If you grew up in the era of Shaun Tomson dominating surfing competitions locally and around the world, you’d best face the fact that a lot of water has run under the bridge since then.
Time has moved on and Jeffreys Bay has moved with it, modernising from a small village of hippies into a cosmopolitan, modern tourist attraction, as you’d expect of a place that boasts some top-quality beaches.
What hasn’t changed; however, is the charm. Jeffreys Bay remains as cool and laid back as ever, which is to be expected when there’s a constant influx of surfers, eager to test themselves on one of the best right-hand point breaks anywhere on the planet.
Located in the Eastern Cape, just 75 km west of Gqeberha (if you’re old enough to remember Tomson, we’d better explain that that’s Port Elizabeth now), J-Bay boasts several great surfing spots including Kitchen Windows, Surfers Point and Super tubes, which is hailed as one of the world’s top 10 surf spots and plays host to the International Billabong Pro surfing competition.
The best swells hit shore between May and September – wintertime – which means it’s a year-round attraction, with great weather and beach days for most of the rest of the year.
Dolphin sightings are not uncommon and while sharks frequent the area, fatalities are rare. Just remember that more people die playing with fireworks each year than from sharks.
Life’s a beach
You have plenty of options if you’d like to head down to the shore, flop down your towel and soak up the rays. The main beach in J-Bay is Dolphin Beach, which has more than earned its Blue Flag status. This is where you’ll find Kitchen Windows, one of the best surfing spots.
But you won’t be able to miss the main promenade and outdoor fun area, and neither will the kids so best you make peace with the fact that you are destined to go there. But don’t despair, you’ll have a great time. There’s putt-putt, a fun fair, the supertube… what’s not to love?
Shell we browse?
It’s great to do different things when you visit smaller towns, things you can’t find in your local mall. J-Bay has just the thing. Listed at No 4 in top things to do on Tripadvisor, the Jeffrey’s Bay Shell Museum (Charlotte Kritzinger Shell Museum) is something you don’t see every day. The museum boasts the biggest collection of shells in the country and will have you oohing and aahing at the clever things people far more creative than you or me have done.
The Museum is open at specific times each day of the week so best look it up before you visit.
Village people
A hop, skip and a jump away is the J-Bay surf village. It’s not so much a mall as a cluster of surf shops and factory stores on both sides of Da Gama road all eager to sell you that memento of your visit, something that says ‘I was at Jeffreys Bay. The Surf Village offers a variety of surf and skate culture, home décor, great restaurants and speciality boutiques. It is quite easy to spend a whole morning here, and then return the next day after you’ve reconsidered that item you didn’t buy.
ALSO READ: Keeping up with picturesque Knysna
EAT HERE…
Tasty Table Café
Tasty Table Café is a family run cafe with a relaxed vibe and an incredible view of Dolphin beach. They are known for their speciality coffees, burgers, seafood and freshly baked treats. in the heart of Jeffreys Bay.
Address: Shop 2, Hankce Building Diaz Street
Contact: 082 858 8226
Kitchen Windows Beach Restaurant
Kitchen Windows is situated on the beach to the left of the famous surf spot of the same name. They boast great seafood, steak, tapas, pizza, etc for the whole family and there’s a grass lawn in front for the kids to play. Craft beer and an extensive wine menu is available. They also do takeaways.
Address: Ferreira Street, Dolphin Beach
Contact: 042 293 4230
DO THIS…
Reserve your spot
Just northeast of the town, the Kabeljous Nature Reserve is a walk-about reserve well known to anglers for a diverse number of fish. The Kabeljous estuary is one of the best preserved estuaries in the Eastern Cape and the lagoon is home to waterfowl, herons, and a variety of waders. Nearby, the Seekoei River Nature Reserve lies between Aston Bay and Paradise Beach – another seriously good beach well worth a visit. The reserve is rich in birdlife while the lagoon is home to numerous red-knobbed coots and small antelope. There’s a hiking trail that takes about three hours to complete, starting with a trip on a raft across the lagoon.
Beginner surf lessons
Always wanted to learn but too scared you’d be spotted by someone you know? Jeffreys Bay is the perfect place to just do it.
Avoid large group lessons and opt for a small-group lesson instead, which guarantees excellent access to your instructor. No need to worry about renting equipment… surfing gear rental is included.
There are a few options to choose from. Salted Surf school has spots at affordable prices for about 90 minutes. Wavecrest is another option.
This article was written by Alan Valkenburg for Getaway’s January 2024 print edition. Find us on shelves for more!
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: The great Graaff-Reinet
