Durban is a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. The port is the largest commercial port in Africa with specific areas set aside for pleasure craft.
The Port of Durban is operated by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). “DURBAN PORT CONTROL” or "DURBAN VTS" [VHF Ch. 09] controls all the shipping and yacht movements in and out of the port. The harbour entrance is marked with lights on the North Breakwater (FL G 3S 15 M) and South Breakwater (FL (2) W 5S 18 M), both of which protect the harbour from prevailing NE and SW winds, which can blow with considerable force.
Durban Harbour Radio (the Signal tower that controls shipping movements into and out of the harbor) must be contacted approx. 1 mile off on VHF channel 09, to inform the authorities in advance of the yacht’s arrival and to request permission to proceed through the entrance channel. You will be instructed to keep close to the Green marker buoys (Starboard Side) of the main channel. After exiting the main channel, alter course to Starboard and head for the Silburn Channel.
Lights on the Control Tower are used to warn approaching vessels of shipping movements:-
There are on-going dredging operations here, in and around Durban Marina, however silting is confined to the area around Bluff Yacht Club. Durban Marina has had silt coming in but that only affects the shallower section where the motor boats are berthed and it does not affect the large area where the yachts are berthed.
The Point Yacht Club have drafted a security "risk" map for cruisers who don't know the city.
29° 51'48"S, 31° 03'38"E (harbour entrance)
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We stayed at Durban Marina in March 2023 and had a wonderful time, thanks to the warm welcome of Suzaann and marina manager Mark. The yacht club has nice showers and a good restaurant. Marina prices for our 47ft yacht were 400 rand/day. There was electricity and water on the pontoon. To leave (for coastal sailing) we only had to fill in forms at the marina office and pay the marina fees. We did not have to go to the Port Authority and were advised not to call Port Control when leaving the marina/port. We also submitted an online passage plan, as East London had asked us to do so. We left without problems and were not called by Port Control.
We had a very enjoyable stay at Durban Marina from October 2018 – December 2018. Safe, secure, welcoming staff, and good facilities / food at both the Point and RNYC. It was centrally located with Krantzkloof and Umhlanga an Uber ride away and Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, St Lucia, and Drakensberg easily accessible by rental car (overnight stay or longer recommended).
Yacht lifting services are available at Marina Yachtlift Durban. Maximum weight 40 metric tons. Yachts can be stored also for short medium or long term. Contractors are also available on site for most repair and maintenance work. Enquiries email stc@mweb.co.za phone +27312051814 or +27312029396 ask for Per or Caroline.
Be aware for the services of David Myles at the marina. Although he seems a nice guy initially, he hardly ever delivers his services on time, and never keeps his appointments or promises.
Reported on the Indian Ocean Crossing Facebook Page:
Following a bad storm that caused a lot of damage earlier in October, Durban Marina is slowly recovering. Berths are beginning to open up as they make repairs, but still definitely advisable to go there ONLY if you have a definite current recent reservation/confirmation. Contact Adri Botha information@durbanmarina.co.za tel +27 (0)31 301 2176, also check with her re possible anchoring out availability or holding – limited but usable in emergencies.
Beware of water in fuel when having fuel delivered from the CALTEX station across from the marina. Two vessels in late 2015 found significant water in their fuel after having fuel delivered to them from the station. This appears to be a problem with water in the Jerry Cans used to deliver the fuel. I loaded up at the same time as one of these but (except for on 20 it can)I chose to use my own cans(making several trips) and had no problems. I made this decision because there was also some dirt in the bottom on the one can I had delivered.