Margate Reviews and Ratings
(Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, South Africa)
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Visitor reviews of Margate surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“We were on holiday now beginning of March. We've always had a great holiday as we return every year to Margate. But this year has just been an eye opener and we are thinking of changing our holiday destination next year to another beach. Margate Beach was closed due to water contamination. I read on the board by the Life Saver's office, closed due to unforeseen circumstances. No mention about water pollution.
We are disgusted with the crime, prostitution and drug selling in Margate. The council needs to make a plan to clean up this town as it might lose a lot of tourism.
Next to public swimming pool the funfair has been closed down, criminals are using the buildings that is still standing there to hide and rob people walking past there during broad day light. Please be very careful!!!”
Heidi from SOUTH AFRICA - 14 Mar 2017
Margate Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 1 vote and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Margate is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Water Quality: 3.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Margate is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Margate requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
“December 2016, the beaches are nice but it's the town, surroundings and the main town of Margate. It is a Hillbrow at the coast; nuff said.
Its actually sad how the ppl from other countries ,for eg, Nigeria are left to alone and allowed to F up places with potential.
Selling drugs and making the town look like shit and the prostitutes working from Margate Police station.
If you want a December Holiday with Family, DO not go to Margate.
If you going purely for Surf in December, well then, go for it man.”
Johan from SOUTH AFRICA - 30 Dec 2016
“On holiday spending time on Margate beach was awesome, until the 22nd November 2014, when we had our bags stolen off the beach by some nasty guys...We lost our phones, wallets and car keys.
The very sad thing is that the so called CCTV surveillance room which is situated next to the life guard office, did not even show the slightest interest in assisting us with anything. They said nothing was working. Then I asked for assistance in calling the police, well what a mission from these two fine so called South Africans. I was told to go up the hill to the police station...Right. From out of town and I must find the police station. Eventually after standing at the car for about 4 hours, I was able to stop a traffic officer that assisted in calling the police. It is Monday the 24th November 2014 and after opening a case at the police station, I still do not have a case number!
My experience in Margate was not a great one... People that visit this beach should be very vigilant and keep a close eye on their belongings. These criminals know how to distract you and steel from under your noses... And also know that the authorities will not do a thing to assist you!”
Bruce Fowler from SOUTH AFRICA - 24 Nov 2014

