Is There an Entrance Fee at Sun City Beach / Palm-fringed Beach (Valley of Waves)?

Short answer: Yes — there is an entrance fee for day visitors who want access to Sun City Resort and the Valley of Waves (the palm-fringed beach). Guests staying at Sun City hotels or who hold Sun Vacation Club / resident cards get free access. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)

What the official sources say

• Hotel guests & resort residents: If you’re staying at a Sun City hotel or are a registered Sun Vacation Club member, entry to Sun City and access to the Valley of Waves are included (free). (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)
• Day visitors: People not staying at the resort must purchase Day Visitor tickets to enter Sun City and to access the Valley of Waves. Sun International states day-visitor Valley of Waves rates (example shown on their site is R185 per person) and that day-visitor tickets must be bought in advance. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)
• How to buy: Day-visitor tickets are sold in advance (Ticketpro is used for Sun City day-visitor ticketing); on-site gate sales are restricted or not available. Tickets commonly bundle resort entrance + Valley of Waves access. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)

Typical pricing & notes (verify before you go)

• Sun International lists the Valley of Waves entrance at around R185 per person (and notes discounted prices for children / seniors). Prices and packages vary by season and promotions — always check the official rates. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)
• Other travel sites show a range of day-visitor prices (these vary by weekday/weekend, peak season, and package inclusions) — expect prices to change and to see family or meal-voucher packages occasionally offered. (Sun City Resort)

Important practical points

• Purchase in advance: Day-visitor tickets are limited daily and must be purchased online in advance (Ticketpro) — don’t assume you can buy at the gate. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)
• What a ticket covers: Many day-visitor tickets explicitly state they include entrance to Sun City Resort and entry to the Valley of Waves; some packages add a meal voucher or other benefits. Read the ticket details before purchase. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)
• Seasonal closures / maintenance: The Valley of Waves occasionally closes for annual maintenance — check the official Sun International notices before travelling. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)

Bottom line

Yes — non-residents must pay to enter Sun City and use the Valley of Waves (the palm-fringed beach). Guests staying at Sun City hotels/resorts enter free. Ticketing is handled online (Ticketpro) and prices/availability change seasonally, so always confirm on the official Sun International Sun City pages and the Ticketpro listing before you plan your visit. (Hotels, Gaming and Entertainment Group)