Jeffreys Bay

Jeffreys Bay [1] is a town in South Africa near Port Elizabeth. The municipal area includes adjacent Marina Martinique, Aston Bay, and Paradise Beach.

Culture and History

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.

Since then the town has grown considerably and is now a well know holiday destination.

With a permanent population of around 20,000 people, J-Bay is a very quiet little town for most of the year, but it becomes very active during South African holiday periods (especially December/January) and special events such as the Billabong Pro and the annual Shell Festival, when the population can overnight grow to 120,000 or more.

2km south of the town is Marina Martinique, a development on 5km of manmade saltwater canals. A good place 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, you will enter into Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is still relatively undeveloped with many kilometers of unspoiled beaches all the way to St Francis.

Ocean temperatures range from around 23°C in summer to (insert your favorite expletive) cold in winter.

Travel to Jeffreys_Bay, visa requirements

By car

Follow the N2 West from Port Elizabeth (about 70km) or the N2 East from Garden Route and use the turn off to Jeffreys Bay.

Buses to Jeffreys_Bay

The BazBus stops on its way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in J-Bay and there are a number of private bus companies offering tours from Port Elizabeth.

By train

There is no train connection.

Flights to Jeffreys_Bay, airtickets

Get around

By foot

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

By thumb

Though it is a short distance that can easily be walked, people often hitchhike along Da Gama road between Supertubes and downtown J-Bay.

By bike

  • Bicycle Hire, ☎ +27 (0)72 237-7422. As the name says.

By car

  • Imperial Car Rental, Magnatubes, Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-2897. For cars and beach buggies.

By taxi

  • J-Bay Cabs, ☎ +27 (0)83 611-1003. Offers transport in town or to local attractions and Port Elizabeth airport.

Jeffreys_Bay attractions and sightseeing

  • The Billabong Pro [2] Surfing Competition is held annually in July.
  • The Marina Mile swimming contest is held at Marina Martinique middle December.

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.

The bay is a playground for dolphins all year round and during the winter months you can also see whales passing by.

  • Shark Aquarium, Marina Martinique. Tours and Shark feeding between 11AM and 12AM and again between 3PM and 4PM. Sharks are kept here before being sold and shipped to aquariums around the world. R25 per person.

City tours

Best beaches for sunbathing and swimming are Dolphin Beach (the main beach) and Kabeljous-on-Sea

The best surfing location is Super Tubes, home to the perfect wave. Other spots are Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Point and Albatross.

Learn to Surf:

  • Jeffreys Bay Surf School, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4214 or +27 (0)82 324-7284 (). Wetsuit and board is supplied. Around R300 for first lesson.

Jay Bay Sandboarding (listed above) also offers sandboarding on the dunes in neighboring Aston Bay.

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

  • J-Bay Fishing, Shop 7, Flauna Building, Goedehoop street, ☎ +27 (0)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..
  • Bluewater Fishing Charters, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1928.

  • Enchantment Tours, ☎ +27 (0)722 377 422 (), [5]. Bases in Town, Day Tours to Addo, Garden Route, play with lion cubs and much more.

Shopping, Jeffreys_Bay souvenirs

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

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.

  • Rebel Surfboards, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4410. Surfboard shapers and manufacturer.
  • Glen D'Arcy, 33 Jeffreys Str, ☎ +27 (0)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.

  • Billabong Concept Store, 1a Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 200-2672.
  • Billabong Surf Shop, Magnatubes, Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 200-2640.
  • Country Feeling Store, 19 Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 200-2611.
  • J-Bay Surf Co., Shop 4, Flauna Building, cnr Goodehoop and Da Gama, ☎ +27 (0)42 200-2617.
  • Surfer Girl, Shop 1, Wavecrest Centre, 126 Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 200-2639.

Gift Shops

  • Shell Bay Blue, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4409.
  • The Lavender House Gift Shop, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3967.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

Breakfast

The best budget breakfast has to be the Breakfast Pie.

  • Spence's Pies, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-0630. Try their breakfast pies, filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and tomato.

General

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

  • 20 Pepper Street, 20 Pepper Street, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1728.
  • Aston Arms, Dolphin Drive, ☎ +27 (0)42 292-0792. Excellent Portuguese fare. Have a beer with Manual.
  • Cafe Portofino, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2443.
  • Castaways. Dance and spit Braai's.
  • De Visvijf, 55 Diaz Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3921. Open Monday to Sunday from 9AM to 3PM and Monday to Saturday from 5PM till late. Seafood and steaks.
  • Dulce, Spar Centre, Da Gama Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-2078. Ice cream and coffee bar.
  • Kitchen Windows, Ferreira Street cul de sac, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4230. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30AM to 2PM and 6PM till late.
  • Parklane Restaurant, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2621.
  • Sunflower Restaurant & Coffee Shop.
  • Tampa Bay Spur, Time Square Building, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4206, [7]. A South African restaurant chain, good steaks.
  • The Mexican Restaurant & Coctail Bar, 19A Da Gamma Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2966.
  • Wimpy, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1727.

For something completely relaxed and different, try the Walskipper or Tappas restaurants at Marina Martinique. Both have beach sand floors and a casual atmosphere. Be prepared to be served in tin plates and mugs at Walskipper; no glass or ceramics are used as broken shards in the sand will pose a serious hazard.

  • Walskipper, Clapton Beach, Marina Martinique, ☎ +27 (0)42 292-0005 (), [8]. 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 (0)83 510-1579.

Fast food

With the exception of McDonald's, most local and international fast-food franchises are present in J-Bay. There are also numerous excellent seafood takeaways, most notably Die Vismantjie

  • Die Vismandjie, 110 De Gamma Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1241. Probably the best fish takeaways in South Africa

  • Chicken King, Salamader St, ☎ +27 (0)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 Road, ☎ +27 (0)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 De Gamma Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-4320. Homestyle cooked meals.
  • El-Nino Pizza, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3679.
  • Fishermans Seafood & Take Aways, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3579.
  • Steers, 30 Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)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 Mr Delivery

  • Mr. Delivery, ☎ +27 (0)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 (0)42 293-2388. Excellent braai chops.

Jeffreys_Bay nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

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 Gamma Road (Above Country Feeling Surf Shop), ☎ +27 (0)42 293 2966. Open Tuesday to Sunday 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.
  • Alcatraz, Above the Spur in the Time Square building. Lively nightclub next to the beach.
  • Sovereign, Da Gama road. Sports bar and nightclub.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

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

  • Aston Bay Caravan Park, ☎ +27 (0)82 637-5737.
  • Jeffreys Bay Caravan Park, ☎ +27 (0)42 200 2241.
  • Kabeljous Caravan Park, 33 Da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3300.
  • Pelrus Caravan Park, ☎ +27 (0)42 200 2283.

Backpackers

  • Indi Africa Backpackers, 25 Spekboon Str, ☎ +27 (0)82 464-3111 (). 200m from the sea, TV, Pool and bar.
  • Island Vibe Backpackers, 10 Dageraad Street, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1625 (, fax: +27 (0)42 293-4214), [9]. On the beach. They will collect you in Jeffreys Bay or Humandorp free of charge; collection from the airport in Port Elizabeth is charged at R200. Rates range from R70 per person to R315 per room.
  • Jeffreys Bay Backpackers, 12 Jeffrey Street, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1379 (, fax: +27 (0)42 296-1930), [10]. R60 to R250 per night.
  • Surfpackers at Supertubes, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2671.
  • Ubuntu Backpackers, 8 Cherry Street, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-0376 (), [11]. Overlooking the surf. Free breakfast, free internet. Rates range from R75 per person to R220 per room.

Budget

  • Jeffreys Bay Holiday Resort, Dromdaris Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1330.

Mid range

  • Accommodation Jeffreys Bay. www.jeffreysbay-blog.co.za Our personal selection of the best accommodations. Let us help you. No charge !
  • Beach Cabanas, 118 Da Gama Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2820.
  • Diaz 15, 15 Diaz Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1779. Beachfront holiday apartments
  • Marina Martinique B&B, ☎ +27 (0)42 292-0000, [13]. On the marina canals.
  • Savoy Hotel, Da Gama Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2445 (fax: +27 (0)42 296-2445).
  • Stratos Guest House, 11 Uys Str, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1116.
  • Waterside Lodge, ☎ +27 (0)42 292-0003. 2 and 3 bedroom units on the Marina Martinique canals and 100m from the beach, Walskipper and Tappas.

Contact

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

  • Atlantic Internet Cafe, 18 da Gama Road, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-2399 (), [18]. Open 8AM to 6PM Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM on Saturday and 9AM to 4PM on Sundays. Wifi available.

Stay safe

Safety is not as big a concern as in larger South African cities, but it still pays to be careful. Do not leave valuables visible in your car.

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.

Important phone numbers

  • National Sea Rescue Institute(NSRI), ☎ +27 (0)42 294-0131 or 082-911.
  • Police, ☎ 10111.

Stay healthy

  • Dr. J.S. Bouwer, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1244. Dentist.
  • Dr. Jan Nagtegaal, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-1166. Doctor.
  • Finmed Pharmacy, Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Road (fax: +27 (0)42 293-2618).
  • Private Care Ambulances, 22 Kemp Str, Humansdorp, ☎ +27 (0)42 291-0749 ().
  • Private Hospital, Humansdorp, ☎ +27 (0)42 295-1100. The closest Hospital is located about 20km away in the town of Humansdorp.

Cope

  • Cornerstone Laundromat & Coffee Shop, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-0732.

  • Heathwise Gym, ☎ +27 (0)42 293-3545.

Churches

  • Baptist Church, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-3290.
  • Catholic Church, ☎ +27 (0)42 291-1262.
  • Presbyterian Church, ☎ +27 (0)42 296-2545.

Get out

  • 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

  • Shamwari, ☎ +27 (0)42 203-1111 (fax: +27 (0)42 235-1224). The Cape's premier Big 5 game reserve.
  • Addo Elephant Park, ☎ +27 (0)42 233-0556 (fax: +27 (0)42 233-0196).

This Guide-quality article has been nominated for "Star" article status. To be considered a Star article, it has to be comprehensive, properly formatted, and well written. Please comment on whether or not you think it meets the specific criteria, at Wikitravel:Star nominations#Jeffreys Bay. And if you think it's not quite ready, please plunge forward and help make it so!

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