I assume most of us, when we have to dig deep in our pockets, expect every penny’s worth in return. Fair enough! We all work hard and therefore we can certainly think that way. The same applies to when going on holiday. What makes Jeffreys Bay a good choice for a holiday destination is what you can reach within an hour or two’s drive, from Port Elizabeth all the way down to the Tsitsikamma and even further. Doesn’t matter what the size of your budget is, there are a vast variety of amazing places and things you can do.
Surfing
Jeffreys Bay is one of the five most popular surfing destinations in the world, placing it on the world’s best surfing spot list. This is because of the long, tubing and consistent right hand point break on the west side of the bay, especially in season. There are several sections to choose from. At the main beach you’ll find Kitchen Windows, followed by Magna Tubes, Boneyards, Super Tubes, Impossibles, Tubes, Point and last but not least Albatross. The best waves occur between May and September. Depending on where you see yourself on the ability scale, you will quickly find your most suitable surfing spot. In season, waves can vary from about 8 to 20 feet.
Surfing Lessons
The best right hand break makes Jeffreys Bay the best spot to test the waters and start to learn about this popular sport. From being a complete beginner or should you need more guidance about surfing, there are several people offering their services to help you with quality wetsuits, surfboards and the necessary skills to enjoy every moment.
Sand boarding
Jeffreys Bay also offers some excellent dunes where many people face adrenaline filled fun. From a beginner slope to a raging bush run, this sport became quite popular and if you look for a fun action filled group activity, you’ll find the best spot right next to Tapas, seafood restaurant, only a five minute drive from Jeffreys Bay.
Dining
Being the Surf Mecca in South Africa, Jeffreys Bay cannot afford to stand back when it comes to wine and dine. With thousands of people coming and going, Jeffreys Bay has quite a list of restaurants you can choose from. Here a list of some of them:
The Greek is a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Greek way, within a Greek style interior, within walking distance from the beach.
InFood offers gourmet burgers, fresh salads and the best desserts on sheltered stoeps. The best breakfast and lunch spot in town.
Kitchen Windows offer good seafood and meat options with pasta and pizza options should you prefer otherwise… on the beach front.
Potter’s Place is a fully licensed coffee shop and restaurant where you can indulge in good food and good coffees, cappuccino’s and more. They also offer several shows.
Catch of the Day is well known for their mouthwatering prawns, calamari and the catch of the day. Also within walking distance from the beach, they offer quite a variety and became a very popular visiting place for friends and family.
If you need to refuel, there are many more to choose from.
Horse riding
10km outside of Jeffreys Bay is the ever popular Papiesfontein. Here, experienced guides take riders along a 13km circular route leading through fynbos coastal vegetation, between Gamtoos and Kabeljous rivers. This offers to be an experience never to be forgotten with breathtaking views from the dunes to gallops through the shallows or on the sand.
Game Viewing
Visitors to Jeffrey’s Bay and the surrounding areas will delight in spotting lush forests and valleys, vast expanses of coastline and thick bushveld. These landscapes and natural environments offer an equally broad spectrum of animals and birds. Lombardini Game Farm, next to the Seekoei River Valley is within a few minutes from Jeffreys Bay. They offer luxurious accommodation and game drives. The Addo Elephant Park is not to be forgotten. This park is extensive, housing about 500 elephants with lions, warthogs, ostriches, kudu, springbuck, giraffes, zebras and countless other species.
Bungee Jumping
This activity at the Bloukrans Bridge, is an adrenaline rush of 216m bungee jumping, the highest bridge jump in the world. Being in the heart of the Tsitsikamma, it promises to be a nature experience you will never forget.
Shopping
This surfing hub offers all the brands within the surfing world. Billabong, Quicksilver, Ripcurl, Lizzard, Oakley, Jeep and Element are but a few of the brands you can pick up when strolling through the streets of Jeffreys Bay. Apart of everything you can do around this beautiful town, shopping is something you can really look forward to.
Shell Museum
Jeffreys Bay has always been associated with the vast variety of sea shells the beaches offer. The shell collection started at the home of Charlotte Kritzinger. Her collection was stored in boxes and she most willing shared and show them with visitors on requests. After her death, her collection was purchased by the local municipality and the collection was displayed in the local library. Shells are still donated today from all over the world and this collection is on display daily in the Shell Museum nearby the main beach in Jeffreys Bay.
Fishing
Jeffreys Bay offers kilometers of beach with brilliant surf fishing in great surroundings. While children keep themselves busy in rock pools, many a parent get a chance to pull out the best and famous edible fish of this area. From Gamtoos, up to Kabeljous and Checkers Beach Break you will find excellent spots and if you are more adventures, there are quite a few people that make it their business to take you out to the deep waters.
To Conclude
Several books and articles about Jeffreys Bay have seen the light. The few lines offered hear are hardly enough to cover but a glimpse of everything it has to offer. Landscapes, seascapes, activities and attractions are about what life has to offer from a combination of nature and the creativity of people to offer to us when we need to take a break from a busy daily work life and have to unwind to get back home again, refreshed and ready for the next race.