Deep sea fishing KwaZulu-Natal trips leave from two harbours, Durban and Richards Bay, and from surf and estuary launches along the coast from Port Edward to Sodwana Bay. This page compares the areas where we found charter operators, so you can pick a departure and request prices.
Give your date and group size to check fishing trips in KwaZulu-Natal.
Request Availability & PricesFishing Charters by Area
| Area | Departs from | Main trips |
|---|---|---|
| Durban | Inside Durban harbour | Harbour, backline, deep sea, big game |
| Umhlanga | Surf launch, holiday seasons | Short private trips, up to 4 |
| Ballito | Salmon Bay and Westbrook surf launches | Gamefish and bottom fish |
| Mtunzini | uMlalazi river mouth | Private gamefish trips, lagoon fishing |
| Richards Bay | Harbour slipways and Tuzi Gazi | Harbour, deep sea and big game |
| St Lucia | Beach launch by tractor | Gamefish, sailfish and marlin |
| Sodwana Bay | Jesser Point beach launch | Marlin and gamefish |
| Shelly Beach | Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour | Protea Banks, shared and private |
Areas without their own charter launch: Umdloti, Salt Rock, Tinley Manor (launch closed), Zinkwazi Beach, Cape Vidal, Port Shepstone, Margate, Ramsgate, Southbroom, Port Edward. Each page shows the nearest departure and its prices.
Target Species
- Durban. Couta January to June, yellowfin all year, billfish and dorado in summer, reef fish all year.
- North Coast. Couta, dorado, tuna, snoek and garrick, plus deep reef fish.
- Zululand and iSimangaliso. Marlin, sailfish, couta, tuna and kingfish. Gamefish only in iSimangaliso.
- South Coast. Yellowfin, couta and dorado on Protea Banks, and the sardine run in June or July.
Marine Protected Areas
Much of the KZN coast is inside marine protected areas, including iSimangaliso, uThukela, Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Trafalgar. Some zones are closed to fishing and others allow only gamefish. Sharks are protected in several of them. Charter skippers know the boundaries.
KwaZulu-Natal Fishing Prices
| Trip | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Shared trip, 4 - 10 hours, per person (Shelly Beach, Richards Bay, St Lucia) | R900 - R1,900 |
| Harbour trip, 4 - 5 hours, whole boat (Durban) | R2,500 - R6,000 |
| Private half day, 4 - 5 hours, whole boat | R5,000 - R10,500 |
| Private full day, 7 - 9 hours, whole boat | R9,000 - R15,600 |
| Big game, 10 - 12 hours, whole boat (Durban) | R10,800 - R22,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures taken from rates published by Durban and KwaZulu-Natal charter operators and rounded. They are not our prices or quotations, and no operator is bound by them. Most operators do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm it on every quote.
Sources:
- Just Fishing Durban, Lynski, Hookup, Aqua Nautical Adventures, Simply The Best and Hooked Again - Durban harbour rates
- Bashford Fishing Charters, Westbrook - 5-hour private rate (FishingBooker)
- Trackpro and Inland Fishing Charters, Richards Bay - shared and boat rates (FishingBooker)
- Astrix Charters, St Lucia - shared and private rates (last published in 2021)
- Skylar Blue, La Bleu Marlin and DLD Deep Sea Fishing, Sodwana Bay - boat rates (FishingBooker)
- Riptide, Mighty, Sensational, Ramrod, Awesome and Pelagic Hunter Charters, Shelly Beach - shared and boat rates
Ranges span the cheapest and dearest published rates we found across all areas. Each area page shows its own rates.
Weather and Cancellations
The skipper decides on the day whether it is safe to go. Surf launches also depend on the shore break. Rescheduling and refunds follow each operator's policy.
Send one request through Deep Sea Fishing Durban and operators in your chosen area can reply.
Deep Sea Fishing KwaZulu-Natal FAQs
Which KZN area is best for marlin?
Sodwana Bay is the best known, with marlin from November to May. Durban, Shelly Beach and St Lucia also have billfish trips in summer.
Where can I book a single seat?
Shelly Beach and Richards Bay operators publish shared per-person trips. Durban operators mostly sell the whole boat.
Which areas avoid a surf launch?
Durban and Richards Bay boats leave from inside the harbour. Most other KZN launches are off the beach.
Do I need a fishing permit?
Yes. Every angler needs a recreational fishing permit, also on a charter boat, and most Durban operators say it is not included. Buy one at a Post Office or online from the DFFE before the trip.
Related Fishing Trips
Deep Sea Fishing Durban is a free quote-comparison service. We do not own or operate boats. Trips are run by independent charter operators and your booking is with the operator you choose. Ask each one for a written quote listing the boat, inclusions, departure point and cancellation terms before you pay.
Deep Sea Fishing KwaZulu-Natal. Request availability and prices.
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