Jeffrey’s Bay (or J-Bay to the locals) on the Eastern Cape is the best-known South Africa surfing spot, partially due to the fact that it’s the home of the annual Billabong Pro™ surfing event and the best right-hand surf break in the world. The town by the beach itself is quite small and laid back, but thousands of surfing fans come here every year to enjoy the impeccable surf, including some of the biggest names in the sport.
The unique surfing conditions at Jeffery’s Bay are produced by the fact that cold waters of the Atlantic meet the warmer currents of the Indian Ocean right in front of the shore, creating consistently perfect waves. The weather between April and September creates the optimum conditions, so at this time of the year the bay is likely to be absolutely packed.
There are several named sections of Jeffery’s Bay that each provide a different kind of surfing environment. Supertubes is the area that is known for some of the best waves in South Africa, whilst Point is known as being the first place a wave was surfed in the bay in the 1960s, and Kitchen Window is home to a more gentle swell and is best for those who are new to the sport.
If you’d like to visit Jeffrey’s Bay to give the surfing conditions a try, why not book a group surfing lesson that is ideal for beginners to the sport?
Where to Stay in Jeffrey’s Bay
Looking for accommodation near Jeffrey’s Bay? Check out the following suggestions.
- On the Beach Guesthouse – A boutique, beachfront B+B that leads you out onto the beach in under 5 minutes
- Main Beach Penthouse – 100 yards from Dolphin Beach, this penthouse apartment is a luxurious, private option that places you close to the city and the nearby beaches