West Coast, Western Cape
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Positives
- Variety of left pointbreaks
- Some easy mellow waves
- Cheap and uncrowded
- Scenery and wildlife
Negatives
- Few consistent spots
- Cold water year round
- Kelp and mussels
- Lack of tourism infrastructure
West Coast, Western Cape surf travel guide
South Africa’s Atlantic west coast north of Cape Town, shivers in the cold Benguela Current, which brings colder water temperatures in summer than winter, but also acts as a highway for swells to arrive at several kelp-covered, north-facing, left pointbreaks tucked behind headlands. Elands Bay has become a popular playground for Capetonian waveriders, whenever there is some significant swell action.
Surf spots in West Coast, Western Cape
Research the 10 surf breaks in West Coast, 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 10 breaks in West Coast, Western Cape.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to West Coast, 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
The only way to access this region is to drive. From Cape town to Elands Bay takes 3hrs.
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.
Accommodation
E-Bay is tiny: stay in the beach caravan park ($3 per tent) Elands Bay Hotel from $25 p/n b&b. Eat as much red gold (crayfish) as you can. Seafood is cheap including anchovies, pilchards and long, thin, silvery snoek.
Activities
Plenty of birds like flamingos, pelicans and herons at E-Bay river or at the West Coast National Park. Don’t expect city action, E-Bay has two pool tables and two cafes. Visit the Bobbejaanberg Cave in Baboon Point.
Hazards & hassles
Most visitors are Capetonian weekenders so the crowd thins on weekdays. Have enough neoprene to protect your feet from the mussels. Frequent winds and a strong smell of fish can be a hassle as well as the thick kelp, which can hamper your board speed. Country towns are breeding grounds for the endemic racism that blights South Africa. On a positive note, sharks are not a problem in this area of SA.
Handy Hints
Use the designated town parking lot before walking out to the point. Living costs in SA are low.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.