Surfing at iconic spots is special. By iconic, I mean places that fundamentally shaped the sport – places like the North Shore in Hawaii or Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa.
These are places where surfing evolved into something more than just a sport. Since the movie Endless Summer, this surf spot has been known for its incredibly long right-hand point break. As one of our last stops on the Garden Route I’ve surfed here and can’t wait to share my experiences with you while Surfing in Jeffreys Bay, fellow surfer.
Surf Spots in Jeffreys Bay: Perfection
There are multiple surf spots in J-Bay, each with different characteristics. Most of them are right-hand point breaks, whereas Kitchen Windows offers A-frame waves – meaning waves that break both left and right at the same time. These spots can handle more people, though the rides are usually a bit shorter.
During the South African winter (which is summer in Europe), the waves here can get really intimidating and are recommended only for experienced surfers.
The breaks can easily reach double overhead, which looks incredible but is equally dangerous. I surfed in February and March, and the waves were nice and mellow – maybe up to 2 meters, or around 6 feet.
Where to Surf in Jeffreys Bay
There are a few handful of surf spots in Jeffreys Bay. Here are a few options for you to explore. You will understand the setup of waves, once you are in at the iconic bay.
Supertubes
Supertubes is the crown jewel while Surfing in Jeffreys Bay and one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world.
It offers long, fast, and hollow waves that can run for hundreds of meters, making it a dream for more experienced surfers. The wave is powerful and can reach up to 8–10 feet on a good day. We saw it a little less angry. I didn’t surf it but I could have. It can become really really scary though.
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Wave Type: Fast, powerful right-hand point break
- Important Notes: Can get crowded, especially during peak season, best during mid to low tide with southwest wind
The Point
Located just down the beach from Supertubes, The Point is a more mellow and forgiving wave, perfect for intermediate surfers. It still offers long rides, but with a slower pace and softer takeoff, making it great for practicing turns and gaining confidence. Take me baaaack.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Wave Type: Long, mellow right-hand reef and point break
- Important Notes: Ideal for longer rides and practicing maneuvers, more forgiving than Supertubes, Works well on most tides
Kitchen Windows
Kitchen Windows is closer to the center of town and is a favorite for beginners and longboarders. The wave here are a little more user friendly, with both left and right breaks.
This surf spot is the only surf spot in Jeffreys Bay where surf schools go. Otherwise the locals would freak out – which is also understandable.
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Wave Type: Softer right-hand reef and beach break
- Important Notes: Good option for learning and improving basics, best during incoming tide and light winds
When to Surf in Jeffreys Bay
The best time for surfing in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, is during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months, from May to August. This period brings consistent, powerful swells from the southwest which, combined with offshore winds, create the renowned long, right-hand point breaks that J-Bay is famous for.
That said, during this time of year, the spots are best suited for more experienced surfers – and even they will be seriously challenged. July and August, in particular, are usually firing!
In summer (December to February), the waves tend to be smaller, and the prevailing southeast winds are often onshore, making conditions less ideal for advanced surfers and more convenient for beginners.
Surf Season in Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay offers waves year-round, but the ideal surf season depends on your skill level.
Surf Season for Beginners
Beginners will find the calmer, smaller swells between November and March more manageable, especially at spots like Kitchen Windows. The water is warmer during these months, making it a comfortable time to learn.
Surf Season for Intermediates
Intermediate surfers can enjoy more consistent swells from March to May and September to November, with fewer crowds and a good mix of conditions at The Point.
Surf Season for Advanced Surfers
For advanced surfers, the peak winter months of June to August bring powerful, world-class waves—especially at Supertubes – fueled by strong southern ocean swells. While the water is colder, the quality and intensity of the waves are unmatched.
Surf School in Jeffreys Bay
Normally, I sit on the beach, analyze a new spot, chat with a few people, and then paddle out on my own. But in J-Bay, I didn’t really feel like doing that.
I’d seen too many huge sets on TV, read too much about sharks, and honestly – I was just a bit scared. The shark thing disappeared the moment I got in the water (do you think about a potential fatal crash every time you get in your car? Way more likely than a shark attack). Still, I felt better going with a guide, and it turned out to be a great decision. Kieren from Salted was a lovely guy and an awesome surf guide.
We paddled out together; he gave tips on where to sit and explained stuff like wave behavior and how the tides work. Dolphins swam by and said hi. So did a seal.
An hour and a half in the water, including a board, cost about 20 dollars. Totally worth it.
- Location: Salted Surf School, @salted_surfschool
- Costs: 20 USD for 1.5 h, incl. board
Just a heads-up: surf schools and guiding only take place at Kitchen Windows. Locals aren’t stoked to see surf schools lying around at Supertubes – and while localism can be a bit much, I get it in this case.
Where to Stay While Surfing in Jeffreys Bay?
While surfing in Jeffreys Bay you have a couple of outstanding places to stay. And that’s great as you can’t do loads besides surfing in Jefferys Bay itself. You are in J-Bay to watch the ocean, to read a book, do some yoga and go surf. Pretty good he?!
Here are a few recommendations.
Shaloha Guest House
To make it short: for us perhaps the most beautiful place we’ve ever stayed. We honestly had the discussion among us, whether this is a place, we should not make recommend in public. It’s a true gem.
The views from your bed are simply incredible and when you follow surfing (WSL), it’s almost incomprehensible, to be at that place. I walked down the stairs with a fresh coffee with tired legs and shoulders from surfing and shook my head as I couldn’t believe I am actually here.
Also: the neighbourhood of this guest house feels like one of the best in J-Bay! Everything close by, clean and safe.
Raaswater Surf Villa
Also a great option when in J-Bay! We almost went here but then decided of the Shaloha. Here, it seems you are a little more private as you have the Villa to yourself. Which is not the case at Shaloha. In the end it really depends what you prefer. Like Shaloha, just a stones throw distance to the ocean.
Things to do in Jeffreys Bay
The small town of Jeffreys Bay is not extraordinarily pretty. Frankly, it’s not pretty at all. It’s not even a real town. In the end you come to Jeffreys Bay to surf.
Besides a few surf (clothing) shops and a few bars, there is nothing overly exciting we saw. But there are a few other things you can do in the area!
There are some great activities in and around Jeffreys Bay and also stuff you can do, when you don’t surf. Interesting enough: generally we didn’t see that many surfers when “out” at night.
Dinner at Die Walskipper
Our host said: “It doesn’t get any more South African than that.” Ok, we were sold! We wanted to explore South African cuisine and that’s what you do here.
You will leave your shoes at the entracnce and experience a delicious dinner with your feed in the sand overlooking the ocean.
- Location: Die Walskipper, @diewalskipper
Breakfast at African Perfection
Good brekkie looking at the best surf spot in the world. Easy choices.
- Location: African Perfection, @africanperfection
Surf
You don’t surf and you read until here? Badass!
Yoga
There are a few yoga options in town but we used our balcony for some stretching sessions. Definitely recommended and I bet you’ll feel better than before.
Padel
In the “surf village”, so really down town, you’ll find a Padel court. Here you can book the courts.
Excurisons to Tsitsikamma National Park
Just an hour drive you can go visit the Tsitsikamma National Park. This region will greet you with dramatic coastal landscapes, dense forests, countless hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities like canyoning, black tubing, and river rafting.
The suspension bridge over the roaring Storms River mouth is an absolute highlight, as are the Mouth and Lookout Trails. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to do it, but we were this close to booking a kayak tour through the gorge – it’s said to be absolutely amazing, and it’s something we’ll definitely make up for on our next visit!
➳ Read also: Things to do in and around Plettenberg Bay
➳ Read also: Our Guide to Robberg Nature Reserve
Sundowner at St. Francis Bay
St. Francis Bay got famous, like the entire region, with the film, mentioned in the very beginning of the article. Here you’ll see the nicest sunset in the area as the sun sinks into the ocean just perfect. Yes, there is a lot of perfection in this area.
Other Activities in and around Jeffrey’s Bay
➳ Read also: Our favorite Safari experience near Jeffrey’s Bay
Restaurants in Jeffreys Bay
- Die Walskipper | African food
- African Perfection | Breakfast
- Mobile food truck serving dutch pancakes right in front of Superspar Jeffreys Bay, every Friday and Saturday – go there <3
How to get to Jeffreys Bay?
The best way to get to Jeffreys Bay is by car from Port Elizabeth. To Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) you can fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg. Jeffreys Bay also works perfectly fine as one of the last stops of the Garden Route – which is what we did.
➳ Read also: Our Guide on where to stay (safe) in Cape Town
Flights to Port Elizabeth
Safety in Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay is generally considered safer than many larger South African cities, but it’s important to remain vigilant and take standard precautions to ensure your safety.
While the town has a lower crime rate compared to urban centers, incidents such as theft and occasional violent crimes can occur. Thus: do not walk around at night and don’t leave belongings in your car. Be also a bit cautious at dusk and dawn at the beach.
Did we miss anything? Do you have any tips for surfing in Jeffreys Bay? Feel free to share them with us in the comments. <3
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More salt water?
➳ Want to explore as much of the country as possible alongside surfing? Check out our perfect Garden Route Guide.
➳ Searching for the best safari experience? Check our this article about the Amakhala Game Reserve.
➳ A day safari on the Garden Route is on the list? Read our Garden Route Safari Guide
➳ Planning to visit Costa Rica as well? Surfing in Costa Rica is calling!
➳ Or maybe Nicaragua? San Juan del Sur also offers some of the best waves waiting for you!
