The south coast railway line was never extended along the coast north of Durban, where there are few towns. The tidal pools are mainly clustered around the resort town of Balito, which was developed in 1954.
Blythedale Beach is widely known for its unspoilt shoreline and warm Indian Ocean waters, but its specific tidal pool facilities have recently been described as "broken down" and poorly maintained. While the beach remains popular for long walks, birdwatching near the Umvoti River mouth, and swimming in the surf under the watch of lifeguards, those specifically seeking a functional tidal pool experience often visit nearby alternatives.
While the main beach is protected by shark nets and monitored by lifeguards, the strong waves and steep shoreline can make deep swimming in the open ocean challenging.
