Once a quaint fishing village, today Jeffreys Bay is one of South Africa’s fastest growing urban areas with much to offer the international traveler.
If you love seaside action and superb surfing experiences, Jeffreys Bay – better known as J-Bay to locals and surfers alike, should be firmly on your bucket list for your southern African safari.
Best Waves in the World
Most surfers worth their salt have ventured out off the coast of the Eastern Cape hoping to master the world’s best right point-break. The winter months of May to September offer up the best waves, with winter swells lasting two to four days on average.
Nestled in the pristine coastal belt between the Gamtoos and Krom Rivers, Jeffreys Bay borders on Cape St Francis in the west and Cape Recife in the east. Here, waves streak inland for up to 800m, at no less than 10 popular surfing spots along the shoreline. These are:
- Kitchen Windows
- Magnatubes
- Boneyards
- Supertubes
- Impossibles
- Salad Bowls
- Coins
- Tubes
- The Point
- Albatross
Of these, Supertubes is the most famous with waves up to 8ft running from the point along the reef, barrelling perfectly and then finally closing out at Impossibles.
Competition Action
Supertubes is where the most ambitious wave riders hang out and it is also the preferred site for both local and international competitions. During these events, J-Bay truly comes alive with music festivals, food stalls and fun activities for all ages.
For the not-so-confident, Pont and Albatross provide a challenging, yet gentler ride. For short intense bursts of surfing action of 4-5ft, Tubes is the high impact spot to be at.
If you would like to learn how to surf, Jeffreys Bay is the place to try. You’ll find no shortage of surf masters and surf schools to show you the waves.
Onshore Attractions
Jeffreys Bay caters for the landlubbers with nature reserves to explore nearby, a mall, a shell museum and 4x4 adventures to enjoy. The festive vibe of J-Bay oozes from border to border of the town, while the thriving local craft industry, surf shops on every corner and a mini city of factory shops all contribute to this shopper’s paradise.
Luxury accommodation is in no short supply and you will find no shortage of opportunities for seaside dining on freshly caught rock lobster, line fish, calamari and prawns.
Miles of beaches and some of the best surfing conditions worldwide mean Jeffreys Bay is riding a wave of popularity among travellers from all over the world. If you’d like to come along for the ride, get in touch today and book yourself a Southern African Surf Safari at a world class surfer’s spot.
