The country might be best-loved for its wildlife, safaris in national parks, incredible food scene, and gorgeous landscapes, but surfing South Africa is a bucket-list activity you should add to your itinerary.
When you’re not chasing waterfalls or watering holes, South Africa’s diverse coastline is a playground for surfers, offering everything from gentle, beginner-friendly breaks to monster waves suited for seasoned pros looking for a challenge. With hard-to-top backdrops, rich surf culture, and reliable swells, South Africa has something for every wave chaser.
Winter (June to August) typically brings bigger swells on the west coast, while summer (November to February) is better for the east coast. Whether you’re looking to catch the perfect barrel, improve your technique, or just soak up those laid-back beach vibes, South Africa’s surf spots are unmissable.
Jeffreys Bay
If you’re already part of the surfing world, you’re probably familiar with Jeffreys Bay. J-Bay is arguably the crown jewel of South African surfing. Located in the Eastern Cape, J-Bay is celebrated for its long, fast, and perfectly formed right-hand point break. Waves can reach up to 3m (10 ft). Its Supertubes section is particularly famous, offering the kind of barrels surfers dream about perfecting. No matter how long you spend surfing South Africa, it’s worth stopping by J-Bay just to watch the locals. Visit during the annual J-Bay Open, part of the World Surf League, for world-class surf action.
Noordhoek, Cape Town
Noordhoek Beach is a Cape Town gem with sweeping views, white sands, and incredible surf. This long stretch of beach has waves for all levels, with both right- and left-hand breaks. Although the water is a little cold, its scenery is beautiful, with views of Chapman’s Peak. It’s a less crowded option for those who prefer more space on the water. If you’re looking for more ways to admire the views, Noordhoek’s endless shores are also ideal for long beach walks or horseback riding.
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Ballito, Dolphin Coast
Ballito on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast offers the best of both worlds: plenty of surf-friendly waves alongside family-friendly beaches where you can lie back on the sand and relax in the sunshine after your surf sesh. This laid-back town also hosts the Ballito Pro, one of the oldest competitive surfing events in the world. The waves here are consistent and approachable, making it a great spot for both pros and beginners, and the water is a little warmer, too. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins joining you in the waves.
Cape St. Francis
A short drive from J-Bay, Cape St. Francis is a legendary spot known for its consistent and clean waves. This surf town has a chilled-out vibe with excellent right-handers and beach breaks suitable for all skill levels. Cape St. Francis made waves in the 1966 surf movie The Endless Summer, and it’s been a must-surf destination ever since. After an epic session, head to one of the town’s seafood spots for a post-surf feast.
Dungeons, Cape Town
While its name might seem intimidating, Dungeons at Hout Bay is a brilliant place to test your nerve. If you’re an experienced big-wave surfer, Dungeons should be on your list. Just outside Cape Town, this spot is famous for its monster waves, with swells reaching up to 18m (60 ft) in winter. Not for the faint-hearted, Dungeons is best suited to seasoned surfers familiar with powerful, complex waves. Not ready to tackle the waves but still want to see the sights? Take a boat ride out to see these massive swells up close.
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Kommetjie, Cape Town
Kommetjie is a favourite among Cape Town locals for its powerful waves and diverse surf breaks. Known for its stunning views of the Cape Peninsula, Kommetjie’s main highlight is Long Beach, which lives up to its name and provides plenty of space for surfers to spread out. Ideal for different skill levels, Kommetjie is a fail-safe surf spot with excellent waves practically every day of the year. If you’re looking for a challenge, head out to Outer Kom, a huge barreling left-hander that breaks far out from the shore.
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Llandudno Beach, Cape Town
First things first: the water at Llandudno Beach is chilly, so you’ll want to don a wetsuit year-round when surfing here. Cape Town’s Atlantic beaches are notoriously cold. With a backdrop of towering mountains and luxe houses, Llandudno Beach feels more secluded than many other South Africa surf spots and is well-loved for its consistent waves. It’s a great spot for intermediate to advanced surfers trying their hand at surfing South Africa, but even if you’re just here to sunbathe and watch the action, Llandudno is an essential stop.
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Elands Bay
Up for a road trip? Elands Bay, also known as E-Bay, sits along South Africa’s West Coast and is renowned for its consistent left-hand point break. This rustic spot doesn’t just attract surfers, but also foodies and explorers who visit to check out the town’s fresh seafood and nearby ancient caves. Grab a longboard, spend a few hours on the graceful waves, and finish off your day with seafood. For the best waves, visit in fall (March to May).
Muizenberg Beach
Known for its vibrant, colourful beach huts that make the shoreline instantly recognizable, Muizenberg Beach is one of the best places in South Africa for beginner surfers thanks to its gentle waves and friendly community. This inclusive surf spot welcomes board riders of all levels and has plenty of surf schools to show you the ropes. The area’s signature wave break is relatively soft, which is why many local schools have their lessons here, especially between October and April when the waves are most consistent and the weather is at its warmest.
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Victoria Bay
Victoria Bay, or Vic Bay, is a cozy cove just off the Garden Route. Known for its mellow vibe and friendly atmosphere, Vic Bay is perfect for beginners or longboarders who are surfing South Africa and want to build up some confidence before hitting the more popular spots. Its tight-knit surfing community means you’ll make friends if you’re a repeat visitor, and its forgiving waves will have you believing you’re a pro surfer in no time. While Vic Bay can get crowded on busy days, it’s a lot less hectic than other spots.
Golden Mile, Durban
Durban’s Golden Mile is a prime example of a South Africa beach that draws surfers from around the world. The city’s subtropical climate is ideal for those who love the waves but hate the cold, with warmer temperatures that don’t require heavy wetsuits. Durban’s New Pier and North Beach are two of the most popular areas, although you’ll find international surfing events up and down the coast. The surf scene in Durban is a key part of the city’s culture, with showers, changing rooms, and board rentals all widely available close to the shore. The winter months (June through August) are the peak season for waves, often reaching 2.5m (8 ft) or more, while the warmer summer months (December to February) see smaller, more manageable swells perfect for less experienced surfers.
South Africa’s Coffee Bay
Most surf spots in Coffee Bay are reef and beach breaks, and Coffee Bay’s year-round consistency makes it one of our favourite places when surfing South Africa. On the stunning Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, Coffee Bay is a top hit with backpackers and budget travellers, with easygoing waves to match. Its steep cliffs, rolling green hills, and the iconic Hole in the Wall rock formation mean this stretch of the country is a must-visit, while its chilled-out vibe and mellow waters make it a great place to take a breather between the bigger breaks on your trip. Coffee Bay’s more rural setting offers a more back-to-basics experience.
Mdumbi, Wild Coast
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path surf adventure, put Mdumbi on the Wild Coast on your radar. This remote spot, the next river mouth up from Coffee Bay, is a must-visit with its uncrowded beach breaks and stunning rural scenery. Surfing here offers an opportunity to connect with nature and the local Xhosa culture in ways you won’t find in more developed surf towns. Come at the right time to spot whales on the horizon, too.
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