Jeffrey's Bay Introduction
Jeffreys Bay or J-Bay is 1 of the top surfing destinations in the world. This is a town where summer never ends, where the weather is almost always perfect for swimming and where there's always a wave to ride. J-Bay attracts pro surfers and hosts a number of international surfing events annually. Additionally, J-Bay is a nature lover's paradise. It's surrounded by scenic reserves such as the Seekoei Nature Reserve. It's also a popular spot for watching dolphins and whales.
Hotels in Jeffrey's Bay
You won't find a lack of accommodation in Jeffreys Bay. It's a major South African tourist destination, after all. The lodging selection here is made up of beach houses, guesthouses and self-catering holiday homes. Many cater to backpackers, offering snug, simple dorms with communal bathrooms. Others are more upscale, targetting travellers who can afford to splurge. Regardless of their market, these properties do offer luxury in varying degrees. For example, some backpacker hostels and budget hotels feature guestrooms with Jacuzzis. If you're travelling with family, staying in a holiday home will probably be more convenient for you. These picks are fully furnished and most have fully equipped kitchens.
Where to stay
Dolphin Beach is where most of the accommodation in Jeffreys Bay is situated. It's the most happening part of J-Bay, where people go to surf, swim, engage in various water sports or simply relax on the beach. North of Dolphin Beach is Kabeljauws Road. It doesn't get as crowded as Dolphin Beach, but you might want to stay here if you're a nature lover. Kabeljauws Road hugs the border of Kabeljous Nature Reserve, a coastal sanctuary. South of Dolphin Beach is the Marina Martinique, a gated community where you can find family-friendly holiday homes that come with terrific sea views.
Things to see
Kabeljous Nature Reserve is 1 of the many nature sanctuaries around Jeffreys Bay. Located north of J-Bay, Kabeljous Nature Reserve spans nearly three kilometres of coastline, featuring wetlands and forestlands. Some 100 species of birds and mammals call it home. South of Jeffreys Bay is Seekoei Nature Reserve. This nature reserve covers the 60-hectare estuary created by the confluence of the rivers Seekoei and Swart. You'll find at Seekoei around 120 kinds of birds, including flamingos, as well as mammals like mongooses and bush pigs.
Jeffreys Bay Seashells Museum reflects the fact that Jeffreys Bay is popular for its seashells. The museum has more than 600 shells from various species, some of which are rare. It has the largest seashell collection in South Africa. If you want to learn surfing, you can check out
JBay Adventure Centre. The centre offers not only surfing lessons but other opportunities for water fun.
How to get to Jeffrey's Bay
Jeffreys Bay is easily accessible on the N2 highway. One way you can get there is to fly to
Port Elizabeth International Airport. The airport handles flights from most major South African cities. From Port Elizabeth, you can rent a car and drive westward on the N2. The distance between Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay is 83 kilometres. You can cover this distance in an hour and a half. Another approach you can take is flying to Cape Town. Cape Town has Port Elizabeth-bound shuttles and buses that stop at Jeffreys Bay.
