Last updated on February 11th, 2024 at 12:40 pm
If you plan to surf in Cape Town, this surf guide will provide you with all the information you need for your surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Cape Town, South Africa.
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About Surfing in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is situated on the West Coast of South Africa. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it receives consistent swells, mainly from Antarctica. Like any big city, it is pretty easy to get around here. For instance, there are many hotels, restaurants, and shops of all kinds, but somehow, it still has the wildness that can be found only in South Africa. Although you can also find great surfing in Durban and in other areas of the country, Cape Town is the one that offers the most developed surf scene in the country.
When surfing in Cape Town, you will find high-quality waves and a huge variety of surf spots. This town is definitely a world-class surf destination, with waves of all types and for any surfer. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reefs and point breaks, Cape Town offers everything surfers want. Sure, the water is cold, and the sharks are out there, but that doesn’t stop countless surfers who keep coming to surf in Cape Town each year and enjoy this surf paradise.
Surf Seasons in Cape Town
In general, you can surf in Cape Town all year long. Due to its diverse coastline, the upcoming swells hit each one of the beaches from different angles. As a result, on any given day, some beaches produce good waves, and some always get offshore wind.
From April to September, the swell is the most consistent. Actually, these are the winter months in South Africa and the time the south swells produce great waves on a daily basis. Moreover, the waves are usually the biggest from June to August, and this time is best for professional surfers.
The summer months, between October and March, are a little smaller and less consistent. However, some beaches actually perform better during this time, and the water is warmer.
As for the weather in Cape Town, it ranges from 13°C (55°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer. The water temperature, however, is always cold and ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 17°C (63°F). Therefore, when surfing in Cape Town, you definitely need a wetsuit, preferably a 3/4.
Surf Spots in Cape Town
When surfing in Cape Town, you can choose between many different surf spots. Each beach performs differently at any given swell; of course, your skill level is also a key factor. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Cape Town:
Muizenberg:
This is the ultimate beginner spot and the perfect beach to take some surfing lessons. It is situated just south of town, in the beautiful False Bay, and it is also known as “Surfers Corner”. The waves here are soft and forgiving and never too big. Moreover, boards and wetsuits to rent are available on the beach for anyone who wants.
Scarborough:
Further south, Scarborough faces the West Coast of the cape to the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can find great waves for intermediate surfers and up. Both lefts and rights are available; just be aware of the strong currents. This spot actually performs best during the summer months, and due to its distance from town, it is never too crowded.
Crayfish Factory:
During winter, this spot produces some of the biggest waves in the area. It is heavy, powerful, and, therefore, suitable for advanced surfers only. If you choose to surf here, be aware of the rocks on the bottom.
Long Beach:
This break is very popular due to its high quality. Situated just next to the town of Kommetjie, it is one of the most consistent surf spots in Cape Town. The waves break equally to both sides, and it is most suitable for advanced surfers. On small swells, intermediates can also enjoy this break.
Dunes:
Dunes is definitely one of the best spots in Cape Town. It requires about a 35-minute drive from town, but it’s totally worth it. If you come here during winter, you will get consistent waves with decent size and only a few people in the lineup.
Dungeons:
This one is a classic big wave spot where professional surfers get towed in with their gun-shaped surfboards. In fact, this giant wave can get up to 60 feet, and it is lightened when the big winter storms arrive. To clarify, if you are not a big wave surfer, you have nothing to look for here, unless you want to just watch.
Llandudno:
This is another excellent summer spot, perfect for barrel seekers. The waves here are super hollow, and open up with great shape. It is often crowded and not suitable for beginners or intermediates, but good surfers will love this fantastic spot.
Glen Beach:
Due to its location just in front of town, this spot is popular and crowded. It offers a powerful right-hander with a clean shape and year-round consistency. The ride here is usually short and steep, but it is an excellent opportunity to get some tube rides. Moreover, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and boards to rent on the beach.
Off the Wall:
This spot is considered a pretty dangerous one. To surf here, you better be at the top of your game, as this steep wave breaks right over a sharp reef with massive power. The lineup is pretty empty, and only advanced surfers come here to ride some barrels.
Milnerton Lighthouse:
You will find this spot a little north of town. It is a typical beach break with good power but not too aggressive. Therefore, on an average swell, any surfer can deal with this wave.
Big Bay:
A bit further north from Milnerton, this is another fun beach break. It is “user friendly” and easy to ride unless the swell is really big. Also, it is the favorite beach among Kite surfers.
Can Beginners Surf in Cape Town?
Sure they can!
Although there are challenging surf spots in Cape Town, there are also a few beginner-friendly ones. Muizenberg, for instance, is the ultimate beginner spot. It offers a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place here.
Luckily, the area is abundant with a huge variety of breaks, so surfers of all skill levels can surf in Cape Town.
Surf Camps in Cape Town
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate looking for improvement, you can explore the surf beaches of Cape Town at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Ticket to Ride.
2. Another Surf Camp.
3. Surf Emporium.
4. African Soul Surfer.
5. Africa Surf School.
For more details about surf camps in Cape Town, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Cape Town
When coming to surf in Cape Town, you obviously want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Surferscorner Self Catering Apartments– Surferscorner offers deluxe self-catering apartments along the long white sandy Muizenberg Beach. Guests can take surfing lessons and enjoy the vibrant waterfront with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
2. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa– This ocean-front hotel overlooks the Twelve Apostles mountain range. It provides free transfers to Camps Bay and V&A Waterfront. It features the award-winning Sanctuary Spa with rock pools.
3. The Table Bay Hotel– The Table Bay Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. It boasts beautiful views of the working harbor, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a pool and a spa.
For more surf hotels in Cape Town, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Cape Town- Travel Information
Language– English, Afrikaans, Xhosa.
Population– about 5 million.
Currency– South African rand.
Calling code– +27.
Time zone– GMT +2.
Pros– consistent waves, variety of surf spots.
Cons– cold water, sharks.
Conclusion- A Few Final Words
To sum up, Cape Town offers a wonderful surf scene. With an incredible selection of surf beaches and waves, any surfer can have a great time in this South African “Surf Mecca”. The wild nature around and the perfect waves make it one of the most exciting surf destinations in the world.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Cape Town. Have a fantastic surf trip!
