Last updated on November 6th, 2023 at 05:33 pm
If you are looking for a good surf resort in South Africa, you are in the right place. In this post, we listed our top recommendations for a surf resort in South Africa where you can enjoy a great vacation and surf as much as possible.
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About South Africa as a Surf Destination
South Africa is where you can surf perfect waves surrounded by wild nature and explore a fascinating culture. It is home to countless world-class surf spots for all skill levels, including beach breaks, reefs, and point breaks. The South African Coastline stretches over 2,500 KM, facing both the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, there is no shortage of waves here, and it is an excellent choice for a surf vacation.
When choosing a surf resort in South Africa, there are several factors to put in mind. For instance, the quality of the rooms, the food, and the service you get are obviously important. However, as a surfer, nothing is more crucial to you than the location. In other words, you want to be close to the waves and have easy access to the best surf spots.
So, let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the best surf resorts in South Africa:
A List of the Top Surf Resorts in South Africa:
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
The town of Cape Town is abundant with high-quality waves and a huge variety of surf spots. It is a world-class surf destination with waves of all types and for any kind of surfer. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reefs and point breaks, Cape Town offers everything. Sure, the water is cold, and the sharks are out there, but that doesn’t stop countless surfers from coming here each year and enjoying this surf heaven.
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, on the west coast of Cape Town, provides free transfers to Camps Bay and V&A Waterfront. It features the award-winning Sanctuary Spa with rock pools. The guests here are welcomed with a complimentary drink and can relax in one of the spacious rooms of the resort. Each room is decorated with gentle colors and comes with modern facilities, such as a DVD player and movie library access. With a panoramic outdoor location, the Azure Restaurant serves fine indigenous and international cuisine prepared with the best organic ingredients. The restaurant makes use of its home-grown wild vegetation to create desserts.
Set between the mountains and the Ocean, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is also a getaway to explore the Table Mountain National Park.
For more information about Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, please click here.
Surferscorner Self Catering Apartments
Muizenberg is the ultimate beginner’s spot and the perfect beach to take some surf lessons in Cape Town. It is situated just south of town, in the beautiful False Bay, also known as “Surfers Corner”. The waves here are mellow and never too big or scary. Moreover, boards and wetsuits are available for rent right on the beach.
Surferscorner property offers deluxe self-catering apartments right on Muizenberg Beach. Guests can enjoy the vibrant waterfront dotted with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The property has an open-plan layout with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and lounge. Some open out to a private balcony, while others face the ocean. All the apartments are serviced with fresh towels twice a week and fresh linen once a week. Amenities include a 24-hour security lobby, free underground parking, and a playground for kids.
For more information about Surferscorner, please click here.
The Oyster Box, Durban
Situated on the East Coast of South Africa, Durban is a spectacular surf destination. In fact, some of the best surf spots in the country are found here. Moreover, Durban produced some of the best professional surfers in the world, from Shaun Tomson to Jordy Smith, and many others. That should definitely tell you something about the quality of the waves in this area.
Overlooking the Umhlanga Lighthouse in Durban, The Oyster Box offers 2 outdoor pools and an award-winning spa only 2 km from Gateway Shopping Center. The rooms at the 5-star Oyster Box are decorated with rich fabrics and furnishings and include a satellite TV, Mini Bar facilities, and a tea/coffee machine. Some rooms in the resort offer a private lounge area, patio, and also a plunge pool.
The Ocean Terraces Restaurant overlooks the ocean and offers a delicious seafood and curry buffet, while the Grill Room has the best premium steaks and seafood dishes. Guests reserving Half-Board reservations are offered a signature set menu, hosted either in The Ocean Terrace or The Grill Room. Guests can also work out with cardiovascular equipment at the gym, followed by a soothing massage by one of the onsite experts.
For more information about The Oyster Box, please click here.
The Tides Inn, Durban
Offering incredible sea views, The Tides Inn is located south of Durban, just about 20 minutes drive from the center of town. Although it is not as fancy as other surf resorts in South Africa, it has a great location, easy access to the waves, and a warm feeling.
All the rooms here have a satellite TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with a bath or shower, and complimentary toiletries. At The Tides Inn, you will find a garden, a shared lounge, and a beautiful sun deck. Various activities can be enjoyed in the surroundings, including golfing, fishing, city tours, and, of course, surfing.
For more information about The Tides Inn, please click here.
Soul Searchers, Jeffreys Bay
Next to Port Elizabeth, you will find one of the best surf spots in the world, Jeffreys Bay. This right-hand point break, with its perfect barrels, earned its reputation for a good reason, and it is the main attraction for surfers in South Africa.
Soul Searchers Hotel is set in Jeffreys Bay, just 600 M from Kabeljauws Beach and 1.1 km from Point Beach. It offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace, as well as a shared kitchen and a barbecue.
All rooms are equipped with a desk and have private bathrooms with a shower and free toiletries. Some rooms come with a stunning sea view. The units in the accommodation are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and snorkeling can be arranged in the surroundings, and guests can relax along the beachfront.
Within a short drive away from Jeffreys Bay, you can find St Francis Bay, the one from the movie Endless Summer, and get some long right-hand barrels.
For more information about Soul Searchers, please click here.
Surf Resorts in South Africa- How Much Should it Cost?
There are several great surf resorts in South Africa, spread along different areas. The cost of surf resorts in South Africa is determined by factors like location, seasonality, the quality of accommodation, and the number of days. So, depending on your budget, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, most of which offer great value for money. As for the numbers, a surf resort in South Africa should cost somewhere between $200 and $800 per night.
What Season is Best for Booking a Surf Resort in South Africa?
South Africa receives consistent swells all year long. However, the best surf conditions are found in winter, between April and September. During these months, the south swells hit the South African Coast with power and consistency. Therefore, this is the most recommended time for advanced surfers. Beginners and intermediates can have fun riding smaller waves in summer.
As for the water temperature, it ranges from 15°C to 20°C (59°F-68°F) and requires a long wetsuit.
Which Location in South Africa is Best for a Surf Vacation?
As mentioned, there are plenty of excellent surf beaches in South Africa. And yet, these are the most recommended locations for a surf resort in South Africa:
1. Cape Town- Although the water in this area is colder, there is a phenomenal selection of surf spots like Muizenberg and Dunes.
2. Durban- Facing the warmer Indian Ocean, Durban is a surfer’s paradise, with breaks like New Pier and Green Point.
3. Jeffreys Bay- This right-hand point break is one of the best surf spots in the world. However, it is suitable only for advanced surfers who can handle massive barrels.
How to Book a Surf Resort in South Africa?
Once you choose your preferred surf resort in South Africa, booking it is easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, is what type of experience you want. These are the two main options:
1. If you are looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about surf instructors, weekly schedules, and general guidance for beginner and intermediate surfers.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a nice place to stay close to the waves, you can find the best deals on www.booking.com.
Both websites are honest and easy to use, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf resort in South Africa.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In summary, these are our top choices for a surf resort in South Africa. Of course, there are other good ones that we didn’t mention here, but with a bit of research on Booking.com, you can find them too. Remember, the most important thing is to score the best waves and have a good time, regardless of where you stay.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in South Africa, and also the one about beginner surf beaches in South Africa.
