Richards Bay - Clearance Agents

Oct 01, 2025

Where is Richards Bay?

Richards Bay is a large natural harbor and is South Africa's most northernmost and easterly port.  It is 87NM (160kms) NE of Durban and 252NM (465kms) southwest of Maputo.

Prior to the mid 1970s, the port complex of Richard's Bay was a large natural lagoon, home to the exuberant wildlife of the coastal region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. In April 1976 the port was officially opened and the one-time lagoon converted into a thriving 19m deep man-made port.

Although it is a large commercial port, it has become a popular call for international cruising yachts because of the close proximity to game parks and the St Lucia World Heritage Site. Cruising yachts make use of the small craft berth where there is a modern marina (Zululand Yacht Club) near the small craft basin.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Richards Bay:

  • The port of Richards Bay is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The approach is easy at any time.
  • The entrance channel is dredged to a permissible draught of 17.5 metres with a -19.5m depth in the entrance channel. It is recommended to enter as close to high tide as possible.
  • The ZYC will provide yachts with a map of the entry channel to help with entry.
  • Contact Richards Bay Port Control on VHF channel 12 (NOT 16) from no more than 6 miles away before entering the harbor breakwater. You will be instructed to either stand-off or enter - although you may not get an answer at all. In bad weather, you will most likely be permitted to enter the harbor immediately unless a large ship is also approaching.
  • Vessels arriving from Foreign Ports must proceed to Tuzi Gazi (Waterfront) to clear Customs, Immigration and Health before proceeding to Zululand Yacht Club. Stick to the left hand side of the channel as there is a sand bar to the right. Channel has an average depth of 2.5 meters.
  • When departing Richards Bay stick to around 100 meters water depth to make use of the excellent current flowing south at about 3knots. It runs all the way down to Port Elizabeth.

Useful Contacts:

  • Port Manager:  Ph:  +27 035 9053203 Email:  preston.khomo@transnet.net
  • Harbour Master:  Ph:  +27 035 7531991
  • Zululand Yacht Club – Fiona Linde – Email:  admin@zyc.co.za  – Ph:  035 788 0256

Cruiser Highlights for Richards Bay:

First port of call for vessels crossing the Indian Ocean.  Well organized and Zululand Yacht Club will take good care of you.  Close to some of the best game reserves in Africa.

Position:

28° 48.63' S, 32°06.08' E (harbor entrance)

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Related to following destinations: Richards Bay, South Africa
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