It’s almost impossible to beat the wind on the Cape Peninsula. This means that if one of the peninsula’s two coasts has a bad wind, the other should have a good one. Further north, there are also a number of dramatic breaks.

Dungeons, Hout Bay

Dungeons is a sheltered reef break on the Cape Peninsula that only works occasionally. It seems to only works during a winter storm and is considered one of the world’s “big wave” venues. Dungeons’ 15- to 30-foot swell breaks over a shallow reef on the sea side of Hout Bay and is only accessible by watercraft. The adrenaline rush is made even more intense for the brave (and seriously experienced) surfers because this area is one of South Africa’s sharkiest surf spots.

Winter is the best season for surfing in this area. The offshore winds are blowing from the northwest. Groundswells are more common than windswells, and the best swell direction is southwest. It has a right hand reef and it’s best at low tide.

When things are going well here, it can get a little crowded.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is an exposed beach break that only works when the conditions are ideal. The best times to visit are in the spring and summer. The best wind direction is east to northeast. Groundswells are more common than windswells, with a westerly swell angle being ideal. The beach breaks provide both lefts and rights. Take care of the rips in this area.

Scarborough Beach is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. The beach is less crowded and is only about 45 minutes outside of the city. This is ideal for surfers and bodyboarders looking for a peaceful session with spectacular views.

Llandudno Beach

Llandudno is unquestionably a lovely beach. It has warm sand, clear waves, and a mountain range in the distance. It should be noted that it is only suitable for advanced surfers.

Llandudno is an exposed beach break that only works occasionally. The winds off the coast are blowing from the east. Groundswells are more common than windswells, with a swell angle of southwest being ideal. Both lefts and rights are available at the beach breaks.

The beach is often crowded. Keep your eyes peeled for sharks.

Elands Bay

This is a popular location for people wishing to avoid the crowds—it is located 135 miles/220 kilometers north of Cape Town on South Africa’s West Coast. There are a few guesthouses and self-catering rentals, but it’s mostly wilderness. The wave here is best in the summer, when a southeasterly swell holds up a westerly swell to create a cranking left point break.

Don’t forget to bring your wetsuit and hoodie; the water here is extremely cold.

Long Beach

Long Beach in the tiny town of Kommetjie is an hour’s drive of Cape Town. The beach is located on the Atlantic side of the southern Cape Peninsula.

Long Beach is a sheltered beach break with consistent surf. Winter is the best season for surfing in this area. The offshore winds are blowing from the south. Clean groundswells are the norm, with the best swell direction coming from the southwest. Left-handers can be found at the beach breaks. Crowds are more likely when the surf is high.

Be wary of sharks.

Outer Kom

Outer Kom is an exposed reef and point break with good surf. Winter is the best season for surfing in this area. The offshore winds are blowing from the northeast. Outer Kom is prone to receiving distant groundswells, with the best swell angle coming from the west. There are two reefs to choose from: left and right.

Even on good days, there aren’t many surfers here. Be wary of sharks, kelp, rips, and sea urchins.

Muizenberg

Muizenberg, located on the outskirts of False Bay, is home to Surfer’s Corner, a popular swimming beach. The best wind direction is west to northwest. Clean groundswells are the norm, with the best swell direction coming from the southeast. The beach breaks provide both lefts and rights. It can get a little crowded. Sharks have been spotted, so be cautious.

Muizenberg can be a long boarder’s paradise. There are a number of surf schools that rent out boards and wetsuits. In the summer, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and the pounding southeaster.

Stilbaai

Stilbaai is one of several excellent surf spots along the Garden Route, which runs east of Cape Town. Stilbaai has a fairly consistent shore break in front of the village, but those in the know wait for a big south to southeast swell to really grind the right-hand point break. If you’re lucky, the bay’s semi-resident dolphins will join you on the backline.

Victoria Bay

When it’s working well, Victoria Bay, a very narrow, steep-sided bay on the outskirts of George (which is on the Garden Route), is jealously guarded by young locals. Because of the bay’s shape, this spot is open most of the year and is suitable for surfers of all skill levels.