This Eastern Cape surf town draws pro wave riders to its famous right-hand break. Beyond surfing, visitors can spot wildlife at Kabeljauws River and explore Addo Elephant Park.
Jeffreys Bay, 75 kilometers southwest of Port Elizabeth in South Africa's Eastern Cape, is one of the world's premier surfing destinations. At Supertubes Beach, you can ride right-hand point breaks or watch professional surfers tackle three-meter waves. Walk along Blue Flag-certified Dolphin Beach to collect rare shells, spot dolphins playing in the surf, or hike through Kabeljous Nature Reserve to see antelope and coastal birds.
Surfing at Supertubes
The waves at Supertubes Beach create a right-hand point break that runs for up to 1,200 yards. You'll find the best surfing conditions from June to August, when south swells meet southwest winds at medium to low tide. Beyond Supertubes, surf at Boneyards for steep takeoffs, Magnatubes for fast barrel sections, or Kitchen Windows for gentler waves suitable for beginners. Watch professional surfers compete in the World Surf League competition each July, when waves can reach three meters high.
Nature Reserves and Wildlife
Walk the trails of Kabeljous Nature Reserve to spot bushbuck, duiker antelope, and more than 120 bird species. The clear waters of the reserve's estuary support multiple fish species and water birds. At Seekoei River Nature Reserve, between Aston Bay and Paradise Beach, you can watch red-knobbed coots in the lagoon where Seekoei and Swart rivers meet. Dolphins frequently swim close to shore, though it's worth noting that sharks sometimes appear in deeper waters.
Beach Activities and Shell Collecting
The clean waters and supervised swimming areas at Dolphin Beach have earned it Blue Flag certification. Visit the Shell Museum to see South Africa's largest seashell collection, featuring over 600 species from the local coastline. Winter storms from June to August bring new shells to the beaches. Join a local guide to learn how to identify different species and understand their origins.
Activities Beyond Surfing
Slide down coastal dunes on a sandboard, or ride horses along the 13-kilometer Papiesfontein Beach trail. Fish in the Indian Ocean, or paddle a canoe through the calm waters of Gamtoos and Kabeljous lagoons. From June to December, join boat trips to see whales and dolphins swimming along the coast.
Planning Your Visit
Take a minibus from Port Elizabeth Airport (75km away) or drive along the N2 Highway to reach Jeffreys Bay. The surf village on Da Gama Road has surf shops where you can rent equipment and book lessons with local instructors. Remember to bring or rent a wetsuit for winter surfing from June to August. Since the 1960s, when surfers first discovered the area, local groups like the Supertubes Surfing Foundation have worked to protect the coastline through dune rehabilitation and building maintained walkways.
