Cape Peninsula, Western Cape
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Positives
- Consistent, quality waves
- Wide swell window
- Mountain and seascapes
- Cheap urban entertainment
Negatives
- Cold water year round
- Unstable windy weather
- City insecurity
- Thick kelp beds
Cape Peninsula, Western Cape surf travel guide
The coastline of South Africa is the oldest shoreline on earth, and aeons of erosion have created an underwater topography ideal for creating some of the best mid-latitude surf, anywhere in the world. The irregular shoreline of the Cape Peninsula, along with its 180 degree swell window, allows it to offer the best density of varied spots in the whole country, ranging from beginners beachbreak in False Bay to fearsome big-wave venues like Dungeons. Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, surrounded by natural beauty and overlooked by the iconic Table Mountain.
Surf spots in Cape Peninsula, Western Cape
Research the 20 surf breaks in Cape Peninsula, Western Cape and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 20 breaks in Cape Peninsula, Western Cape.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Cape Peninsula, Western Cape
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 10,472,000
- Population
- 59,308,690
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- ZAR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 7.24 ZAR ZAR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +27
- Dialing out
- 09
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venḓa, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans and English are all official languages. Plus there are many other non official languages.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- dmn
Visas
Currently nearly every country in the world can go to South Africa without needing a visa but always check the latest news to be sure
Getting There
Most of the 50+ airlines fly to Johannesburg. Straight flights to Cape Town are easy to come by but more expensive. It's a 15min drive or taxi ride to the town centre or a 30min bus journey.
Getting Around
The road network is excellent and a rental car can be a smart move: expect to pay $150/w, gas is cheap (50c/l). Consider buying a car if you spend more than a couple of months travelling around the country. J-Bay is an 8-hour drive. Traffic keeps to the left. Driving is necessary to reach outlying areas. Driving is easy but beware of careless drivers.
Accommodation
Beachside BnB run by African Soul Surfer are the closest backpackers to the beach in Muizenberg. There are youth hostels in Camps Bay or in Kommetjie (Fendt Guesthouse or Tabankulu) for $20. Expect to spend $10 for a good meal. Local wine and lobster are both excellent and cheap.
Activities
There are plenty of cultural sites and some great bars and nightclubs. Take the classic cablecar ride up Table Mountain.
Hazards & hassles
Since 1960 there have been 30 shark attacks in Cape Town, on average 1 every second year. The main worry is the thick kelp at some spots and the oceans’ power. For such a big city, crowd pressure is low and it’s ranked as South Africa’s safest, but you still need to be careful.
Handy Hints
Stock up on cheap surf gear from the numerous well-supplied surf shops. Rental car from $150/w, gas is cheap ($0.90/l). J-Bay is an 8-hour drive.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.