House is a charming 3-star accommodation ideal for those seeking a quintessential beach getaway. With a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and direct access to the pristine sands. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast each morning, setting the tone for a day of relaxation by the sea. The guest house is perfect for travellers who appreciate a homely touch while indulging in the coastal experience.
- Margate Hotel: Located 8.0km from Shelly Beach, the 3-star Margate Hotel combines comfort with convenience. Guests can savour an array of dining options, including daily full breakfast and onsite restaurant facilities, complemented by a bar and lounge area for leisurely evenings. Entertainment options abound, with flatscreen and cable TV available in rooms, ensuring guests stay connected and entertained. The nearby ocean provides opportunities for exploration and recreation, making this hotel an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy both relaxation and adventure.
- Villa Tropicana: Just 6.4km from Shelly Beach, Villa Tropicana is a delightful 3.5-star bed and breakfast that offers a blend of comfort and charm. Guests can indulge in a hearty English breakfast or choose from various breakfast options available daily. The property features multiple televisions, including cable and flatscreen options, ensuring ample entertainment during your stay. With its proximity to the beach and inviting atmosphere, Villa Tropicana is a lovely option for those seeking a relaxed and enjoyable vacation experience.
Where to stay in Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach, a charming village on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, offers a delightful blend of relaxation and recreation. With access to stunning beaches and the vibrant Shelly Centre nearby, visitors can indulge in shopping and dining. This family-friendly destination is perfect for outdoor adventures, historical explorations, and soaking up the sun. Expect a welcoming atmosphere filled with friendly locals, making your stay an unforgettable experience of South African coastal charm.
- Port Shepstone: Located approximately 9.7km from Shelly Beach, Port Shepstone is a vibrant city that offers a blend of romantic, family, and entertainment experiences. The city's visitor numbers peak during September and from November to December, making it a lively destination during these months. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as enjoying a show at the local theatre, teeing off at the golf course, or shopping at the bustling centre. Key attractions include beautiful beaches and a family-friendly beach area, along with a venue for events and conferences, making it a versatile spot for various types of travellers.
- Oslo Beach: Just 6.4km away from Shelly Beach, Oslo Beach is a charming village that provides a serene coastal retreat. While the number of visitors remains consistent throughout the year, peaks are seen in January and June to July. Travellers flock here for the stunning beach experiences and the relaxed atmosphere. The local beaches are perfect for families, offering safe swimming areas and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind by the ocean.
- Margate: Margate, where Shelly Beach is situated, is a bustling city known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly environment. Visitor numbers peak in September and during the festive season from December to January, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Activities abound in Margate with attractions such as a thrilling water park, theatre, and golf courses. The city is also home to theme parks and lovely family beaches, making it a fantastic base for your holiday adventures.
Things to do in Shelly Beach
Shopping
The nearest shopping destination is Shelly Centre, featuring a variety of shops, including clothing and gift stores. If you're up for a drive, head to Southcoast Mall in Scottburgh, about 32.2km away, where you can discover more extensive shopping options and local crafts.
Recreation
At Shelly Beach, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at the nearby Aloe Wellness Spa, where natural therapies blend with tranquil surroundings. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the scenic trails of the nearby Margate Nature Reserve, offering serene walks and opportunities to connect with nature.
Adventure
Shelly Beach offers thrilling scuba diving experiences, where you can explore vibrant marine life and coral reefs. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try shark cage diving to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Alternatively, enjoy surfing the waves at renowned local surf spots for a truly exhilarating day.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Blue Lagoon, where you can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed evening, visit The Pub on the Beach for refreshing cocktails and stunning ocean views, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shelly Beach
To save money on your visit to Shelly Beach, consider travelling during the off-peak months of August and October to November, when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive for stays, while Sundays are pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Free activities such as beach outings can also help cut costs.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Shelly Beach are August and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Shelly Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Shelly Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Shelly Beach is Sunday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Shelly Beach hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach, a perfect destination for beach and outdoor family vacations, offers a range of attractions including stunning beaches, a historic lighthouse, and a golf course country club. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sea at Shelly Beach and nearby Oslo Beach, while also immersing themselves in the local culture. This charming locale caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spot for a memorable getaway.
- Margate Beach: Located 8.0km from Shelly Beach, Margate Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and inviting waves, ideal for relaxation and beach activities. The beach's lively vibe is complemented by nearby cafes and shops, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking both leisure and entertainment.
- Port Shepstone Lighthouse: Also situated 8.0km from Shelly Beach, this historic lighthouse is a charming landmark steeped in maritime culture. Its striking architecture and panoramic views of the coastline provide an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Port Shepstone Country Club: Located 9.7km away, this golf course offers a serene escape for golf lovers. Set in lush surroundings, the club features well-maintained greens and fairways, providing an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels.
Best time to go to Shelly Beach
The best time to visit Shelly Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Shelly Beach
Flying into Shelly Beach, Margate from Ireland is convenient, with three major airports nearby. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is approximately 148.1km away and offers hotels like The Capital Zimbali, 9.7km from the airport, providing transportation services. Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) is about 128.7km away, with options such as Lincoln Cottages, located 4.8km from the airport, offering various shuttle services. The closest option is Margate Airport (MGH), just 9.7km from Shelly Beach, featuring hotels like San Lameer Villa Rentals. Transportation services are also available from these hotels to their respective airports, ensuring an easy commute to your destination.