East London, Eastern Cape
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Positives
- Swells year-round
- Uncrowded, often offshore
- Many long, right points
- Warmer than J-Bay
Negatives
- Noon summer ENE wind
- High shark attack stats
- Cool, windy winters
- Spooky, empty line-ups
- Long drive from anywhere
East London, Eastern Cape surf travel guide
South Africa’s only river port, is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and the Wild Coast, and the swells that hit this Eastern Cape region are the most consistent for the whole South African coastline. Considering the warmer water and the number of legitimate right pointbreaks, East London is a world-class zone that sharks have managed to keep quiet. Many shark attacks have been recorded in and around the area so locals advise not to enter the water in the early morning or late afternoon, when birds and dolphins are seen feeding, and on no account to go out alone.
Surf spots in East London, Eastern Cape
Research the 15 surf breaks in East London, Eastern Cape and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in East London, Eastern Cape.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to East London, Eastern Cape
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
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 airlines hit Johannesburg (JNB). Daily flight depart to East London (ELS) taking 1hr30. East London is 1037km (645mi) from Cape Town, 658km (409mi) from Durban, 294km (183mi) from Port Elizabeth and 961km (597mi) from Jo’berg.
Getting Around
The road network is very good and long drives are the only way to get around so hire a car. It's a 1h30 drive from East London to Kei Mouth at the north end of the region. Access to most of the spots is easy, just don’t paddle across rivermouths when they run out to sea. Seaside resorts are only busy during summer.
Accommodation
Stay at Dawn Patrol camp near Nahoon Reef or the Sugar Shack at Eastern Beach ($20 dble, surf hire/lessons). Expect $5 for a good meal. Wine and lobster are cheap.
Activities
Nahoon Fossil Prints, in Nahoon Bats Cave are the oldest homo sapiens footprints, 200,000 years old! Check the lion park where you can handle lion cubs.
Hazards & hassles
Records show that shark attack is the main threat at most rivermouth spots. Buy a Shark Shield ($699) or Sharkbanz Shark leash ($180) to stop the Jaws theme playing in your head. Spots are fairly uncrowded and localism is rare. Wave power can be fierce in winter.
Handy Hints
Only drive during daytime. It takes 4-5h drive from J-Bay. Access to most of the spots is easy, just don’t paddle across rivermouths when they run out to sea. Just Surfing and Boardriders have shops in East London.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.