Scottburgh hosts Ocean Festival boost

by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN – THE KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is gearing up for a major tourism and lifestyle highlight as the Ocean Festival returns to Scottburgh from 1 to 3 May 2026, bringing with it an expanded programme designed to attract visitors, stimulate local spending, and promote ocean conservation.

Now in its fourth year, the festival has become a key fixture on the region’s tourism calendar, drawing increasing numbers of domestic travellers and outdoor enthusiasts to the coastal town during the long weekend.

Organisers say the 2026 edition will be the biggest yet, taking full advantage of the public holiday period to extend economic activity across hospitality, accommodation, and adventure tourism sectors.

Event organiser Barry Lewin said the festival continues to grow in both scale and purpose.

“Following the incredible success of last year’s Ocean Festival, we are expanding the programme with a bigger line-up and more diverse experiences,” Lewin said.

“There will be even more opportunities for the public to engage with the ocean while remaining true to our three pillars: engagement, education and economics.”

Tourism stakeholders in the region say events such as the Ocean Festival play a vital role in driving off-season travel to the KZN South Coast, filling hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and local attractions at a time when visitor numbers typically decline.

The influx of festivalgoers is expected to provide a direct boost to small businesses and informal traders in Scottburgh and surrounding communities.

The three-day programme transforms Scottburgh Main Beach and the Premier Hotel Cutty Sark into a vibrant hub of activity, blending sport, wellness, education and entertainment.

Visitors can expect surfing competitions, lifesaving contests, paddle challenges, yoga and Pilates sessions on the beach, guided ocean experiences, and cultural activations including live music and art installations.

Educational conversations on ocean health and sustainability will also feature prominently, reinforcing the festival’s conservation message.

Beyond recreation, the Ocean Festival has become an important platform for coastal tourism promotion.

Ocean-based experiences such as boat trips and surf competitions showcase the region’s natural assets, including its beaches and marine biodiversity, which are central to KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism appeal.

Tourism experts note that events of this nature help extend visitor stays, increase average tourist spend, and strengthen the province’s reputation as a year-round destination for both leisure and eco-tourism.

Lewin added that the festival is designed to create meaningful connections between people and the ocean while supporting the local economy.

“Ocean Festival is about celebrating the ocean in all its forms, from high-energy sport to moments of reflection and learning,” he said.

With its combination of sport, lifestyle and environmental awareness, Ocean Festival 2026 is expected to further cement Scottburgh’s position as one of the South Coast’s emerging tourism hotspots.

– CAJ News