The Cape Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches offering excellent surfing conditions in all directions year round. Cape Town, positioned where two oceans meet, offers two coastal stretches extending from the city giving surfers a variety of spots for every skill level, from small-beach break waves to challenging reefs. Before jumping into the locations, Cape Town weather fluctuates rapidly affecting the swell so be sure to check weather forecasts or surf forecast/surf report websites for these specific beaches. Here’s a guide to the best spots to catch your perfect wave, no matter your skill level.
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Muizenberg (Beginner + Intermediate) 🏄
Muizenberg, also known as Surfer’s Corner, is the most popular spot for beginners thanks to its long, gentle waves. Its technicolour huts line the beachfront and the beach’s long sloping drop-off softens incoming swells creating slower and smoother waves—ideal for learning. The sandy bottom of the waters means there is no reef or rocky ocean floor to worry about. Plenty of surf schools line the beachfront along with board rentals, surf shops and restaurants; so there is no problem if you lack gear or experience.
Surfing here in Summer is a laid-back experience but can be exciting for intermediate to advanced surfers when the swell’s pumping. Winter, however, is Muizenberg’s best season to surf as the cold fronts skimming past the Southern Ocean send strong southwesterly swells straight into the bay. Surfer’s Corner is a versatile spot for surfers of all skill levels and is also popular with the longboarders of Cape Town. With its iconic views and friendly people, you wouldn’t want to miss the surfing opportunity.
Address: Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7945
Llandudno Beach (Intermediate + Advanced) 🌊
Llandudno Beach, just 18 kilometres from Cape Town’s city centre, is a secluded gem situated between Camps Bay and Hout Bay. This sandy-bottomed beach break offers powerful hollow waves reaching 4 to 6 feet on average—8 feet or more during bigger swells. These waves are thrilling rides for those who can handle their fast and punchy breaks. The swell can hit hard, especially from the southwest with offshore east winds, making it a prime spot during winter.
Llandudno is popular but secluded with limited shops and restaurants nearby. Visitors can take a short drive to Hout Bay for a bite to eat, however, there are several vendors scattered around the beach for ice creams, cool drinks and snacks. This quiet atmosphere is perfect for surfers looking for a retreat from the bustle to focus on the fun of the sport. The view is immaculate with white sands, crystal blue waters and grand boulders creating a gorgeous backdrop, especially during sunset!
Address: Victoria Road, Llandudno, Cape Town, 7806
Big Bay (Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced) 🩴
Situated between Melkbos and Bloubergstrand, Big Bay is also a great spot for novice surfers with its manageable waves and lively atmosphere. This southwest-facing gem picks up enough swell to offer steeper waves than Muizenberg, making it a perfect step up for beginners looking to level up. In winter the swell size can reach an exhilarating 6 to 8 feet, a thrilling experience for experienced surfers. There are mild rip currents and rocky areas at either end of the beach so surfers should be a bit more mindful, but the overall experience is exciting and enjoyable.
Big Bay attracts a friendly mix of locals and tourists adding to the welcoming ambience! It is well-prepared for visitors with several surf rental shops offering gear as well as surf lessons at varying rates. After a satisfying surf session, coffee shops are scattered near the shoreline providing the ideal spot to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to pack your wetsuit as the weather is often windy and the Atlantic waters are refreshingly chilled. (A bonus for kitesurfers, though!)
Address: Otto du Plessis Drive, Bloubergstrand, 7441
Dungeons (Advanced + Competition Only) ☁️
Dungeons, located off the coast of Hout Bay, is known as one of the 16 big wave spots internationally, offering a dangerous and adrenaline-pumping surfing challenge. This surfing spot is accessible with a boat ride from Hout Bay taking you to deep reefs that create colossal 15 to 30-foot waves on average and around 60 feet at the highest. Only the most experienced surfers can handle these fast and unforgiving waves as they create steep drops followed by thick barrelling sections.
Hout Bay offers many restaurants, grocery stores and surf shops to ensure you’re well-prepared for the ride to Dungeons. It is also famous for Red Bull Big Wave Africa, a big wave surfing competition attracting adrenaline-seekers from around the globe. The majesty of the wave set against the backdrop of beautiful Hout Bay makes Dungeons an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Address: Accessible by boat via Hout Bay Harbour – 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Long Beach (Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced) 🏄♀️
In the quaint town of Kommetjie, 40 minutes from Cape Town, Long Beach is a surfing spot beloved for its consistency. Since this spot faces nearly due north, the southwest wind blows offshore making it one of the few breaks that can handle the wind in Cape Town. On a good day, Long Beach offers long waves that keep you gliding for hundreds of metres but the gentle waters closer to the shore are a great place for beginners to practise as well. The wave heights range from 2 to 5 feet on average. It also serves as an enjoyable spot for longboarders and shortboarders.
The beach has a gorgeous backdrop of white sands and the rugged Kommetjie’s coastline. The small-town feel of this area creates a tranquil atmosphere making it feel secluded even when it gets busy on the weekends. There are multiple surf spots in and around Kommetjie so the social climate is quite friendly with many cafes, surf rentals and surf schools operating in the area. Long Beach can be considered the epicentre of Cape Town’s surf scene and has waves for every skill level.
Address: Baleen Drive, Kommetjie, 7976
Kalk Bay Reef (Advanced) 🪸
Situated in the heart of Kalk Bay, the eccentric and quaint fishing neighbourhood, Kalk Bay Reef is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre. A prime spot for experienced surfers, this iconic reef break is considered a classic, quintessential Cape Town surf experience. It offers powerful, hollow left-hand waves with solid swells from the south and southwest, creating deep barrels reaching 8 feet or more. Kalk Bay is an ideal playground for those who can handle heavier surf.
Kalk Bay also offers an eclectic mix of culture and commerce, with wonderful restaurants, charming coffee shops and friendly people. When you’re not surfing you can take a walk to the iconic fishing harbour and catch a glimpse of the seals, get a taste of the local fish and chips shops or paddle in the quaint Kalk Bay Tidal Pool. Whilst the waves can be intimidating—or exhilarating for the adrenaline junkies— Kalk Bay’s vibrant ambience has an old-world charm that everyone should experience.
Address: Kalk Bay, Cape Town
Scarborough Beach (Intermediate + Advanced) 🌅
Scarborough Beach is situated within the tiny coastal village of Scarborough, an hour’s drive from Cape Town near the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The distance is worth it for surfers looking to escape the busier breaks to focus on their craft! It is a smaller beach with a remarkable backdrop of dramatic mountains and lush greenery. Powerful Atlantic swells break consistently right toward the rocks, giving intermediate to advanced surfers ample opportunity to practice, with occasional lefts depending on the day.
This break is a fantastic spot for surfers who enjoy a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. The waves range from 3 to 6 feet, though they can get larger in winter, with stronger currents and riptides—not the best for beginners—it offers an exciting experience. The social climate is laid-back, with fewer surfers and beach visitors than other Cape Town spots. Wetsuits are a must as the Atlantic waters can be chilly. This area is perfect for those who want the perfect solitary surf session and can be enhanced with a relaxed walk along the beach to enjoy the pristine views.
Address: Scarborough, Cape Town, 7978
The Hoek (Intermediate + Advanced) 🪝
The Hoek is a small bay, hidden behind boulders in the far right corner of Noordhoek. It is a majestic barrelling peak pushing over shallow sandbars with crystalline blue waters. The Hoek’s secluded position thrives under the howling summer southeast winds creating swells that bounce off the rocks. The barrels are quick and hollow, creating quick and hollow waves ranging from 4 to 8 feet that demand some skill from surfers.
The water is pretty chilly, so bring your wetsuits. This spot is tranquil and perfect for visitors who want ocean space solely for surfing lovers. The Hoek also offers breathtaking views, with a grand mountainous backdrop. Bring your sunscreen, gear and refreshments and enjoy the ride!
Address: Near Noordhoek
Witsands Beach 🪣
Witsands, named after its pristine white sands, is located along the scenic coastal road from Scarborough to Cape Point. It is a beloved surfing spot for locals because of its consistent waves and peaceful environment. The waves break slower over its sandy bottom with a mix of smaller swells, ideal for intermediates and beginners. The long stretch of white sand creates a gentle gradient that is more forgiving than harsher reef breaks. The uncrowded lineup and refreshing views make it a lovely surfing spot for all skill levels.
Witsands Beach also offers a big wave surf spot further into the waters towards the reef, known as the Crayfish Factory. Experienced surfers can venture towards a rocky headland known as Die Eiland (the island) to encounter the powerful hollow waves it offers. If visitors need access to cafes, restaurants or local shops, Scarborough is a 10-minute drive away. Between the gentle beach break at Witsands and the heavy barrels at Crayfish Factory, this stretch of coastline is a prime spot for every surfer.
Address: WItsands, Cape Agulhas, 7280
Insider Tips for Cape Town Surfing 🦑
- Check the Wind: Offshore winds create cleaner and rideable waves whilst onshore winds make the waves choppy and difficult. Cape Town’s unique geography offers numerous surfing spots regardless of wind direction, so be sure to look for surf report/forecast websites for your chosen destination.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Cape Town’s surfing scene is expansive and populated, be mindful of locals and their etiquette and rules whilst in the waters. Surfers closest to the peak have right of way, try to avoid paddling directly into the lineup and don’t hog the waves.
- Safety First: The Atlantic waters are cold, especially in winter when the conditions are best for surfing. Ensure you’re covered up to avoid the flu. Local surfers also recommend a buddy system to maintain safety precautions as well as having double the fun.
- Beware of Wildlife: However rare shark attacks are, Cape Town is home to a population of Great White Sharks so be sure to look out for warning flags along the beaches, some have shark spotters and some don’t. The surf report/forecast websites have reports on shark activity if needed.
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most remarkable surfing gems with numerous spots for every surfer, whether you’re navigating popular spots with a welcoming surfing community or seeking calm waves. Its unique geography lends bays, beach breaks and reef breaks galore regardless of weather or tide, you will find waters suited to your skill level alongside coastal views to marvel at. You can immerse yourself in the local culture and breathe in the true essence of Cape Town. Good luck and surf’s up!