South Africa is famous for its diverse landscapes, lively cultures, and deep history. It's also home to some incredible surfing spots. The country's long coastline along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans makes it a magnet for surf enthusiasts worldwide. People flock here not just for the breathtaking views but also for the fantastic waves. Let's explore the 15 top surfing spots in South Africa.
14 Top Spots for Surfing in South Africa
1. Elands Bay
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Elands Bay, found 135 miles north of Cape Town on South Africa's West Coast, is a peaceful spot for surfers who love long left-hand waves. It's not crowded, making it attractive to surfers from around the world. The best time to visit is in summer when the wind and swell create strong left point breaks. Elandsbaai, a small coastal town just a three-hour drive from Cape Town, adds to the charm. The waves break on a rocky plateau, offering experienced surfers rides up to 200 meters.
Location: Elandsbaai, Western Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
An hour's drive from Cape Town, Long Beach in Kommetjie is a top spot for surfing on the southern Cape Peninsula. Known for the best shore break in the Cape, it's great for surfers when there's a southeasterly wind and a small to medium swell. The Outer Kom, for the more daring, kicks up massive waves on a big westerly swell. This eight-kilometre beach is good for both regular and goofy riders, but it's best for experienced surfers due to its uneven reef and challenging currents.
Location: Kommetjie, Western Cape Best Time: Winter Level: Beginner to intermediate
3. Muizenberg
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Muizenberg, 30 minutes south of Cape Town, is an ideal spot for beginners with its gentle waves. Surfer's Corner, on False Bay's edge, is perfect for both swimming and longboarding. This historic site, potentially Africa's oldest, features a 32-kilometre beach with a gradual slope for a safe learning experience. Recognized by National Geographic as a top 20 global surf spot, Muizenberg is the safest and best beach for learning to surf and enjoying longboarding in the Cape Town area.
Location: Muizenberg, Western Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Beginner
4. Stilbaai
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Stilbaai, on the Garden Route east of Cape Town, is a great spot for surfers. With a laid-back vibe, it offers steady waves, especially during a big south-to-southeast swell when the right-hand point break gets exciting. If you're lucky, you might even catch some waves with the bay's resident dolphins, making the experience even more magical.
Location: Stilbaai, Western Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate
5. Victoria Bay
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Victoria Bay on the Garden Route is famous for strong right-hand waves and stunning cliffs. This narrow bay near George is great for all surfers, with the Lands End guesthouse a popular choice for longer stays. Always busy and considered one of South Africa's best surf spots, Victoria Bay has steady waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. Be careful of rocks, and from June to October, you might see whales and dolphins, adding to the area's natural charm.
Location: George, Western Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
6. St. Francis Bay
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St. Francis Bay is great for surfing with consistent waves and a relaxed atmosphere. Serious surfers shouldn't miss the famous Bruce's Beauties wave. Don't mix it up with the neighbouring spot famous for the '60s surf classic Endless Summer. St. Francis Bay becomes unbeatable when Bruce's Beauties is creating long barrels. For different surf experiences, check out Seal Point near the lighthouse on the Cape.
Location: St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
7. Jeffreys Bay
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Jeffreys Bay, or "J-Bay," is a famous surf destination known for its long and fast waves. The annual J-Bay Open at Supertubes draws top surfers to this premier spot on the Garden Route. With a mix of sand and reef bottom, providing tubes and waves up to 3 meters high, Jeffreys Bay is popular among tourists and surfers alike. The town hosts the annual Billabong Pro ASP World Tour surfing event in July, making it a global attraction during the South African summer for surfers of all levels.
Location: Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape Best Time: Winter Level: Intermediate to advanced
8. Green Point
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Green Point in Durban is a popular surf spot for those at the intermediate level. It's located just north of Scottburgh on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast, offering warm waters and consistent waves suitable for all skill levels. With a medium, southerly swell, it turns into a classic right-hand point break, competing with more famous spots down south. Although it can get busy on weekends, for most of the year, Green Point provides a quieter surfing experience away from the crowds.
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate
9. North Beach
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North Beach in Durban, part of the 'Golden Mile,' is famous for beginner-friendly waves and diverse attractions. Beyond surfing, it offers a picturesque esplanade, charming cafes, and cultural activities. The beach features various surf spots for different skill levels, providing options like a heavy left-hander or a hollower right. With a lively atmosphere and proximity to Durban's vibrant nightlife, North Beach is a must-visit for a fun coastal experience.
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Best Time: All year round Level: All levels
10. Dungeons
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Dungeons is a big wave spot for experienced surfers seeking a thrill. With massive swells and challenging conditions, this exclusive venue is only accessible by watercraft. Operating during winter storm surf, Dungeons offers 15 to 30-foot swells breaking over a shallow reef in Hout Bay. It's known for providing an adrenaline rush and is considered one of the sharkiest surf spots in South Africa.
Location: Hout Bay, Western Cape Best Time: Winter Level: Expert
11. Big Bay
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Big Bay is a great spot for surfers, loved by both locals and tourists. It's just 20 minutes north of Cape Town and offers reliable waves with a stunning view of Table Mountain. Beginners like it because of the gentle slopes and consistent waves, while experienced surfers enjoy the higher waves in some sections when the winds are right.
Location: Bloubergstrand, Western Cape Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
12. Coffee Bay
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Coffee Bay, nestled in the beautiful Wild Coast, is a hidden gem for surfers and backpackers. This small community boasts stunning views, hiking trails, and a tranquil beach with cliffs and green hills. The surf options include a point break with right-hand waves, perfect for the end of your South Africa surf trip, and a main beach break suitable for surfers of all levels with both left and right peaks.
Location: Coffee Bay, Wild Coast Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
13. Nahoon
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Nahoon in East London is a friendly surf spot for all levels, with historical attractions like the Nahoon Fossil Prints dating back 200,000 years. Nahoon Beach, a popular destination, offers white sand, clear water, and scenic trails. Known as one of South Africa's top beginner surf beaches, it provides both left and right-hand waves for learners. For a more challenging surf experience, try Nahoon Reef, a right-hand point break.
Location: East London Best Time: All year round Level: Intermediate to advanced
14. Sunset
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Sunset Beach in Cape Town is a great spot for surfers with consistent waves and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, there's plenty of space to catch waves. The beach also has surf schools and rentals for those looking to learn or improve their skills.
Location: Llandudno, Cape Town Best Time: Winter Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best Time for Surfing in South Africa
South Africa is a great place for surfing all year.
The seasons are split into summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), winter (June to August), and spring (September to November).
The best time for surfing is from March to September, with reliable 6-15ft waves.
Durban has exceptional waves from hurricanes from December to February.
The East Coast has a hot summer and a mild, wet winter.
For big waves, surf from June to September with temperatures around 20°C. Summers are gentler, good for beginners, but can be rainy.
Overall, South Africa offers consistent surf, and the best time attracts surfers seeking good waves and weather.
Surfing in South Africa is a thrilling adventure that combines riding the waves with the beauty of diverse landscapes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, South Africa has something for everyone. From famous spots like Jeffreys Bay to hidden gems like Coffee Bay, each surfing spot offers a unique experience. So, pack your board and wetsuit, and get ready to ride the waves in this surfer's paradise at the southern tip of Africa.
