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Salt Rock Beach and tidal pool
A palm-lined main beach, one of the biggest tidal pools on the Dolphin Coast, and a shallow pool for small children.
The tidal pool
Salt Rock's large tidal pool sits just north of the main beach. It was built in the middle of the last century by the Hulett family, who developed Salt Rock and its hotel, and it is still one of the most popular places on the coast for a long, calm swim.
Bring a mask: the pool is full of reef fish, and you may spot small corals on the bottom. It is a good first snorkel for children and nervous swimmers.
Granny's Pool for little ones
Granny's Pool is a shallow, sheltered rock gully on the main beach, protected from the waves. It is the spot local families choose for toddlers and young children, and it is at its best around high tide.
The main beach
Salt Rock main beach has lifeguards on duty and shark nets, and it works for swimming, body boarding and surfing. The sand is backed by palms and the old Salt Rock Hotel, and there are cafes and a caravan park close by.
Good to know
Swim only in the pools or between the flags. When the tide drains out of the channels in the outer wall of the big pool, a strong current can form there, so keep children well away from the edges at changing tide.
Parking fills up quickly in December and on long weekends, so come early.
Questions people ask
Is the Salt Rock tidal pool safe for children?
Yes, with supervision. Granny's Pool is shallow and sheltered for small children. In the big pool, stay away from the outer channels when the tide is going out.
Can you snorkel in the Salt Rock tidal pool?
Yes. The pool has plenty of reef fish and is one of the easiest places on the Dolphin Coast to snorkel.
How far is Salt Rock from Ballito?
About 10 minutes by car, or a coastal walk of just over an hour from Ballito.