The bay provides a sheltered launch site for deep sea fishing boats. Shore fishing and spear fishing are also popular. People harvest shellfish under permit on the rocks. The bay is wonderful for swimming, although, please note that there are no shark nets ! It is also recommended that visitors only swim and snorkell at low tide.

There are two self-guided trails, one along the estuary bank and the other to the top of the dune for a breathtaking view of the ocean and the mouth of the river.

Maphelana is the southernmost camp in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. A popular destination for ski boaters and surf anglers , it lies on the south bank of the Mfolozi River, at the point where it enters the Indian Ocean. The rocky intertidal areas offer excellent musselling and crayfishing. The roads, which can be rough at times, can also be used for taking walks and enjoying the natural forest habitats under the canopy of enormous trees. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here.