Jeffreys Bay is famous for having some of the best waves in the world so surfers flock to this picture-perfect paradise filled with dolphins, reefs, the best waves, sunshine and shells, from all over the globe. Surfers and many others who have found this idyllic place hard to leave and have made Jeffreys Bay into an all-year fun place to be, creating a thriving local craft industry besides the surf shops on just about every corner.
The bay of Jeffreys Bay stretches from Cape Recife in the east, through to Cape St Francis further west, while the town lies about 80km west of Port Elizabeth; midway between the Gamtoos and Kromme Rivers and the two estuaries of the Kabeljous and Seekoei Rivers.
Jeffreys Bay first started to gain popularity in the 60s, after Bruce Brown’s iconic surf film, ‘The Endless Summer’ which highlighted a surf break (Point) just off Saint Francis Bay and ever since then J-Bay has had surfers and holidaymakers flocking here for the endless sunshine, beautiful natural scenery and perfect rides.
Best Surf Spots in Jeffreys Bay
A very long, fast, tubing right-hand point break breaks along the west side of the bay. The break is regarded as one of the best right-hand point breaks in the entire world, in both consistency and quality, in season.
It has been divided into several sections, including, from the top of the point, Kitchen Windows, Magna tubes, Boneyards, Supertubes, Impossibles, Tubes, the Point, and Albatross.“Supertubes”, which breaks for about 300m or more, is regarded as the best part of the wave.
On rare occasions (large wave sizes, wide-breaking waves, and even swells), Boneyards can link up all the way to the Point for a ride over one kilometre long. The optimal size is considered to be from about 4 to 10 feet or about 8 to 20 feet wave faces.
1. Supertubes
J-Bay features several surf breaks that harness the approaching swell as it meets the offshore reef. The most famous of these is Supertubes, or “Supers”, where, on good days, a 4ft to 8ft wave runs from the Point along the reef and includes a classic barrelling section before closing out at a spot called Impossibles.
2. Tubes
Further down the point lies Tubes, a barrelling 4ft to 5ft wave with a short, intense, fun ride that’s best on a southerly or south-westerly swell.
3. Point
Point is the original wave ridden by the long boarders in the 1960s. Capable of handling a large swell, it promises heavy take-offs followed by a slow wall that’s ideal for carves, cutbacks and the odd barrel. It’s a good place to get used to J-Bay on your first visit, and the wave is ideal in the 3ft to 8ft range.
4. Albatross
If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, you can head over to Albatross, a little out-of-town spot that’s best on a north-westerly wind at low tide.
5. Boneyard
The topmost section of Supers features left and right breaks at Boneyards and is favoured by locals. The spot earned its name because it breaks on a shallow reef.
6. Magnatubes
If you’re looking for more unpredictable and heavy conditions, then head over to Magnatubes, which work on a north-westerly wind at high tide and results in 3ft to 5ft power surges.
7. Kitchens Window
If you’re more on the mellow side, Kitchen Window, or “Kitchens”, fires on the mid-tide, offering a fun wave away from the busier spots.
The J-Bay Surf Village is an international melting pot of surf and skate culture, home decor, yummy restaurants and pamper spots. A short walk from blue-flag status, Dolphin Beach, it’s an outdoor shopping mall the whole family will want to visit, time and again.
9. Go Skydiving
Skydive for the first time with an experienced instructor from up to 11000ft!
Put yourself at ease jumping with Skydive Jeffreys Bayprofessional crew from up to 11000 feet, above the scenic Jeffreys Bay coastline. Their instructors have a passion for sharing the experience of skydiving with first-timers. All that is required is that you are below 100kg, and are reasonably fit.
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie; their instructors will be able to put you at ease. Just follow the simple instructions and all that is left to do is have fun!
You get up to 40 seconds of freefall at 200kph, followed by a 5-minute parachute ride. As long as the conditions are good you will have a chance to steer the parachute. Your instructor will take over for the landing and you can even land at the beach (if pre-arranged).
A once in a lifetime adventure that is definitely recommended to everyone in all walks of life!
If you LOVE outdoor FUN and WATER then you’re going to love Wacky Water Park!! This floating water park has a range of obstacles suitable for all ages (kids must be taller than 1.3 m for the Floating Obstacles) and we have a splash zone for toddlers. Don’t miss out on their Land Park, Jumping Castles and Water Slides.
Opening Hours:
Sat and Sun, Public Holidays and Public School Holidays: 10:00 to 17:00. Prices:
Kids: R40 per day, Adults: R80 per day, Spectators/Pensioners: R40 per day, Toddlers Under 2: Free
Dolphin Beach Entertainment
Dolphin Beach Entertainment is one of the Eastern Cape’s most popular destinations for good, clean and healthy family fun since 1985. They offer an 18-hole Mini Golf Course, with exciting obstacles that stand between you and golfing immortality. Also, a Supertube Water Slide with heated water that will thrill you to the core and soak you to the bone. Their operating hours are weather-permitting and may change from time to time without prior notice.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am – 4pm
(Mini-Golf & Amusement Rides)
Supertube: CLOSED for winter (Re-Opens 20 Sep. 2024)
Opening its doors in 1997 African Dawn has since grown to be the biggest aviary in the Eastern Cape and has admitted thousands of birds over the years.
Their mission is to provide injured animals with the care they need to return to the wild. For those who can’t be released, they provide a safe haven for the animals to live happily with others of their own kind.
Opening Times:
Open from 9 am – 5 pm every day of the year!
*Including all public holidays and Xmas day*
Entrance fees:
Adults: R120, School Children (6-16yrs): R60, Pre School (3-5yrs): R30, Under 3yrs: Free!
12. Sandboarding in J-Bay
The beaches around Jeffreys Bay are home to some of the most fun and spectacular dunes in South Africa. Sandboarding is very similar to snowboarding; it is fast, fun and easy to learn. Standing and sitting boards are provided. Sandboarding trips are run daily, weather permitting. however, it’s not possible on wet dunes. Suitable for all ages, spectators are welcome!
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!
When is it? Every Saturday at 8:00am.
Where is It?
The event takes place at Global Leadership Academy, Outeniqua Drive, Fountains Estate, Jeffrey’s Bay 6330. See the Course pagefor more details.
14. Papiesfontein Horse Trails
Just 10 km outside Jeffreys Bay and 70 km from Port Elizabeth, between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous rivers, lies the farm,Papiesfontein. Here, on this special piece of land, the unique combination of bush, river and beach come together to offer you an unforgettable ride. Experienced guides escort riders twice daily along the 13km circular route. The trail takes about two hours to complete, leading through beautiful fynbos coastal vegetation, towards the Gamtoos river with breathtaking views from the dunes and finally returning along a 6 km stretch of deserted beach. Here on this isolated beach, riders can canter their mounts in the shallows or have an exhilarating gallop on the sand. The trail provides magnificent views of the area and affords ample opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, tortoises, bushbuck, plant and marine life. Imagine whale watching from horseback!
15. Do The Bloukrans Bungee Jump
The Bloukrans Bungee is the highest bungee from a bridge in the whole world, what could be more adventurous than that? Just making your way to Bloukrans Bridge is an adventure in itself, with beautiful and tranquil views all around. The Bloukrans Bungee is located in Tsitsikamma National Park, about 50km from Jeffreys Bay.
However, once you’ve finished soaking up the majesty of your surroundings, it’s time to throw yourself off that 216-meter-high (650-foot) bridge. You can also pay a bit extra for a video of your experience to take home and show your family and friends.
Bloukrans is among the most popular South African tourist attractions, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is recommended.
16. Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
AfricaSUP – The Heart of SUP in Africa! They are the Heart of SUP in Africa. They carry all the Major brands plus their own in-house label, EpicJbay and others! Located at #19 Da Gama Road right next to the 5 Star Dolphin Beach in JBAY. Meters from the surf! Learn to Stand Up Paddle in J-Bays world-renowned perfect waves, Daily Lessons and Rentals
17. Go Kayaking
The lagoons around Jeffreys Bay are some of the most spectacular in South Africa. Exxplore these lagoons on a kayak. Kayaking is relaxing, fun and easy to learn. Kayaking Jeffreys Bay offers Kayak trips that are run daily and Transport can be provided from Jeffreys Bay to the lagoon.
Trips are at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00. In-season they operate from 08:00 – 18:00 All equipment provided. All ages Welcome.
18. Go Snorkelling/Diving
If you are all surfed out, why not take a wander underneath the waves? J-Bay has tons of quality dive sights to explore with a great diversity of wildlife to see. Here are some recent discoveries from jbayscuba
Walls
Walls is a dive site we discovered during the 2019 / 2020 season. We were diving near Pope’s nose, one of the other sites, and there was quite a surface current. The divers took a while to get together and sort their buoyancy out after they dropped, and they ended up doing the dive at a completely different spot. When they surfaced, Jacques Alberts immediately said we should mark the spot and come back again. We ended up going to visit Walls for many dives, and it has never disappointed me. The max depth on the bottom is 16m, and there are several high walls that go as shallow as 7m.
Pope’s Nose
The aptly named Pope’s nose is a spot close to a rock that looks like the tail of a fried chicken, or pope’s nose. The site has several towering columns of reef, and the usual gullies found all over our dive spots with sand patches and flat reef areas.
Pope’s Toes
The toes are not too far from the nose. This spot is just next to Pope’s Nose and Walls and we happened upon it by drifting off the dive site we intended to dive.
Duvan van Breda has always believed that life should be lived to the fullest which is why he and his team delight in providing an unforgettable experience to their clients. From the skills of the guides to the set-up on the beach to the fish caught you can rest assured that Duvan Fishing Charters will all be top-class and something you won’t forget. The team can customise an experience just for you which can include rock and surf, deep sea and even river fishing. Hell, they can even do hunting and sightseeing, But fishing is definitely where their hearts truly lie.
Best Markets in Jeffreys Bay
20. Milkwood Market
Milkwood Market is a family-friendly market situated in Jeffreys Bay, nestled under the Milkwood Trees. The perfect place to meet friends while enjoying good food, music & a variety of handmade products & so much more. It is also Pet-friendly
Location: We are situated between Fountains Mall and GLA School. Drive from Fountains Mall to GLA School and look for us on your right!
Every 2nd and last Saturday of the month 8:00am to 13:00pm
21. Jeffreys Bay Tecoma Craft Market
The Jeffreys Bay Tecoma Craft Market first saw the light of day on the morning of Saturday 28 July 2008, when some 40 highly talented hobbyists and crafters set up their colourful gazebos on the well-grassed field at the corner of Da Gama Road and Tecoma Street and commenced selling their wares to an eager public. Now, in its 16th year of existence, the market is still going strong.
Open Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm
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Jeffreys Bay has always been known for its beautiful shells so it stands to reason that the town should have a Shell Museum. The more than 600 shells from species all of the world make it one of the largest shell collections in South Africa and attracts shell fanatics from all over the globe. Housed in glass cases is a huge variety of shells including the legendary cowrie, the rare paper nautilus, tiny baby jam tarts and a new species of cone. Local shells and shell crafts can be purchased just outside the museum from the shell shops and stalls
Opening Hours:
Open Mon – Fri from 10am to 3pm and Sat from 9am to 2pm Closed on Public Holidays
Prices:
Adults: R20.00, Children: R5.00
23. J-Bay Surf Museum
Waves at J-Bay are the most dreamed-about waves on South Africa’s coastline and living up to its legend J-Bay sends famous ‘Super Tubes’ to shore; a point break right-hander wave… with the occasional dolphin or whale audience to make for radical witnesses.
The Surf Museum goes ‘off the lip’ with original newspaper clippings, authentic magazine articles and photographs tracing the history of the sport and its heroes in J-Bay waters. The development of the sport is tracked from a fun ‘bet-you-can’t-stand-on-that’ pastime to a technical water carving rush.
The Kabeljous Nature Reserve is located north of Jeffreys Bay and offers visitors a 2.5km coastline complete with dune thickets, forests, bushveld and wetlands.
For the avid hiker, there are various three to seven-kilometre walks – you may be lucky enough to see bushbuck, duiker, bushpig, grysbok, caracal, mongoose or even some of the 100 species of birds that are found in the reserve. So for a change from the beach spend a day at the Kabeljous Nature Reserve. A picnic area is available at the Estuary.
25. Seekoeirivier Nature Reserve
Seekoeirivier Nature Reserve lies between the coastal villages of Aston Bay & Paradise Beach, approximately 5km south of Jeffreys Bay, along the N2.
The nature reserves comprise an area of about 66ha at the confluence of the Seekoei & Swart Rivers, where it forms an estuary. There is a 3km hiking trail that can be reached by crossing the river or pontoon. A short 1km hike runs through the northern section of the reserve & passes the bird hide where birds can be viewed from the bank of the estuary.
A braai place as a lapa is available for organised groups. Penguins can be seen at the Penguin Rehab Centre, where they recover after treatment from pollution & exhaustion.
26. Noorsekloof Nature Reserve
The nature reserve is roughly 200 metres wide at its narrowest, widening to about 400 metres in the heart of the Kloof. It lies in amongst homes and neighbourhoods, an adjoining narrow greenbelt connecting it to the beach. Its narrowness, and the fact that it lies in amongst residential development, places it under constant threat.
Over 50 bird species, including the Knysna loerie, Knysna woodpecker, and paradise flycatcher make the reserve their home and a beautiful three-kilometre trail alongside a stream begins at the entrance to the kloof in Eland Street, ending in Dogwood Circle.
Because the Norsekloof Nature Reserve is essentially a long strip of green through the suburbs of Jeffrey’s Bay, in parts barely visible for the homes, it and the green belt that feeds in from either side function as a green lung for residents.
27. Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-dimensional destination with dramaticcoastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forestsand delicate Fynbos. A hiking and water sports paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park.
In Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route, South Africa visitors will see booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores, temperate high forest andFynbos (indigenous plants)rolling down to the sea in an unspoilt verdant carpet. Age-old rivers carve their way to the sea and wonderful marine creatures swim along the shore.
The boundary of the Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa stretches some 5km (3 miles) out to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reefs and deep-sea fish.Beautiful Dolphins play and surfin the breakers. The Southern Right Whale visits these waters in season, coming inshore to breed. The park has two rest camps, one at Storms River mouth and one at Natures Valley.
There are many hiking trails of varying lengths and nature walks in this region, the most famous of them beingthe Otter Trail, one of the best in the world. For those who prefer not to rough it there is a “slack packing” route, the Dolphin Trail, which is fully inclusive and includes portage.
Tsitsikamma is also an adventure lovers’ playground with activities such as a Canopy Tour, Kayaking, Segway Tours, Horseriding and the Bloukrans Bungee offered within the park.
Cape Saint Francis is a popular holiday location and it is filled with getaway villas, guest houses and holiday homes which have caused a decrease in the natural habitat around it.
Cape Saint Francis Nature Reserveprovides incredible, unhindered views of the ocean but also protects the sand dunes and fynbos within its parameters, ensuring that something of this natural beauty remains.
Within the 120-odd hectares, and 3 kilometres of coastline, the endangered coastal dune forest is protected, and a wonderful hiking trail, via a viewpoint, allows you to lose yourself within its boundaries.
This beautiful reserve, the wonderful beaches that stretch for miles, and the historicSeal Point Lighthouse, together make a holiday here undeniably rich and well worth it as an escape from it all.
Best MTB Trails in Jeffreys Bay
29. 3 Rivers MTB Trails
3Rivers Trails is a Non-Profit, registered Public Benefit Organisation, which is dedicated to bringing quality mountain biking, running and hiking trails to the greater Thornhill region – a rural region approximately 40 kilometres to the west of Port Elizabeth.
At present 3Rivers operates approximately 200 km of marked trail, with approximately 60 km of this being purpose-built single track which can be accessed from its trailhead located at Crossways Country Kitchen.
To date, 3Rivers has constructed and maintained its trail network independently of any external funding and has managed to remain financially independent and stable since its inception. This is a significant achievement given the relatively small mountain biking community in the region when compared to other major centres within South Africa. The primary reason for 3Rivers stability and success has been the voluntary work done by the management group who have dedicated a significant amount of time, effort and passion to oversee the growth of 3Rivers.
Best Food Spots in Jeffreys Bay
30. Best Restaurants in Jeffreys Bay
Reviews from Tripadvisor
Tasty Table – “We went for breakfast. Great service and location. We got the eggs benedict and they were really good! And we could choose some different types of bread. Would go again!”
Kitchen Windows Beach Restaurant – “Stunning restaurant right on the beach. Great service, great food recommendations and the meal was absolutely superb!!”
Infood Bakery & Deli– “Delicious meal, wonderful and interesting options esp for non meat waters. Lively service and atmosphere. And a really Fabulous, well stocked and wonderful deli and shop. So many temptations …”
Brewhaha Craft Beer Restaurant – “Brewhaha restaurant never fails to impress! The sushi dishes are consistently outstanding, showcasing a perfect blend of flavors and freshness. The top-quality beer selection adds a delightful touch to the dining experience, and their extensive wine list further elevates the overall enjoyment”
De Viswijf – “A bit off the main road but such a gem! The restaurant isn’t cramped so it’s not noisy so I was very happy. The menu is fairly extensive so something for everyone. I had the lemon Chicken and my husband had the chicken Cordon Bleu – both were served hot and beautifully presented. Very tasty meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant”
Die Walskipper – “Good food close to the ocean. Feet-in-the-sand casual experience. We received good service and the seafood is really fresh and tasty. Variation on the menu to suit all tastes.”
Nina’s Real Food– “I have been on the West Coast for 2 weeks, eating out all over. Our first night back home, having supper at one of our favorites, Nina’s, I realized this: living in Jbay has made a food snob out of me. The espetado was delectable, the service amazing, considering how very crowded the place was.”
J-Bay Bru Co. – “We loved the vibe. Food portions are extremely generous and excellent quality! Our waitress was also very good! Will definitely go back”
The Greek– “Best meal I had in a long time in Jeffrey’s. We did wait a little while for our mains but it was worthwhile. Service was great and vibe was nice”
the Mexican – “Hearty, tasty comfort food. Wonderfully crispy and warm and balanced. I loved the burrito and fries. This might be my favourite mexican food restaurant, although I have only been there twice. I will go again.”
