Jeffreys Bay
Surfs Up

Relaxed and laidback, Jeffreys Bay is a premier surfing and holiday spot at the top of the Garden Route. It's rated as one of the 10 best places in the world to catch the perfect wave.

Access

Jeffreys Bay is located in the Eastern Cape just south of Port Elizabeth (75km / 46 miles). The town can be reached by car via the N2 which is the main highway through the Garden Route. Jeffreys Bay is situated between the highway and Indian Ocean.

Airport

The closest airport to Jeffreys Bay is in Port Elizabeth which is about an hour's drive away.

Regions

The town of Jeffreys Bay has risen to the occasion of being a most sought after surf spot and now the town bustles with a range of services and facilities. You won't find hi-rise buildings though, but there are numerous beachfront apartments, holiday homes, lifestyle centres, shops and peaceful suburbs.

The town has mushroomed along the coast and is bordered by rivers and nature reserves. The Kabeljous Estuary and Reserve is on one side and the Seekoei River and Reserve is on the other. In between you have the Noorsekloof Nature Reserve.

Dolphin Beach is the main beach (Blue Flag status) with facilities and lifeguards year round. Supertubes beach is the top location for surfing contests but there are other beaches for big waves such as Surfer's Point, Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Phantoms, Magnatubes and Albatross.

Highlights

Jeffreys Bay has grown to support its reputation as a premier surf spot and to cater for many families that have moved here to escape the urban jungle, but it's still got that unmistakable laid-back feel. The surfer element is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the town and the locals are friendly. J' Bay is not only a spectacular surfing destination but well known for its tasty Calamari or 'White Gold' which can be eaten at a variety of eateries.

The coastline is great for year round water sports and Dolphin spotting plus Whale watching in winter. Kids will love the interesting rock pools at low tide. This part of the Indian Ocean coastline is famous for the gorgeous shells that can be found on the beach (around 600 varieties).

These wonderful natural treasures are celebrated every year with a popular spring festival over 4 days which has been running for at least 20 years.

Activities

  • Surfing and sandboarding - You can catch awesome waves here at one of the top ten spots in the world, enjoy the vibe during surf contests and also enrol in a surfing school to hone your skills, die-hards can have a look at the Surf Museum. The J'Bay dunes are great for learning how to sandboard and it is a great way to keep kids and teens busy
  • Water sports - Wind surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling (training, reef dives, wreck dives and night dives)and fishing can all be enjoyed here
  • Shell Museum - See the fantastic collection of shells gathered from the local beaches and also specimens from other countries, you'll be amazed at the colours and varieties on display
  • Shark Aquarium - Take a look at the variety of Shark species that can be found on this coast
  • Kids - Dolphin Beach has a fun entertainment zone with water slides, mini-golf and quad bikes, there is also an indoor play centre in town and a touch farm with a coffee shop on the Seekoei River
  • Golf - Enjoy a turn on the fairways at the Jeffreys Bay Golf Club which has a 9 hole course and excellent facilities, plus there is the Jubilee Lakes Estate 18 hole course, alternately take a drive to the 18 hole course at St Francis Bay
  • Shopping - This is the place to find the latest surfing and casual gear as there are branded factory shops located in the centre of town (Billabong, Rip Curl, Quicksilver are some of the favourites)
  • Bird watching - See all kinds of birds in the nature reserves, especially at the Seekoei River where there is a hide
  • Walks and hikes - There are a variety of trails over varying distances along the coast and in the reserves. The shorter walks are great for family outings especially in the Kabeljous Estuary Nature Reserve and the Noorsekloof Nature Reserve which has a trail that follows the river. Picnic spots and viewpoints can be found on a number of the walks
  • 4x4 and horse trails - Explore local terrain and keep a look out for flora and fauna on the sand dunes and in the indigenous vegetation. Enjoy an unforgettable ride on the beach with schooled horses and a professional guide
  • Day Trips - St Francis Bay for its picturesque winding waterways, lighthouse, thatched homes and lovely beaches; Oyster Bay for pristine beaches and fishing (rip currents in the water though); Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River for adventure activities; game reserves north of Port Elizabeth for malaria-free safaris

Climate

Jeffrey's Bay experiences plenty of sunshine most of the year with scattered rainfall throughout. Winters are mild and comfortable; summers are warm with a pleasant humidity level. The water can be a little cool in the winter so surfers are advised to bring a wetsuit at that time.

The Experience

Jeffreys Bay is no longer a sleepy seaside haven! What was once a quiet little resort is now a thriving community with lots to offer those looking for a classic beach holiday vibe. Sunny Jeffreys Bay is just the place to kick back and relax.

Feel the sand between your toes and enjoy the constant sounds of the waves breaking on the shore. Come July it's Billabong time and the rolling out of great festivities on the golden sands of J'Bay when local and international surfers descend on this resort in pursuit of the perfect wave.

This famous stretch of coastline is where you will find the world's best right hand surf break. Visiting surfers are welcome but are warned to mind their manners and observe the pecking order! J'Bay is also attractive to holiday makers because of its proximity to other top attractions on the Garden Route such as the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River.

In the other direction you have the city of Port Elizabeth and malaria-free game reserves as well as Addo Elephant National Park.

What You Need to Know

The Billabong Pro Surfing Festival takes place in July and the Shell Festival takes place in spring, usually in September.

Jeffreys Bay Accommodation

Jeffreys Bay has accommodation to suit every pocket with numerous backpackers and Bed & Breakfast establishments plus self-catering apartments and guest houses or lodges.
Garden Route Hotel Accommodation
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