Jeffreys Bay Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Jeffreys Bay is located within the Cacadu District on the Sunshine Coast of South Africa. Also known as J-Bay, the town is famous for surfing, white sand beaches and an abundance of sea shells. The town became popular with surfers after the 1966 movie Endless Summer.

The Jeffreys Bay region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, never ending summers, plentiful shells and is best known as “the Surf Mecca of the World”. The beautiful beaches are safe for bathing and provide endless excitement for water sports.

2 km south of JBay is Marina Martinique, a development on 5 km of man-made saltwater canals. 2½ km north, is the beautiful valley of Kabeljousriver with its waterfall. These are good places to stay if you like a bit more peace and quiet than accommodation in town can offer. Aston Bay borders on Marina Martinique and if you cross the causeway over the lagoon of the Seekoi River, you come to Paradise Beach.

Paradise Beach is relatively undeveloped with 6 km of unspoiled beach all the way to the Kromm River which separates it from St Francis. It is not recommended to swim across the river.

Ocean temperatures are around 23°C in summer.

-34.0542224.922791 Jeffreys Bay Tourism, Da Gama Street (Shell Museum Complex), ☏ +27 42 293-2923, [email protected]. 

Map of Jeffreys Bay

Follow the N2 West from Port Elizabeth (75 km) or the N2 East from Garden Route and use the turn off to Jeffreys Bay. Jeffreys Bay is 876 km from Durban and 356 km from East London.

The BazBus stops on its way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in J-Bay and there are a number of intercity bus companies stopping in Humansdorp (drop-off for St Francis) and Jeffreys Bay.

Minibus taxis depart from the corner of Goedehoop and St francis street going to and from Port Elizabeth. one hour. R50.

Eldo Coaches have buses from Jeffreys Bay going to Cape Town and East London. The fare from Jeffreys Bay to Cape Town is R360, and the fare from Jeffreys Bay to East London is R310.

• St Francis Bay Airport Shuttle services, toll-free: +0861 EZSHUTTLE (397488853), +0861 397 488, [email protected]. This cab service travels between Port Elizabeth airport, Jeffreys and St Francis Bay and transport tourists in and around the various towns and establishments. 
• J-Bay Cabs, ☏ +27 83 611-1003. Offers shuttle service between Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay, registered and fully insured, Available 24/7. 

The nearest airport is the Port Elizabeth International Airport, which is approximately 75 km away. Despite its name it only has domestic services, but you can fly in from other world cities with a change of planes in Johannesburg or Cape Town. The latter is approximately 650 km away and you can travel that trip overland if you have time and want to see more of southernmost Africa.

For general aviation, there is a good gravel airstrip - 1300 m for small planes in Paradise Beach.

You can easily walk around in town. Most places you want to be are centered around Da Gama Road, the main beach and Supertubes. Car rental, taxi, and bike rental are also available.

• Fat Bike Beach Rides (All Africa Adventures), Kabeljouws Road (Kabeljouws Lagoon at ablutions), ☏ +27 83 661-5393, [email protected]. As the name says, rides in the beach with Fat Bikes with special balloon tires making riding on the beach fun. R250. (updated Jun 2022)
• JBay Cabs (Metered Taxi Cab), 18 Da Gama Road (in main road town centre), ☏ +27 0836111003, [email protected]. (updated Jun 2022)

• -34.05224.92261 Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum, 24 Da Gama Rd (inside the QuicksilverShop), ☏ +27 84 240-1741. The history of surfing in Jeffreys Bay is displayed by way of newspaper clippings, articles, old magazines, ancient surfboards and lots of other interesting objects. 
• -34.054224.9232 Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum, Da Gama Street, ☏ +27 42 293-1945, [email protected]. M-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 9AM-1PM. J-Bay is well known for the huge quantity and the quality of shells that can be found on the beaches. A good book to use as a guide is The Sea Shells of Jeffreys Bay by Douw and Elise Steyn (ISBN 0620240083, Eldolise Publishers, [email protected]). There is an annual Shell Festival in September and a lovely Shell Museum on the corner of Drommedaris and Da Gama Roads. 
• -34.07824.913 Aston Bay (between Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach). This area offers long stretches of untouched sandy beaches surrounded by protected nature reserves. Sightings of small buck, tortoises, a large variety of birds, rabbits and mongoose are part of every day life in this nature conservancy and the creatures are much loved by local home-dwellers.  
• -34.124.894 Paradise Beach. A wide and uncrowded beach, good for windsurfers and kite boarders with a nice breeze most of the year.  
• -34.03524.91945 Noorsekloof Nature Reserve (in the north of Jeffreys Bay). A small conservation site, more like a park. It's made up of valley bushveld and home to over 50 bird species. (updated Mar 2019)

The best beaches for sunbathing and swimming are Dolphin Beach (the main beach) and Kabeljous-on-Sea. The best surfing location is the -34.031424.93331 Super Tubes. Other spots include the Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Point and Albatross. The area offers kite surfing on the Seekoei and Kabeljouws rivers, regular kite flying, canoeing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and some great angling from the rocks or out at sea. Game drives, mountain and quad biking and are but some of the other options to consider.

• Wacky Waterpark, Dolphin Drive, Marina Martinique, ☏ +27 83 661 5393, [email protected]. Suitable for all ages with floating obstacles and slides. (updated Jun 2022)

Be a spectator at the annual Billabong Pro surfing competition, watch surfers at Supertubes all year round or hit the waves yourself. With numerous surf schools, surf shops and surfboard manufacturers based in the town, there is no excuse not to learn.

• -34.0536524.923342 Jeffreys Bay Surf School, 30 Diaz Road, ☏ +27 42 293-4214, +27 82 324-7284, [email protected]. Wetsuit and board is supplied. Around R300 for first lesson. 

• -34.035624.92923 Ubuntu Surf Co., 8 Cherry Street, ☏ +27 42 296-0376. Offers excellent surf lessons with the Andrew Moon & Wavecrest Surf Academy. Guided surf tours are available for the JBay & St Francis area, plus longer trips going as far as Cape Town and the Garden Route. from R200. 

A number of companies offer deep sea fishing charters. Most of the boats operate from nearby St Francis.

• -34.039924.91854 Jeffreys Bay Golf Club, Disa Ave, ☏ +27 42 293-2532, [email protected]. 9-hole (18-tee) golf course. 

There are a few small nature reserves in the area, such as the Kabeljous Nature Reserve, which is a walk-about reserve with a safe beach for swimming and excellent fishing spots, as well as bird watching. The reserve includes a 4-km hiking trail and its own flock of pink flamingoes (when in season). Nature lovers can also enjoy the Noorsekloof Nature Reserve, which runs through a popular residential area. Here you can look out for small buck and many birds while walking the 3-km trail running alongside the stream, while breathing in the magnificent fragrances of indigenous fynbos. The Seekoei River Nature Reserve, situated on the Seekoei River estuary, is a bird watcher’s paradise with hides overlooking the river. For the energetic, Jeffreys Bay can also be explored from the seat of a rented mountain bike. There are some exciting places to visit of which the waterfall, located just outside of town, is perhaps one of the best. The natural pools are refreshing to say the least, while the waterslide and cliffs from which to jump off is perfect entertainment for the more adventurous.

• -33.97224.97345 Beach Horse Rides Papiesfontein, ☏ +27 82 574-9396. Horse riding. 
• -33.978524.90136 J Bay Quad Rides, ☏ +27 72 227 8333. Offroad quad riding. 

• -34.033324.91777 All Africa Volunteers, 30 Dogwood road, ☏ +27 72 237-7422, [email protected]. While enjoying Jeffreys Bay why not help with the upliftment of the local community by donating your time to volunteer projects, teach local kids to surf, work with street children and families affected by AIDS. These projects are great fun and the reward even better. 
• -34.07324.8488 Lombardini Game Farm, ☏ +27 42 293-2073, [email protected]. Game drives and horse rides. 
• -34.035324.88919 JBAY Paintball, ☏ +27 83 465-1200. 
• -34.078424.920310 Wacky Wipeouts Sandboarding (Marina Martinique), ☏ +27 83 661-5393, [email protected]. 

Most shops and businesses are along the main road (Da Gama Street) or concentrated around the small main town area.

• -34.030724.89761 Fountains Mall. 9AM-6PM. The Fountains Mall outside of J-Bay had lots of the major shops, e.g., Game, Clicks, Mr Price, Woolworths. (updated Mar 2019)

• -34.033724.932 Spar, 4 Mimosa Street. (updated Sep 2015)
• -34.031124.89553 Pick N Pay, St Francis Dve (in Fountains Mall), ☏ +27 42-2933000. (updated Sep 2015)
• -34.051924.92164 Shoprite U Save Supermarket, Cnr Pell & Duine streets, ☏ +27 422931349. A no-frills supermarket. (updated Sep 2015)

J-Bay is a good place to have a custom board shaped, as a number of surfboard manufacturers have made the town their home.

• -34.056124.92175 Rebel Surfboards, 8 St Croix Street, ☏ +27 42 293-4410. Surfboard shapers and manufacturer. 
• -34.055624.91676 Glen D'Arcy, 33 Jeffreys Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2204, [email protected]. Locally manufactured Classic J-Bay designs and imported NSP and Sunset Softboards. 

There are many shops selling surfer wear and this is the place to buy an exclusive Billabong or Quicksilver outfit. Apart from the retail stores, there are also surf brand factory stores where you can find great surf gear at bargain prices.

• -34.0563424.922657 Billabong Concept Store, 1a Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 200-2672. 
• -34.056624.92218 Billabong Surf Shop, Magnatubes, Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 200-2640. 
• -34.0572624.922549 Country Feeling Surf Shop, 19 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 200-2611. 
• -34.033324.930410 Surfer Girl, Shop 1, Wavecrest Centre, 126 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 200-2639. 

• -34.053924.921511 Shell Bay Blue, 10 Drommedaris St, ☏ +27 42 293-4409. 

• -34.047924.91941 Spence's Pies, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-0630. Try their breakfast pies, filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and tomato. 
• -34.0504324.921732 In Food (corner Jeffrey St and Schelde St). The in place and serves the best breakfast and coffee in town just opposite Fruit&Veg. 
• -34.038124.92883 Die Vismandjie, 110 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-1241. Probably the best fish takeaways in South Africa. 
• -34.0509224.922494 Debonairs Pizza, 30 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-3398. Part of the Steers group. American-style pizzas so don't expect a thin base, but their toppings are good. Free delivery 
• -34.0378724.929025 Die Kospot, 110 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-4320. Homestyle cooked meals, seafood. 
• -34.0510824.922466 Steers, 30 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-1919. A South African burger chain. Very good value for money. Try their hero steakrolls. 

You can have almost all fast foods delivered by making use of special delivery services.

• J Bay Transporter, ☏ +27 83 6111-003. Operated by J Bay Cabs. Available 24/7, see website for on-line menus and services. 
• Mr D Food (formerly Mr. Delivery), ☏ +27 42 293-3004. They will accept food orders and deliver it to your door from most fast food outlets and restaurant that do not deliver themselves. Pick up one of their booklets from most fast food outlets. R10 in Jeffreys Bay to R15 in Kabeljous. 

• -34.0809824.902287 Aston Arms (Lions Den), Dolphin Dr, ☏ +27 42 292-0792. Grocery shop with restaurant, the latter named Lions Den. Excellent Portuguese fare. Have a beer with Manual. 
• -34.0342724.930148 Cafe Dulce, 126 Da Gama Str (Spar Centre), ☏ +27 42 296-2078. Ice cream and coffee bar. 
• -34.0507924.924919 Kitchen Windows, Ferreira Street cul de sac, ☏ +27 42 293-4230. Tu-Su 11:30AM-2PM and 6PM till late. Specializing in seafood, but they also have steaks and pizza. 
• -34.0512924.9200610 Potters Place, 18 Oosterland Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2500, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-4PM; Sa 9:30AM-4PM; Su 9AM-3PM. Restaurant and gift shop. (updated Jul 2017)
• -34.0521324.9241111 Tampa Bay Spur, Time Square Building, ☏ +27 42 293-4206. A South African restaurant chain, good steaks. 
• -34.0781824.9209412 Tapas Lapa Seaside, On the beach at Marina Martinique, ☏ +27 83 321-8508. Despite the name, the restaurant seems to mostly serve steaks and also some seafood dishes. 

• -34.0575324.9234313 De Visvijf, 55 Diaz Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-3921. M-Su 9AM-3PM and M-Sa from 5PM till late. Seafood and steaks. 
• -34.0762124.9215114 Walskipper, Clapton Beach, Marina Martinique, ☏ +27 42 292-0005, [email protected]. Dig your toes into the sand and look out over the ocean while enjoying a seafood platter. Walskipper is very popular during South African holiday seasons; best to phone and book the day before. During most other times of the year you can just walk in and sit down. 

The main swimming beach, Dolphin Beach, is an alcohol-free zone.

There are many pubs and two nightclubs in town.

• -34.0539624.922911 The Mexican, 19A Da Gama Rd (Above Country Feeling Surf Shop), ☏ +27 42 293-2966. Tu-Su noon till late. A Mexican-themed restaurant. Live music and the party can get quite intense with people ending up dancing on the tables by early morning. 
• -34.052624.921972 Upstairs @ Havana, Da Gama road (Above the Spur in the Time Square building). Lively nightclub next to the beach. Moved from their old location to this spot. 
• -34.0515624.92263 Sovereign, Da Gama Rd. Sports bar and nightclub. 

J-Bay caters for all kinds of accommodation. Backpacking hostels, caravan and camping, bed and breakfast, self-catering and hotels can all be found.

• -34.043824.92721 Jeffreys Bay Caravan Park, 85 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 200-2241. 

• -34.060224.92492 Island Vibe Backpackers, 10 Dageraad St, ☏ +27 42 293-1625, fax: +27 42 293-4214, [email protected]. On the beach. They will collect you in Jeffreys Bay or Humandorp free of charge, collection from the airport in Port Elizabeth is charged at R200. 
• -34.051624.922053 Jeffreys Bay Backpackers, 12 Jeffrey St, ☏ +27 42 293-1379, fax: +27 42 296-1930, [email protected]. The oldest and nicest backpackers in town. dorm beds from R 100 pp. 
• -34.0354724.928944 Ubuntu Backpackers, 8 Cherry St, ☏ +27 42 296-0376, [email protected]. Overlooking the surf. Free breakfast, free internet. Dorm bed R 120. Rates range from R100 per person to R220 per room. 
• -34.0183924.926525 Bay Cove Inn, 1 Poplar Str, ☏ +27 42 296-2291, [email protected]. Bed and breakfast. R300-350 pp excl. breakfast. 

• -34.019524.92296 A1 Bay View, 27 Chestnut Ave, ☏ +27 42 296-1845. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Great value tranquil setting off main rd, stunning sea views, 500 m to the beach. R500. 
• -34.0183624.92697 Barbiers Bliss, 1 Akasia Str, ☏ +27 42 296-1867, +27 82 722-0906, [email protected]. Self-catering. 
• -34.0366824.929548 Beach Cabanas, 118 Da Gama Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2820, +27 83 286-8904, [email protected]. 16 self-catering units. Free Wi-Fi. Out of season: single R650, double R750, triple R900. Higher rates in Dec and Jan.. 
• -34.0538224.923369 Dolphin View, 30 Dogwood Rd, ☏ +27 72 237-7422, fax: +27 42 296-0594, [email protected]. 3-star, stunning indoor pool. From R440 to R800 for a double. 
• -34.032124.929710 Greystone Guest House, 11 Mopani st, ☏ +27 42 296-0616, fax: +27 42 296-0616, [email protected]. Bed and breakfast. 
• -34.0761524.9127511 Marina Martinique B&B, Tobago Crescent (Marina Martinique), ☏ +27 42 292-0000, [email protected]. Bed and breakfast on the marina canals. rates from R750. 
• -34.0338824.9283512 Pinnaquin Holiday Apartments, 18 Noorsekloof Road (cnr Noorsekloof & Leadwood Str), ☏ +27 42 296-1111, +27 82 823-4662, [email protected]. B&B and self catering apartments. rates from R 465. 
• -34.07724.903513 Saruna Guesthouse, 208 Dolphin Drive (Aston Bay), ☏ +27 82 319-4300, [email protected]. 
• -34.0534324.9223414 Savoy Hotel, 16 Da Gama Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2445, fax: +27 42 296-2445, [email protected]. 
• -34.042224.923215 Sea Whisper B&B, 62 Petunia Ave, ☏ +27 82 489-9114, [email protected]. sgl from R760, dbl from R1210. 
• -34.079824.915716 Waterside Lodge (Marina Martinique area but also elsewhere in Jeffreys Bay), ☏ +27 42 292-0003, [email protected]. 2- and 3-bedroom units on the Marina Martinique canals and 100 m from the beach, Walskipper and Tappas. rates from R300, but most more than R1000. 
• -34.0319524.9318717 Dreamland Accommodation JBay, 29 Flame Crescent, ☏ +27 42 293-3677. Rustic beachfront apartments right in front of Supertubes, the world's most famous right hand point-break. Ideal accommodation for travelling surfers. 

• -34.049124.925518 Diaz 15, 15 Diaz Str, ☏ +27 42 293-1779. Beachfront holiday apartments. rates from R1225-2375 pp. 
• -34.09524.897619 Moya Manzi Beach House, 17 Toevlugs Place, ☏ +27 42 292-0780, [email protected]. Three upscale rooms with balcony and free Wi-Fi. rates from singles R995, doubles R1500 (low season), to singles R1800, doubles R2500 (festive season). 
• -34.031624.931620 Supertubes Guest House, 10/12 Pepper St, ☏ +27 42 293-2957, [email protected]. Four star rating. R1220 per person per night. 

Robberies of tourists and less careful locals are becoming more frequent. Be careful when walking alone on the beach, or while walking in town at night. Do not leave valuables visible in your car.

Be careful when travelling along the road between Jeffreys Bay and Aston Bay at night, as pedestrians do cross without warning between the small informal settlements on both sides of this road. Also watch out for stray animals on the road.

• At the closest airport, get directions and information from marked information counters
• Stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at all times
• Use only registered and qualified tour guides. Contact tourism offices for a list of qualified tour guides

• National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), ☏ +27 42 294-0131, 082-911 (domestic). 
• -34.0551224.922742 Police, 6 Woltemade St, ☏ 10111 (domestic), +27 42 293-1133. 
• Fire Brigade, ☏ +27 42 291-0283. 
• Ambulance, ☏ 10177 (domestic), +27 42 293-1311. 

• -34.0334724.931553 Dr. J.S. Bouwer (JBay Dental Studio), 1 Flame Cres, ☏ +27 42 293-1244. Dentist. 
• -34.040424.90694 Dr. Jan Nagtegaal (PoliclinicFountainEs), ☏ +27 42 293-1166. Doctor. 
• Private Care Ambulances, 22 Kemp Str, Humansdorp, ☏ +27 42 291-0749, [email protected]. 
• -34.030824.78185 Private Hospital, Humansdorp, ☏ +27 42 295-1100. The closest hospital is located about 20 km away in the town of Humansdorp. 

For contact details for food and groceries, vehicles, home services, liquor, medical practitioners, nurseries & garden services, pharmacy, professional, cleaning, legal services, photography, security, timber decks, housing, health and beauty call the local or international telephone directory.

Local telephone directory: 1023

International telephone directory: 10903

There are a number of internet cafes in town. Some offer wifi access and some are equipped for Skype calls. Places to sleep often also offer free wi-fi, and mobile operators have 3G networks (see South Africa#Connect).

• -34.035224.92996 Cornerstone Laundromat & Coffee Shop, Magna Towers / Checkers Centre, Da Gama rd, ☏ +27 42 296-0732. 

• -34.045724.91387 Baptist Church, Dolly Varden St (near to Caltex Wavelands), ☏ +27 42 296-3290. Services at 8:30AM and 6PM. Coffee lounge at 5PM - All welcome. Kidz Klub on Friday nights for Primary School children. July holidays - Holiday Club. 
• -34.045324.91118 Catholic Church St Clare of Assisi, Butterfly St, ☏ +27 42 291-1262. 
• -34.02424.91549 Ned Gereformeerde Gemeente, 9 Olienhout St, ☏ +27 42 296-2451. 
• -34.025424.908510 Victory Church, Seetuin Rd. 
• -34.034624.929311 The Vine Church, Cnr Noorsekloof & Mimosa Streets (The Old Presbyterian hall above Paint Link), ☏ +27 79 174-9185. All welcome. Service at 9AM. Discipleship programs run on Tuesdays 7PM-9PM including such courses as ALPHA. 

Not far from Jeffreys Bay lies the charming town of St Francis Bay. It is known for its endemic white houses with either black tile or thatch roofs blending together with the Sardinian-style red tile roofs. Approximately half of the town is built around the largest web of manmade canals and waterways in Africa. Adjacent to St Francis Bay is the pastoral fishing village of Cape St Francis with its outstanding beach and historic Seal Point Lighthouse while Port St Francis is the harbour.

Visit Oyster Bay, a town that caters for those who enjoy quiet time and relaxation. Explore this district with its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife and adventures - surf the waves or swim with dolphins, there is something for everyone in this picturesque and breathtaking Jeffreys Bay area.

• -34.03333324.7666671 Humansdorp, ☏ +27 42 295-1361. The pleasant town of Humansdorp can be found en route to Plettenberg Bay from Port Elizabeth. The Kouga Cultural Centre is a famous attraction due to its symbolism and portrayal of the African Renaissance.  
• -34.16944424.6541672 Oyster Bay. What started off as a coastal farm before 1956, has since evolved into the small coastal town called Oyster Bay. Found 14 km west of St Francis Bay, activities such as swimming, as well as rock, deep sea and surf fishing can all be enjoyed in this seaside town.  

• -34.16638924.8263893 St. Francis Bay. The charming holiday town of St Francis Bay is known for its endemic white houses with black roofs, either tile or thatch, together with Sardinian-style red tile roofs. It is set around the astonishing Marina canals, offers a delightful escape from the pressures of daily life, in a haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the glorious beaches, excellent water-sports, a leisurely lifestyle and the magical beauty of its unspoilt surroundings.  
• -34.19694424.8380564 Cape St Francis, ☏ +27 42 294-0076. Cape St. Francis is renowned for its peace and tranquility. Nonetheless, surfers from all over the world flock to this coastal village in hopes of surfing a wave at the popular Seal Point. There are a number of nature reserves in the area, and another key attraction, is the lighthouse, which was established in 1878 and has since been declared a national monument.  
• African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Lot 13 Strandfontein, Thornhill, ☏ +27 42 286 0710. View several species of wildlife on the reserve 20 min from J Bay. 

• Visit Hankey and see the grave of Sarah Baartman just outside the town and the largest sundial in Africa (36.4m in diameter).
• Take a relaxing drive to Patensie and have breakfast at Tolbos.

• Go to Port Elizabeth (75km to the east) and its attractions.
• Tsitsikamma and the Tsitsikamma National Park is worth a visit to relax a day.
• The Gamtoos Valley and Baviaanskloof
  • See the Great Train Race during August or September where runners race The Apple Express steam trains from Port Elizabeth to Loerie.

Wildlife and game viewing is only a short drive away

• Shamwari, ☏ +27 42 203-1111, fax: +27 42 235-1224. The Cape's premier Big 5 game reserve. 
• Addo Elephant Park (Addo), ☏ +27 42 233-0556, fax: +27 42 233-0196. 
• Baviaans – valleys inland to the west of Jeffreys Bay
• Grahamstown – the "city of saints" about 200 km northeast
• Karoo Heartland – the plains to the north
• Sunshine Coast – the coast itself east and west