It’s no secret that Cape Town is packed with many awesome surf spots along its coast. From giant reef breaks and gentle swells to small coves and expansive beaches, there is plenty to choose from. The good news is that most of these places offer ideal conditions for surfing and the months of June, July, and August are perfect for surfing. Some of these surf spots are ideal for beginners, while others attract advanced surfers. Let’s take a look at some of the best surf spots in Cape Town.
1 Long beach
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Located close to Kommetjie and just 40-minutes from the center of Cape Town, Long beach boasts some of the best waves in the Cape Peninsula. When the south-westerly wind is blowing, there are both breaks to the left and to the right here at Long Beach. Keep in mind that there are no shops or board rentals on this beach, so you need to bring your own equipment and some snacks. This surf spot is suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
2 Muizenberg
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One of the most famous surf spots in Cape Town, Muizenberg is located in False Bay and offers gentle waves which are ideal for beginner surfers with little experience. Often referred to as the Surfer’s Corner, this beach is also a place where you can learn how to surf with the help of professionals who work at surf schools. In case you get hungry, there are several restaurants where you can grab a snack or order a refreshing drink.
3 Big Bay
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Nestled right between Melkbos and Bloubergstrand and just a 30-minute drive from South Africa’s Mother City, Big Bay is ideal for surfers for all skill levels. The wave here is quite a short ride, especially on small days when it’s perfect for beginners. Kite surfers also love this place and you can even rent a board or a wetsuit right at the beach. Several coffee shops can be found here, as well as a number of restaurants.
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4 Glen Beach
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Glen Beach is reserved only for seasoned surfers mainly because of the hollow and powerful waves. The beach also offers magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain right between Clifton Beaches and Camps Bay. If you are staying in the center of Cape Town, this beach is just a 5-minute drive away. When the conditions on Glen Beach are favorable, it can get quite busy.
See Also: 15 Awesome Outdoor Cape Town Adventures to Try
5 Dungeons Beach
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Located just off Hout Bay, Dungeons surfing spot is only accessible by a boat ride from Hout Bay’s Harbour. This is definitely not a place for amateur surfers, as the waves here rise as high as 20 meters. The only downside of this place is that the big waves can be only found during certain times of the year. In case tow-in surfing is something you might be into or like watching, make sure to visit the Dungeons Beach.
6 Scarborough Beach
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One of the best-kept secrets of the Western Cape, Scarborough Beach is located a 45-minute drive from the Mother City just outside the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It’s an ideal place for intermediate and experienced surfers, as well as for people who are into kite surfing. The great thing about this beach is that it is rarely crowded.
7 Llandudno
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Suited for intermediate and advanced surfers, Llandudno is an amazing beach break and definitely one of the most picturesque spots in the area. Nestled around the corner from Camps Bay and just a short drive from the center of Cape Town, this place boasts crystal-clear waters, white sands, and massive boulders. Keep in mind that there are no board rentals here.
See Also: 15 Top-Rated Outdoor Adventures in South Africa
8 Crayfish Factory
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One of the most challenging surf spots in Cape Town, Crayfish Factory is reserved for advanced surfers only. You can find this place just a 50-minute drive from the city center and the waves here can get up to 15 feet. Visitors should know that due to the bigger waves at the Crayfish Factory, good paddling skills are required.
9 The Hoek
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Situated about 300m from the parking lot at Noordhoek Beach, the Hoek offers crystal-clear tubes and ideal conditions for surfing. The waves here are for the more advanced surfers and there are only breaks during three months of the year in the summer season. Expect to find a good southeasterly wind and clear barrels during these three months.
