Durban’s annual maritime event, the Durban International Boat & Lifestyle Show, takes to the waters of Durban Marina this coming July in what promises to be a ‘Bigger… Better… Bolder!!!’ event than in previous years. As well as displaying the very latest in boats, nautical equipment and accessories, the lifestyle sector will showcase a wide range of other elements from diving to off-road vehicles, adventure sports and food & drink.

So what should you expect to see in the line of all things boating? Whatever your choice of vessel, this event is sure to present an abundance of choices to the avid sailor. Whether it be a catamaran or a yacht; a fishing boat or a monohull – all the latest crafts and everything else you’ll need to set sail, such as marine insurance and safety equipment, will be on display. In addition, a boat and classic car auction will also take place on the final day of the show, a feature which was introduced to the event in recent years and which has become a very popular inclusion.

Durban is famous for its Golden Mile, a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches with many entertainment venues and attractions along its shoreline. UShaka Marine World is set within this area and features an aquarium, water park, shops and restaurants, one of which, Shark Restaurant, contains the largest shark tank in the world. If you wish to learn more about these creatures of the ocean, visit the Natal Sharks Board, a research centre providing much insight into these fascinating fish. For a relaxing day trip, take a trip to Umhlanga Beach with its luxury ocean villas and condominiums in the affluent neighbourhood of Umhlanga Rocks.

Traveling just outside of Durban you will discover the beauty of this hill laden region of South Africa where the Valley of a Thousand Hills awaits. Here you can take part in off-road trips as well as witness Zulu tribal dances in the villages of PheZulu Safari Park. The park has an abundance of wildlife including a snake exhibition and plenty of Nile crocodiles – some of the biggest you are ever likely to see.

Hotels located in Central Durban include the 4-star  Balmoral Hotel Durban along the Marine Parade and the  Royal Hotel Durban on Smith Street, where the Durban Art Gallery displaying African, Asian & European art is but a few minutes away. In the Umgeni River region is the restful retreat of the  Riverside Hotel & Spa Durban providing views over Umgeni River, which in Zulu means ‘place of the acacia trees’. Here you can also observe such birds as owls, macaws and toucans at the Umgeni River Bird Park. The suburb of Westville, located some 20 km’s inland from Durban city provides  3-star accommodation at the Westville Hotel, a hotel with a long-standing history dating back to the mid 19th century.

HotelTravel.com offers more  Durban hotel promotions online as well as other offers throughout South Africa.

More on the Durban International Boat Show taking place between 15-17 July 2011 can be found on their official website:  www.durbanboatshow.co.za