An Introduction To South Africa Surf
-
By
Matt
- Updated | July 16, 2025
South Africa surf is unblemished and untamed, yet, it has been elevated to appear above the rest, offering long smooth right point breaks, mad ocean energy, and surf towns perfectly blending natural beauty with rich coastal culture.
Nowhere else can you find the whole range of instant attractions, from legendary breaks to hidden gems, calling upon adventurous surfers in search of variety, consistency, and thrill.
With surfable swells all year round, spectacular scenery, and waves for all levels of surfers, South Africa surf is as underrated as it is unforgettable. If you’re hunting the perfect line at J-Bay or taking it easy on mellow bays, South Africa does wave after wave.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to make a purchase or book a service through them. We only promote products and services that we believe in, and your support helps us continue to provide honest insights and valuable content.
Thank you for your trust and for supporting our work!
In This Guide
Compare Prices, Book Today
Overview: Where To Surf In South Africa
South Africa’s coastline is famous for its powerful Indian and Atlantic Ocean swells, producing world-renowned right-handers and lesser known breaks perfect for exploring.
Jeffreys Bay being the crown jewel of them and continuously ranked to be one of Earth’s best right-hand point breaks. With sections such as Supertubes and Boneyards, J-Bay offers long walls fast suited for surfers chasing down their dream rides.
South Africa’s coastline is famous for its powerful Indian and Atlantic Ocean swells, producing world-renowned right-handers and lesser-known breaks perfect for exploring. It is more exposed and has colder waters, making it kind of an intermediate-advanced session, for those wanting empty and raw conditions.
Victoria Bay, tucked along the Garden Route, is a small, cobblestoned cove with a playful right-hand point perfect for all levels. With a laid-back vibe and reliable waves, it’s a local favorite and a great addition to any South Africa surf trip itinerary.
South Africa surf steals the show by offering a mixed bag of epic waves, varied settings, and a deep-rooted surf culture. Each town offers something different and exciting.
Best South Africa Surf Towns
Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay) | South Africa’s Legendary Right-Hand Point
Jeffreys Bay is known all over for its long, fast, right point breaks that are perfectly shaped. Supertubes is the premier section within Jeffreys Bay, drawing pros from all parts of the world because of its barrels and high-performance sections. Other surrounding sections include Boneyards and Point, which provide more mellow alternatives.
The town of Jeffreys Bay is more focused on surfing than chilliness, oriented with surfboard shops, cafes, and an annual contest that attracts the world’s best. Jeffreys Bay is a must-surf destination on any South Africa surf trip, combining consistent swell, warm water, and world-class waves blended into one iconic stretch. Find Out More
Kommetjie | Reef Break Power Near Cape Town
Kommetjie surf offers raw power and open-ocean energy just south of Cape Town. Outer Kom breaks like an extremely heavy reef wave most suitable for advanced surfers, while the beach of Long Beach is quite forgiving for the beginner to intermediate levels.
Kommetjie is superb on all counts, it delivers good waves and feels more like a quiet suburb than a tourist town. With its blend of big-wave potential and consistent beach options, Kommetjie is a unique entry in the South Africa surf scene. Find Out More
Victoria Bay | A Compact Point With Smooth Right-Handers
Victoria Bay surf is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most beautiful and reliable set-ups. The narrow bay funnels swell into a peeling right-hander that works best on mid to high tide. The wave is clean, pleasant, and smells of longboarders and progressive shortboarders.
With only one main take-off zone, it gets competitive in the water, but the wave quality is worth the wait. The area is peaceful, with a few guesthouses, a campsite, and a surf-minded local crowd. For smooth rides and a quiet setting, Victoria Bay is a South Africa surf gem. Find Out More
Accommodation In South Africa
When planning on surf trips to South Africa, Trip.com is one of the best resources to book accommodation. Its variety of accommodation options near the beach ranges from plush resorts to cheap hostels. The sooner you book, the more time there is for surfing and less time fussing over logistic issues.
Surfers wishing to improve their skills in South Africa should look at surf camps on Tripaneer, offering coaching, nice accommodation, and social events. Such camps are a perfect way to settle into the South Africa surf culture.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€12 to €30 |
$15 to $35 |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€40 to €100 |
$45 to $110 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€140 to €250+ |
$150 to $270+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
South Africa Surf Camps
South Africa surf camps are concentrated in and around Jeffreys Bay, which is very much set up to receive surfers from all over the world. The J-Bay surf schools offer structured coaching programs complete with video analysis, surf equipment rental, and lodging within short walking distance of some of the best waves on the planet.
Jeffreys Bay surf camps present a great formula for progression, whether you are catching your very first green wave or working on cutbacks at Supertubes. Meals, yoga classes, and guided trips to other breaks in the area in case conditions are not decent are included in most packages.
Use the Tripaneer search tool below to easily explore more South Africa surf camp options.
South Africa Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Travel Insurance For Your South Africa Surf Trip
It’s the middle of your trip, and suddenly you’ve got the flu. Or maybe your board bag goes missing, and you’re left scrambling to rent gear. These are the travel moments we don’t plan for, but should. A solid insurance policy gives you the tools to recover and keep going.
South Africa surf is what you came for, and with the right backup, it’s still what you’ll get. VisitorsCoverage makes it simple to prepare for the unexpected. Pack light, travel far, and surf knowing you’re covered.
Exploring South Africa: The Best Sights & Landmarks To Visit
South Africa delivers far more than just epic waves. With its blend of wild landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable wildlife, it’s a country full of contrast and beauty waiting to be explored. Check out our 5 recommendations below.
For more ways to experience it, check out GetYourGuide and Viator. From safaris and scenic drives to cultural tours and wine tastings, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the soul of South Africa.
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.