
Maitland Beach and Dunes
Vast sandy shores meet towering dunes, offering adventure and scenic beauty on this South African coastal gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Maitland Beach and Dunes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast sandy shores meet towering dunes, offering adventure and scenic beauty on this South African coastal gem.
"This really is one of the very most amazing beaches that you will find the sand is soft and clean, and they are huge sands."
Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets or taps! Bring plenty of water to drink and rinse off sand. :water_wave:
Sandboarding Fun
The huge dunes are perfect for sandboarding. Bring a board or rent one if available! :snowboarder:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sand Dunes
The entire dune system
Towering sand dunes offer thrilling opportunities for sandboarding and breathtaking panoramic views.
Kilometer-Long Beach
Maitland Beach
A vast, clean, and soft sandy shoreline perfect for long walks, kite flying, and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Scenic Coastal Drive
Route to Maitland Beach
The journey to the beach features stunning sea views, making the drive an integral part of the adventure.
Kid-Friendly Lagoon
Near the dunes
A small, calm lagoon provides a safe and enjoyable spot for children to play in the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Dunes and the Drive
Best Footwear and Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets or taps! Bring plenty of water to drink and rinse off sand. :water_wave:
Sandboarding Fun
The huge dunes are perfect for sandboarding. Bring a board or rent one if available! :snowboarder:
Scenic Drive
Enjoy the breathtaking coastal drive to the beach, it's part of the experience! :car:
Kite Flying Paradise
A long, safe beach makes it ideal for flying kites. :kite:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets or taps! Bring plenty of water to drink and rinse off sand. :water_wave:
Sandboarding Fun
The huge dunes are perfect for sandboarding. Bring a board or rent one if available! :snowboarder:
Scenic Drive
Enjoy the breathtaking coastal drive to the beach, it's part of the experience! :car:
Kite Flying Paradise
A long, safe beach makes it ideal for flying kites. :kite:
Fishing Spot
Many visitors enjoy fishing here. Bring your rods! :fishingpoleand_வத:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maitland Beach and Dunes is lauded as a beautiful, expansive beach with impressive sand dunes perfect for adventure and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the scenic drive and the clean, soft sand. However, the lack of basic facilities like toilets and limited dustbins is a significant drawback for many.
"What a beautiful beach another one of Port Elizabeth's jewel's... stretches for kilometers a place well worth a visit...take your fishing rods and family,pack a basket have lunch there I know you will enjoy yourself immensely..you can even climb a sand dune or two if you have the courage to....."
Noel Beale
"Beautiful beach, huge dunes , with small lagoon for the kid to play .
NO TOILETS, which is not acceptable dustbins, are few the municipality needs to get their act together for our locals and tourism"
Peter Blackburn
"This really is one of the very most amazing beaches that you will find the sand is soft and clean, and they are huge sands. As far as you can see you can walk four hours in either direction or you can spend hours sand boarding up and down some of the best dunes."
Devlin Fenton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maitland Beach and Dunes is located about 40 minutes from Summerstrand in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The drive is along the coast and is known for its scenic views. Consider driving your own vehicle or using a ride-sharing service. Parking is available but can be challenging during peak holiday periods.
The drive is generally straightforward and considered scenic. It's a popular route for locals and tourists alike, offering beautiful ocean vistas.
Reasonable parking is available, but it can become a problem during peak holiday periods. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to Maitland Beach and Dunes. Driving is the most convenient method.
The drive itself is a highlight, with coastal views. While not directly on the way, Algoa Bay and other Gqeberha attractions are in the general vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee for Maitland Beach and Dunes, making it an accessible natural attraction.
Maitland Beach and Dunes is a natural public space and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, advance booking is not required for Maitland Beach and Dunes as it's a public beach and dune system.
While generally open, it's advisable to respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing the dune vegetation. Stick to designated paths where possible.
Absolutely! Maitland Beach and Dunes is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities from beach walks to dune exploration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy long walks on the beach, climb and sandboard down the large dunes, fly kites, fish, or relax by the small lagoon.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets or changing facilities available at Maitland Beach and Dunes, which is a significant drawback for visitors.
The water at Maitland Beach can be quite cold, even during warmer months. Visitors have noted it's a bit too cold for comfortable swimming.
While not explicitly stated, many South African beaches have regulations regarding dogs. It's best to check local bylaws or observe if other visitors have dogs with them.
The sand is described as soft and clean, stretching for kilometers. It's ideal for walking and offers a pleasant tactile experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Maitland Beach and Dunes. Visitors are advised to pack their own food and drinks for a picnic.
For dining options, you would need to return to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), which offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, packing a picnic basket is highly recommended as there are no food facilities. It's a great way to enjoy the surroundings.
Dustbins are few and far between, and the municipality needs to improve this. It's best to take your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a full picnic meal. Consider items that are easy to eat outdoors and don't require refrigeration if you're staying a while.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive dunes, the long stretch of beach, and the dramatic coastal drive offer fantastic photography opportunities. Sunsets here are particularly stunning.
Yes, Maitland Beach and its surrounding dunes provide excellent landscapes for drone photography, capturing the vastness of the area.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the dunes and beach. Sunsets are also a highlight.
Generally, there are no specific photographic restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Drone usage might be subject to local regulations.
Expect sweeping landscape shots of the dunes and ocean, intimate shots of tidal pools, and dramatic sunset or sunrise vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Majestic Dunes
The sheer scale of the dunes means you can spend a significant amount of time exploring them. Whether you're looking for a thrilling ride or a challenging hike, the dunes offer a memorable experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the sand can get hot, and consider the effort required to climb back up after a descent. The panoramic views from the top are a rewarding sight, showcasing the beauty of the coastline.
The Beach Experience
While the beach offers a beautiful natural setting, it's important to be aware of a few practicalities. The water temperature can be quite cold, even in summer, which might deter some from swimming. Additionally, a significant point of feedback from visitors is the lack of facilities, specifically the absence of toilets and a scarcity of dustbins. This means visitors must come prepared with all their necessities, including ample water for drinking and rinsing off sand.
The Scenic Journey
Travelers who have shared their experiences on platforms like TikTok often emphasize the visual appeal of this journey. It's not just about reaching the destination, but also about enjoying the picturesque surroundings along the way. This makes the trip to Maitland Beach and Dunes feel like a mini-adventure even before you arrive. It's a chance to soak in the South African coastline and appreciate the natural landscapes that make this area special.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit