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Jeffreys Bay is located within the Cacadu District of South Africa.

Super tubes

Understand

Map of Jeffreys Bay

Also known as J-Bay, the town is famous for surfing, white sand beaches and an abundance of sea shells. The town became popular with surfers after the 1966 movie Endless Summer.

The Jeffreys Bay region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, never ending summers, plentiful shells and is best known as “the Surf Mecca of the World”. The beautiful beaches are safe for bathing and provide endless excitement for water sports. Not far from Jeffreys Bay lies the charming town of St Francis Bay. It is known for its endemic white houses with either black tile or thatch roofs blending together with the Sardinian-style red tile roofs. Approximately half of the town is built around the largest web of manmade canals and waterways in Africa. Adjacent to St Francis Bay is the pastoral fishing village of Cape St Francis with its outstanding beach and historic Seal Point Lighthouse while Port St Francis is the harbour. Visit Oyster Bay, a town that caters for those who enjoy quiet time and relaxation. Explore this district with its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife and adventures - surf the waves or swim with dolphins, there is something for everyone in this picturesque and breathtaking Jeffreys Bay area.

2km east of JBay is Marina Martinique, a development on 5km of man-made saltwater canals. 2.5 km north, is the beautiful valley of Kabeljousriver with its waterfall. These are good places to stay if you like a bit more peace and quiet than accommodation in town can offer. Aston Bay borders on Marina Martinique and if you cross the causeway over the lagoon of the Seekoi River, you come to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is relatively undeveloped with 6 kilometers of unspoiled beach all the way to the Kromm River which separates from St Francis.Not recommended to swim across

Ocean temperatures are around 23°C in summer

Jeffreys Bay Tourism, ☏ +27 42 293-2923, . 

Get in

By car

Follow the N2 West from Port Elizabeth (75km) or the N2 East from Garden Route and use the turn off to Jeffreys Bay. Jeffreys Bay is 876km from Durban and 356km from East London.

By bus

The BazBus stops on its way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in J-Bay and there are a number of intercity bus companies stopping in Humansdorp (drop-off for St Francis) and Jeffreys Bay.

Minibus taxis depart from the corner of Goedehoop and St francis street going to and from Port Elizabeth. one hour. R50.

Eldo Coaches have buses from Jeffreys Bay going to Cape Town and East London. the fare from Jeffreys Bay to Cape town is R360. and the fare from Jeffreys Bay to East London is R 310.

By shuttle

  • St Francis Bay Airport Shuttle services, ☏ +27 78 499-4027, . This cab service travels betweenPort Elizabeth airport, Jeffreys and St Francis Bay and transport tourists in and around the various towns and establishments. [1] 
  • J-Bay Cabs, ☏ +27 83 611-1003. Offers shuttle service between Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay, registered and fully insured, Available 24/7. 

By plane

  • The nearest domestic airport is the Port Elizabeth Airport, which is approximately 75km away.
  • The nearest international airport is the Cape Town International Airport which is approximately 650km away.
  • There is also a good gravel airstrip - 1300m for small planes in Paradise Beach.

Get around

You can easily walk around in town. Most places you want to be are centered around Da Gama Road, the main beach and Supertubes. Car rental, taxi, and bike rental are also available.

  • Bicycle Hire, ☏ +27 83 661-5393. As the name says, available at All Africa J Bay Lodge oppesite 7/11 in centre of town 

See

  • Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum, ☏ +27 84 240-1741. The Jeffreys Bay Surf Museum is situated inside the QuicksilverShop, where the history of surfing in Jeffreys Bay is displayed by way of newspaper clippings, articles, old magazines, ancient surfboards and lots of other interesting objects. 
  • Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum, ☏ +27 42 293-1945, . M-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 9AM-1PM. J-Bay is well known for the huge quantity and the quality of shells that can be found on the beaches. A good book to use as a guide is The Sea Shells of Jeffreys Bay by Douw and Elise Steyn (ISBN 0-620-24008-3, Eldolise Publishers, strynde@mweb.co.za). There is an annual Shell Festival in September and a lovely Shell Museum on the corner of Drommedaris and Da Gama Roads. 
  • Aston Bay. Situated between Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach, this area offers long stretches of untouched sandy beaches surrounded by protected nature reserves. Sightings of small buck, tortoises, a large variety of birds, rabbits and mongoose are part of every day life in this nature conservancy and the creatures are much loved by local home-dwellers. 
  • Humansdorp, ☏ +27 42 295-1361. The pleasant town of Humansdorp can be found en route to Plettenberg Bay from Port Elizabeth. The Kouga Cultural Centre is a famous attraction due to its symbolism and portrayal of the African Renaissance. 
  • Oyster Bay. What originally started off as a coastal farm before 1956, has since evolved into the small coastal town called Oyster Bay. Found 14km west of St Francis Bay, activities such as swimming, as well as rock, deep sea and surf fishing can all be enjoyed in this seaside town. 
  • Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach promises a relaxing day on a pristine white beach, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The name itself, explains it all…it really feels like paradise. Because of its wide and uncrowded beach, it’s also a paradise for windsurfers and kite boarders with a nice breeze most of the year. 
  • St. Francis Bay. The charming holiday town of St Francis Bay is known for its endemic white houses with black roofs, either tile or thatch, together with Sardinian-style red tile roofs. It is set around the astonishing Marina canals, offers a delightful escape from the pressures of daily life, in a haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the glorious beaches, excellent water-sports, a leisurely lifestyle and the magical beauty of its unspoilt surroundings. 
  • Cape St Francis, ☏ +27 42 294-0076. Cape St. Francis is renowned for its peace and tranquility. Nonetheless, surfers from all over the world flock to this coastal village in hopes of surfing a wave at the popular Seal Point. There are a number of nature reserves in the area, and another key attraction, is the lighthouse, which was established in 1878 and has since been declared a national monument. 

Do

Surfing in Jeffreys Bay

The enthralling Jeffreys Bay boasts gorgeous blue flag beaches with plentiful shells - safe for bathing, water sports and fishing. The best beaches fro sunbathing and swimming are Dolphin Beach (the main beach) and Kabeljous-on-Sea. The best surfing location is the Super Tubes, home to the perfect wave. Other spots include the Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Point and Albatross.The area offers everything from kite surfing on the Seekoei and Kabeljouws rivers to regular kite flying and a myriad of other water sports, including canoeing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and even some great angling from the rocks or out at sea. Game drives, mountain and quad biking and are but some of the other exciting options to consider.

Surfing

Be a spectator at the annual Billabong Pro surfing competition, watch surfers at Supertubes all year round or hit the waves yourself. With numerous surf schools, surf shops and surfboard manufacturers based in the town, there is no excuse not to learn.

Fishing

A number of companies offer deep sea fishing charters. Most of the boats operate from nearby St Francis.

  • J-Bay Fishing, Shop 7, Flauna Building, Goedehoop St, ☏ +27 83 300-3200. All gear will be supplied. Cost is around R400 per person per trip, but discounts can be had if you book as a group.. 
  • Boat Milady – Deep sea fishing charters., ☏ +27 42 293-1896, . Whether you are into reef, river, estuary, deep sea or coastal fishing there are plenty of incredible locations to choose from within the Jeffreys Bay area 
  • Bluewater Fishing Charters, ☏ +27 42 293-1928. 

Golf

  • Cob Creek, ☏ +27 82 822-5315. Come and enjoy the wines of Cobb Creek. Situated up the Kabeljous River Valley on the outskirts of Jeffreys Bay. Your tasting can be accompanied with a great meal from our restaurant, or a browse around the wine shop. 

Horse, hiking & mountain biking trails

There are a number of small nature reserves in the area, such as the Kabeljous Nature Reserve, which is a walk-about reserve with a safe beach for swimming and excellent fishing spots, as well as bird watching. The reserve includes a 4 kilometre hiking trail and its own flock of pink flamingoes (when in season). Nature lovers can also enjoy the Noorsekloof Nature Reserve, which runs through a popular residential area. Here you can look out for small buck and many birds while walking the 3 kilometre trail running alongside the stream, while breathing in the magnificent fragrances of indigenous fynbos. The Seekoei River Nature Reserve, situated on the Seekoei River estuary, is a bird watcher’s paradise with hides overlooking the river. For the energetic, Jeffreys Bay can also be explored from the seat of a rented mountain bike. There are some exciting places to visit of which the waterfall, located just outside of town, is perhaps one of the best. The natural pools are refreshing to say the least, while the waterslide and cliffs from which to jump off is perfect entertainment for the more adventurous.

Other

Buy

Most shops and businesses are along the main road (Da Gama Street) or concentrated around the small main town area.

The new Fountains Mall 9am-6pm has recently opened just outside of J-Bay with lots of the major shops, i.e. Game Clicks, Mr Price, Woolworths, etc.

Supermarkets

  • Spar, 4 Mimosa Street.. (updated Sep 2015)
  • Pick N Pay, St Francis Dve (in Fountains Mall), ☏ +27 42-2933000. (updated Sep 2015)
  • Shoprite U Save Supermarket., Cnr Pell & Duine streets, ☏ +27 422931349. a no Frills Supermarket. (updated Sep 2015)

Surf gear

J-Bay is a good place to have a custom board shaped, as a number of surfboard manufacturers have made the town their home.

  • Jeffreys Bay Custom Surfboards, . www.jeffreysbay-blog.co.za [2] Order your custom shaped surf board online, just as you want it ! International shipping ! 
  • Rebel Surfboards, ☏ +27 42 293-4410. Surfboard shapers and manufacturer. 
  • Glen D'Arcy, 33 Jeffreys Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2204, . Locally manufactured Classic J-Bay designs as well as imported NSP and Sunset Softboards. 

Clothing

There are many shops selling surfer wear and this is the place to buy an exclusive Billabong or Quicksilver outfit. Apart from the retail stores, there are also surf brand factory stores where you can find great surf gear at bargain prices.

Gift shops

Eat

Style
This article does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Plunge forward with these suggested fixes: Listings should be organized by price category (Budget/Mid-range/Splurge), not by cuisine type.

Breakfast

The best budget breakfast has to be the Breakfast Pie.

  • Spence's Pies, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-0630. Try their breakfast pies, filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and tomato. 
  • In Food. The IN place and serves the best breakfast and coffee in town just opposite Fruit&Veg. 

General

Restaurants are plentiful, Le Grotto and De Visvijf in town are well worth a visit.

  • Walskipper, Clapton Beach, Marina Martinique, ☏ +27 42 292-0005, . Dig your toes into the sand and look out over the ocean while enjoying a seafood platter. Walskipper is very popular during South African holiday seasons; best to phone and book the day before. During most other times of the year you can just walk in and sit down. 
  • Tapas Lapa Seaside, On the beach at Marina Martinique, ☏ +27 83 321-8508. 

Fast food

All local and international fast-food franchises are present in J-Bay. There are also numerous excellent seafood takeaways, most notably Die Vismantjie

  • Chicken King, Salamader St, ☏ +27 42 293-3908. Chicken burgers and party platters. Cheap, but not good food. Avoid or buy a single burger first to test for yourself. 
  • Debonairs, 30 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-3398. Part of the Steers group. American style Pizza's so don't expect a thin base, but their toppings are good. Free delivery 
  • Die Kospot, 110 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-4320. Homestyle cooked meals. 
  • El-Nino Pizza, ☏ +27 42 293-3679. 
  • Fishermans Seafood & Take Aways, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-3579. 
  • Steers, 30 Da Gama Rd, ☏ +27 42 293-1919. A South African burger chain. Very good value for money. Try their hero steakrolls. 

You can have almost all fast foods delivered by making use of special delivery services.

  • J Bay Transporter, ☏ +27 83 6111-003. Operated by J Bay Cabs. Available 24/7, see website for on-line menus and services. 
  • Mr. Delivery, ☏ +27 42 293-3004. Open 11AM to 9:30PM. They will accept food orders and deliver it to your door from most fast food outlets and restaurant that do not deliver themselves. Pick up one of their booklets from most fast food outlets. R10 in Jeffreys Bay to R15 in Kabeljous. 

Braai

  • Jarinda Butchery, 4 Goedehoop Str, ☏ +27 42 293-2388. Excellent braai chops. 

Drink

The main swimming beach, Dolphin Beach, is an Alcohol Free Zone.

There are many pubs and two nightclubs in town. Sadly Tritons no longer exists as a new holiday apartment development has replaced it.

  • The Mexican, 19A Da Gama Rd (Above Country Feeling Surf Shop), ☏ +27 42 293-2966. Tu-Su 12PM till late. A Mexican themed Restaurant. Live music and the party can get quite intense with people ending up dancing on the tables by early morning. 
  • Havana, Above the Spur in the Time Square building. Lively nightclub next to the beach. Moved from their old location to this spot. 
  • Sovereign, Da Gama Rd. Sports bar and nightclub. 

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget Under R500
Mid-range R500 to R1000
Splurge Over R1000

J-Bay caters for all kinds of accommodation. Backpacking hostels, caravan and camping, bed and breakfast, self-catering and hotels can all be found.

Camping

Backpackers

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

Robberies of tourists and less careful locals are becoming more frequent. Be careful when walking alone on the beach, or while walking in town at night. Do not leave valuables visible in your car. Xenophobic attacks have happened in 2008, affecting local Somalians. Be careful when traveling along the road between Jeffreys Bay and Aston Bay at night, as pedestrians do cross without warning between the small informal settlements on both sides of this road. Also watch out for stray animals on the road.

  • At the closest airport, get directions and information from marked information counters
  • Stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at all times
  • Use only registered and qualified tour guides. Contact tourism offices for a list of qualified tour guides

Important phone numbers

Stay healthy

Connect

For contact details for food and groceries, vehicles, home services, liquor, medical practitioners, nurseries & garden services, pharmacy, professional, cleaning, legal services, photography, security, timber decks, housing, health and beauty call the local or international telephone directory.

Local telephone directory: 1023

International telephone directory: 10903

There are a number of internet cafes in town. Some offer wifi access and some are equipped for Skype calls.

Cope

Churches

  • Baptist Church, Dolly Varden St (near to Caltex Wavelands), ☏ +27 42 296-3290. A loving, warm family church. Services at 8:30AM and 6PM. Coffee lounge at 5PM - All welcome. Kidz Klub on Friday nights for Primary School children. July holidays - Holiday Club. 
  • Catholic Church, ☏ +27 42 291-1262. 
  • Ned Gereformeerde Gemeente, ☏ +27 42 296-2451. 
  • Presbyterian Church, ☏ +27 42 296-2545. 
  • Victory Church. 
  • The Vine Church, Cnr Noorsekloof & Mimoma Streets (The Old Presbyterian hall above Paint Link), ☏ +27 79 174-9185. All welcome. Service at 9AM. Discipleship programs run on Tuesdays 7PM-9PM including such courses as ALPHA. 

Go next

  • The Gamtoos Valley and Baviaanskloof
    • See the Great Train Race during August or September where runners race The Apple Express stream trains from PE to Loerie.
    • Visit Hankey and see the grave of Sarah Baartman just outside the town and the largest sundial in Africa (36.4m in diameter).
    • Take a relaxing drive to Patensie and have breakfast at Tolbos.

Wildlife and game viewing is only a short drive away

This city travel guide to Jeffreys Bay has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star!


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