South Africa’s Top Surfing Locations

With its magnificent coastline stretching more than 2,500 kilometres from the desert in Namibia to the West, to the warm Indian Ocean in Mozambique to the East, South Africa has become a very popular surfing destination. Enthusiastic surfers from all over the world, leisure surfers and professionals, choose to ride the epic waves year after year which thunder off South Africa’s shores.

South Africa’s spectacular points and bays, which are home to beautiful sandy beaches, are the ‘crème de la crème’ for surfers. It is here where the ideal wave breaks can be found for unforgettable rides through the splashing waters. The quality of the surf is dependent on the size of the ocean swell as well as the direction of the wind. Find out which regions in this most Southern country of the African continent offer the most thrilling and unforgettable waves for surfers.

Muizenberg near Cape Town, Western Cape

The popular swimming beach in Muizenberg, which is located in close proximity to the quaint villages of Fishhoek and Simon’s Town, is a long boarders’ paradise. This beach provides the best surf with a North-Westerly wind in winter (June – August), but surfing is ideal throughout the entire year. Surf schools are located here where boards as well as wet suits can be rented.

Long Beach in Kommetjie near Cape Town, Western Cape

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Southern Cape Peninsula in South Africa, Long Beach in Kommetjie offers the most consistent shore break in all of the Cape. Surfing is best here when the South-Easter wind hits this region in small to medium ocean swells. For the very daring, the Outer Kom has massive curlers during a big Westerly swell, which are recommended only to the very advanced surfers.

Dungeons in Hout Bay near Cape Town, Western Cape

The world famous Dungeons in Cape Town can only be enjoyed on a winter storm surf. Ranked as one of the world’s “big wave” venues for international surfing competitions, the 15 to 30 foot swell at the Dungeons breaks over a shallow coastal reef. Accessible only by boat, this is only for the pros seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape

As South Africa’s premiere surf location, Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa has one of the world’s most consistent tubes. This town is a popular holiday destination during the summer months and draws many out to enjoy the infectious water sports.

Victoria Bay on the Garden Route, Western Cape

Suitable for fantastic surfing throughout the year, Victoria Bay which rests on South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route is a steep-sided, very narrow bay. Due to its shape, this bay is recommended for surfers of all skill levels.

Eland’s Bay on the West Coast, Western Cape

Located a three hours drive away from Cape Town on the West Coast of South Africa, Eland’s Bay offers a surfers paradise which is mostly enjoyed during the summer when the South-Easter wind holds up the westerly swell to make a super left point break. This area of South Africa is characterized by the cold and wild ocean meeting the semi-desert flower wonderland where colourful carpets of flowers dominate the landscape during spring.

Stil Bay east of Cape Agulhas

Stil Bay, which is set East of Cape Agulhas which is the most Southern point of the African continent, provides a rather constant shore break right in front of the village. Advanced surfers are on the look out for the big South to Southeast swells, when the right-hand point break brings much excitement.

This article has been provided by the South African Tourism Company.