Surfing Jeffreys Bay: The Ultimate J-Bay Surf Trip Guide
As iconic surf towns go, J-Bay is right up there with the best of them. Home to Supertubes, arguably the finest right-hand point break on the planet, this small town comes alive during the South African holiday season and every July when the surfing fraternity descends en masse for the J-Bay Open. Outside of this period, the town is quieter, but still attracts people from all over the world keen to tick surfing Jeffreys Bay off their surf trip bucket lists.
J-Bay is more than just the one famous, high-performance surf spot though. This is one of the only places I’ve been that has a super fun reef break, point break, and a beach break all within a five minute walk of each other, plus loads of other spots a short distance away.
When you’re not surfing, the main activity is shopping. The town is full of surf outlets and factory shops selling discounted clothes, bags, wetsuits―pretty much everything you could possibly want!
If you’re planning on heading this way soon, grab a coffee and read on for everything you need to know about surfing in Jeffreys Bay, including any pitfalls to look out for, and have an epic surf trip.
Index
When to go
Where to stay
Jeffreys Bay surf spots
Where to eat and drink
Getting around
How to get there
Good to know
When to go
You’ll find rideable waves in Jeffreys Bay all year round, but the best time for surfing is during the winter months of May to August when the winds are offshore and swells come through more consistently.
June and July is the absolute peak season for waves, bringing bigger swells and ideal conditions, plus the town is transformed into a party town by the Winter Fest.
Where to stay
Its popularity as a holiday town, as well as a surf mecca, means that J-Bay has plenty of accommodation options.
These are some of the top rated, and their locations make them a great spot to base your surf trip.
Budget Accommodation
Island Vibe
Situated right on the beach at the far end of town, Island Vibe is famous for its parties and social atmosphere. Here, you can get fairly basic dorm accommodation, plus private rooms with a balcony or terrace, and stunning ocean views. This is where I stayed on the Ticket to Ride 10 week South Africa Surf Adventure and couldn’t fault it. The hostel is located right in front of Phantoms, and is a short walk from Kitchen Windows and main beach.
African Ubuntu Backpackers
Located at the other end of town, African Ubuntu Backpackers is a more chilled hostel full of friendly people and good vibes. They have a nice chillout area and a balcony where you can enjoy a braai with views of the surf at Boneyards. It’s walking distance to Supertubes, plus some shops and restaurants.
Mid-range Accommodation
Shaloha Guesthouse on Supertubes
As the name suggests, this boutique guesthouse is set right on Supertubes. Check the lineup from one of the large balconies or just relax and soak up the endless sea views. All five of their newly designed luxurious suites come with king or twin beds, air conditioning, a 32” flat screen tv, bar fridge, and an en-suite bathroom.
On the Beach Guesthouse
Another boutique guesthouse, this place is just steps from the beach and located right in front of Magnatubes. The plush rooms provide a bit of luxury, and most have stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Even if your room doesn’t have a sea view, you can still enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and beach from the lounge. Guests can enjoy a BBQ and eat meals on the terrace area in front of the guesthouse.
Luxury Accommodation
Diaz 15 House on the Bay
If you want all out luxury, Diaz 15 House on the Bay is located right on the main beach, and just a short drive to Magnatubes or Kitchen Windows. Each of the suites have a patio or balcony with epic ocean views, as well as air conditioning and a seating area with satellite TV. The stunning garden area includes a sunny patio and infinity pool with views across the ocean and beach.
Jeffreys Bay surf spots
From playful righthanders to world class tubes, J-Bay has it all. I’ve listed the spots in the order they run along the coast to give you a better idea of how everything fits together:
Kitchen Windows
At the southernmost end of town, Kitchen Windows is a mellow reef break which is best surfed around mid-tide. It’s a fairly easy paddle-out to the playful A-frame; either go from the beach in front of the tower, or use the channel between the rocks (the shortest route). Be careful when you kick out as some of the rocks are deceptively close to the surface, especially on the inside.
Best for: Advanced beginners and up
Main Beach
This beach break is perfect for absolute beginners and where you’ll find the local surf schools pushing students into their first foamies. The waves are usually quite dumpy here so unless you’re just getting started, you’re probably better off heading to other breaks.
Best for: Absolute beginners
Magnatubes
One of the heaviest waves in Jeffreys Bay, Magnatubes is best surfed on a smaller swell (around 3-5ft), and on the higher tide. When it’s good, it’s really good, but it can be a bit unpredictable. Although it’s usually less crowded than Supers, you still need to be respectful of the locals. Paddle out from the small sandy beach.
Best for: Advanced intermediates and up
Boneyards
The top section of Supertubes, Boneyards lives up to its name with often heavy waves breaking over shallow reef. This spot is heavily localised and you need to work your way in slowly, or be prepared to move down to Supers. Near perfect right-handers offer up short, hollow tubes, and on the right swell, a good peeling left runs towards Magnatubes.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Supertubes
Needing little introduction, Supertubes is home to the WSL Corona Open, and is up there as one of the best right-handers in the world. The spot works best between 4-8ft, and when it’s firing, expect super-fast rides, huge walls, and long tube sections. Getting in and out can be a mission in itself—sharp, mussel-covered rocks and strong currents which can sweep you down the point, mean that timing is everything. Use the keyholes in the reef, or watch how the locals do it to be safe. Another localised spot, be respectful and wait your turn to avoid any problems.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Impossibles
Where Supertubes closes out, Impossibles begins. As you race down the line from Supertubes, you might be tempted to hang on for the longest wave of your life. The problem lies in the fact that this is easily the gnarliest section of the wave, and a wipeout here will probably see you getting well acquainted with the reef.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Tubes
A bit further down the beach from Supertubes, Tubes is a short, fun, barrelling right-hander. Although usually less crowded than its famous neighbour, just the one take-off spot means that it doesn’t cope well with many people. The wave can handle a larger swell, but a strong rip means that it’s best surfed in the 4-5ft range. You can paddle out from the same keyhole you’d use for Point.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Point
A good place to start if it’s your first visit to J-Bay, or you’re not quite ready for the big leagues. Point is a fun wave that breaks slower and offers up longer rides, giving you a chance to practice your turns, rather than gunning it down the line and holding on for dear life. It’s also a favourite for longboarders. The spot still gets crowded, but it’s a slightly less intense crowd than you’ll find up at Supers and Boneyards. Use the gulley in front of the car park to paddle out, but make sure you time it right to avoid getting smashed, especially on bigger days.
Suitable for: Intermediates and up
Albatross
At the northeastern most end of J-Bay, and slightly out of town, Albatross is the last spot along the reef before the beach stretches off in the direction of Port Elizabeth. Usually uncrowded, this right-hander is another good option for intermediate surfers and longboarders, though advanced surfers will usually find a better wave somewhere else. It works best on the low tide with a NW wind. Paddle out from the beach.
Suitable for: Intermediates and up
Where to eat and drink
Ninas
126 Da Gama Road, Wavecrest Centre
Open: All day
Apparently a favourite hangout for the pros when the J-Bay Open is on, the surf heritage at Ninas is obvious as soon as you walk in the door. It’s also one of those places where you want everything on the menu, which, by the way, is huge and varied. From burgers and pizza, to sushi and Thai, you could go in any mood and find something to tickle your fancy. The service can be a bit slow, but the good food makes up for it.
The Mexican
19 Da Gama Rd
Open: From lunch onwards
Located in the central part of town, near the surfer’s village, The Mexican is well known as a great place to go for cocktails and a solid feed. The portions are generous, the food is tasty, and the atmosphere is good.
Tasty Table
34 Diaz Rd & Drommedaris St
Open: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch
With views of Dolphin Beach, Tasty Table is a great place to go for a relaxed breakfast, or have lunch and watch the world go by with a glass of wine. The food is delicious, well-priced, and the menu is varied. If you’re lucky, you can even see dolphins swim by as you enjoy your morning coffee.
Getting around
Depending on where you stay, you ideally need a car to get around Jeffreys Bay if you’ll want to surf different spots, use the supermarkets, and eat out, as everything is quite spread out.
There are no official taxis, but unofficial taxis are available. They vary from rustic to possibly unroadworthy, so don’t be afraid to turn down a ride if you don’t feel comfortable.
In the daytime, walking is an option if you want to visit the outlet stores and cafes or restaurants as these are located close together, but it’s best to avoid walking at night if possible, and definitely don’t walk alone.
How to get there
Jeffreys Bay is located pretty much smack bang in the middle between Cape Town and Durban. All of the major airlines fly into Cape Town, and from there, you can either take a flight to Port Elizabeth, which is the closest airport to J-Bay, or make the six hour journey by road.
It’s a pretty scenic drive and the roads are mostly good. You can rent a car in Cape Town, or go by bus.
Good to know
Safety
While I definitely don’t want to put you off going to Jeffreys Bay, there are a few things you should keep in mind to have a trouble-free trip. South Africa in general has a reputation for its high crime rate; it’s a country with a lot of poverty, and this leads to opportunistic crime like muggings.
I never felt unsafe the whole time I was in the country, but you do need to be aware and take all the usual common-sense precautions. J-Bay in particular is close to a large township and there are certain areas it’s best to stay away from; your accommodation will be able to let you know where.
Aside from that, don’t walk around flashing your valuables, don’t go to the beach at night, and if possible, don’t walk around at night (it’s better to get a taxi). I was there in February so the town might have a different vibe during the holiday season, but I think it’s better to be over-cautious than have a problem.
Shopping
My best advice on this front, is to go with an empty suitcase and a full wallet. Main Street is lined with surf outlets from every major brand selling last season’s stock, and prices are cheap! You can get everything from boardies and bikinis, to clothes, wetsuits, bags, and sunglasses.
Competitions
J-Bay is home to some big surf competitions so take these into account when planning your visit as the town (and the lineups) will be busy, plus accommodation will be in shorter supply and likely more expensive.
The biggest comp is the J-Bay Open in July, which is part of the Winter Fest event.
Localism
If you plan on paddling out at any of the primo spots like Boneyards or Supertubes, be warned that the locals are not the most welcoming. To avoid any aggro, be respectful, take your time, let them take the best waves, and definitely don’t drop in!
Dolphins
J-Bay is home to a pod of dolphins that are regularly seen cruising through the lineup so keep your eye out. They can also give you a bit of a fright if you’re not expecting them, especially given the water’s other inhabitants…
Sharks
The infamous shark attack on Mick Fanning at the J-Bay Open in 2016 caused hysteria in the media and made J-Bay sound like the sharkiest place on earth. While the men in grey suits are definitely about, it’s not something I’d let stop me from surfing Jeffreys Bay.
Again, it’s just about taking the usual precautions and being sensible. Don’t surf at sunrise or sunset, don’t surf alone, don’t thrash about in the water, and keep your eyes open.
What are your best tips for surfing Jeffreys Bay?
Have you surfed here too and got any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments.
