Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to head outside for some family fun in the natural world! With the enticing Indian Ocean, coastal forests and a variety of outdoor excursions on offer, Rocky Bay on the KZN South Coast is the ultimate adventure hub!

“We’re incredibly fortunate that the subtropical climate and beautiful natural scenery on the KZN South Coast create such an in-demand family destination,” commented Annien Koulountis, Resorts Manager at Rocky Bay Resorts. “At Rocky Bay, we also have several tour operators offering a range of adventure activities suited to all ages and tastes.”

1.       Ocean adventures

For the ultimate thrill, KZN Shark Cage Diving at Rocky Bay Resorts is ready to assist. The warmer waters of Aliwal Shoal give divers the chance to view a variety of shark species during a secure cage dive, including blacktips, duskies, spinners, tigers and Zambezis. Visitors view marine life in a stainless-steel, SAMSA-approved shark cage which is secured to the boat at all times.

Also based at Rocky Bay Resorts is Mokarran Dive Charters, an important stop on the adventure tour where experienced operators are ready to assist with all underwater excursions for everyone from beginners to advanced levels. This is an internationally recognised PADI 5* Dive Centre offering various ocean adventures suitable for children from 4 years, to adults. There’s everything from fun boat rides and snorkelling to free diving, scuba diving, and PADI dive courses. Visitors get to experience the thrill of ocean exploration with a team of highly experienced skippers, instructors and dive masters.

“All activities take place in the Aliwal Shoal MPA [Marine Protected Area] which is rated a top 10 dive site globally owing to the variety of marine life including colourful nudibranchs, turtles, rays, eels, sharks, dolphins and numerous tropical and subtropical reef fish,” said Michelle Smith, from Mokarran Dive Charters. “People travel from all over the world to witness the seasonal migrations along our coastline including the majestic humpback whales, the Sardine Run and the ragged tooth sharks which gather right here on the Aliwal Shoal during the breeding season.”

2.       Trail adventures

For visitors who prefer land-based adventures, Rocky Bay is also home to some of the best outdoor trails for hiking, biking and birding. Extensive work has been done on the 111km Rocky Bay trails which cater to everyone from novice through to experienced mountain bikers and trail runners. These wind through sugar cane fields with ocean views and into the cooler indigenous coastal forest sections.

The Saddle Shack bike shop based at Rocky Bay Resorts is available to assist with biking equipment and guidance. The mountain biking trails include the easier 12km route, increasing to the 19km, 29km and 39km trails. Outdoor adventurers who prefer hiking and trail running can get out on the clearly signposted 6km, 8km and 10km trails. This is also a popular birding spot with the subtropical forest home to a variety of species.

3.       Sky adventures

Visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds by taking in the KZN South Coast from the skies through a microlight adventure. View the incredible ocean life and coastal residents from the air with World of Wings Flight School. Experienced pilot, Noel NcDonogh, takes awestruck visitors along the shoreline to enjoy a birds’ eye view of the KZN South Coast.

For the ultimate adventure hub, get to Rocky Bay Resorts this spring! Rocky Bay Resorts has accommodation ranging from one-bedroom log cabins to a six-sleeper, three-bedroom log cabins and a Caravan Park with many sites offering sea views. To put a little extra ‘spring in your step’ Rocky Bay Resorts is offering 20% off all new reservations received for log cabins and campsites (T&Cs apply).

Visit www.rockybay.co.za or like the @RockyBayResorts Facebook page. To book accommodation at the Rocky Bay Resorts log cabins or Caravan Park, call 039 976 0336. Book the beach break of your dreams today: https://enquiries.rockybay.co.za

Disclaimer: Rocky Bay Trails are maintained but not manicured to retain more of an ‘adventure experience’. Visitors use the trails at their own risk. There are no collection or rescue services for any emergency.