Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Coffee Bay Point is a reasonably exposed point break on the Wild Coast, known for fairly consistent surf that can work year-round. Waves wrap around the headland to create long, workable rides, with quality improved when winds align from the west to northwest. For swell, the spot is best on south to southwest energy. Winter conditions (especially June through September, with June often cited as the standout month) tend to bring more powerful surf and more frequent longer-period lines. One description notes winter can deliver powerful, often barrelling waves running over sand and reef seafloor, while another describes a quality wrapping right-hand point break with long peeling walls. The entry/exit is a major consideration: the launch area is described as a rocky entry point requiring careful timing between sets. Bigger swells can make entry and exit significantly more dangerous, and currents/rip currents and a sweep toward rocks are reported. Shorebreak is described as moderate, and obstacles include exposed rocks (especially at low tide) and submerged boulders along the point. Safety planning is essential. Hazards include rocks and sharks, and shark activity is possible along this stretch of coast. Avoid surfing alone and avoid low-visibility conditions; additional guidance is to avoid surfing at dawn/dusk or after heavy rain when river mouths may be murky. Lifeguards are not present and rescue availability is reported as not on-site, so plan for self-rescue capability and travel time to medical care in Mthatha (about 1.5–2 hours away).

  • Long rights/peeling walls on well-aligned SW/S swells
  • Winter often delivers more powerful, barrelling lines
  • West to northwest winds commonly groom the wave faces
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Consistent point-break surf with long, workable waves.
  • Offshore wind direction often improves wave grooming.
  • Strong winter performance with best alignment on south/southwest swell.
Heads up
  • Rugged, rocky entry and exit with significant hazards (rocks and sharks).
  • Currents/rip currents can be strong, especially on larger swells.
  • No dedicated on-site rescue service or lifeguards reported.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WNW, N
Offshore directions
W, WNW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — West to west-northwest winds are commonly offshore/grooming for surf; northwest to north winds can also contribute depending on timing.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
Best Months
June, July, August
Shadow Zones
The point/nearby headland can shelter the line from strong southerly winds by the headland.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand is reported; other data describes mixed beach composition.
Waves
Small — Smaller surf is possible outside peak swell; winter can become much more powerful.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry point requiring careful timing between sets.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Rocky entry/exit; timing is critical.
Shore Break
Moderate — Moderate shore break reported.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–24 °C
Water Temperature
14–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Busy during school holidays and when a good swell is running; generally quiet mid-week.

Storm/Rain Season

Summer (November to February) often sees higher rainfall and more onshore winds.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A reasonably exposed point break with fairly consistent surf year-round. Waves wrap around the headland and can break both ways (notably offering long rights and also left-hand waves). Winter can bring powerful, often barrelling lines over reef and sand.

Point break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Works best on a mid tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Exposed overall, but can get semi-sheltered by the headland relative to some wind directions.
Wind Effect
West and northwest winds are offshore, grooming wave faces; northeast/east winds are onshore and can ruin quality.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well, wrapping around headlands with long-period energy; entry and exit become significantly more dangerous on bigger swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Generally described as good, with consistency improving during winter conditions.
Wave Power
Powerful — Surf can range from good day-to-day conditions to more powerful winter lines.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Often mixed; can offer peeling sections and occasionally hollow moments in winter.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peels at a medium pace on well-aligned swells.
Ride Length
Long — Very long rides are possible when the swell is well-aligned.
Typical Ride Length
200–300 m
Ride Length Details
Waves can peel for long distances on well-aligned swells; one source cites peels of about 200–300 meters, and another cites a typical ride length around 250 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Coffee Bay Point in the full forecast view.

Coffee Bay Point wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
E90°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 3015 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
1.6–3.3 m8s period
Temperature
16–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Coffee Bay Point is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.6–3.3 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Strong currents
  • Rip currents
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No on-site rescue availability reported.
Emergency Info
The nearest major medical facilities are in Mthatha (about 1.5 to 2 hours away). Emergency numbers in South Africa are 10111 or 112 from mobile phones.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism reported.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers who frequent the point.

Restrictions
  • Do not surf alone.
  • Avoid low-visibility conditions.
Local Tips
  • Timing the entry across the rocks is critical to avoid being caught by sets.
  • Avoid surfing alone or in low visibility; shark sightings are possible along this coast.
  • Avoid surfing at dawn, dusk, or after heavy rain when river mouths are murky.
  • The spot works best on a SW swell and mid tide; be cautious of the rocks near the inside line.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
Nearest Town
Coffee Bay
Nearest Airport
Mthatha Airport (UTT) (~100 km) or East London Airport (ELS) (~280 km); Port Elizabeth and Durban are also cited as alternatives for flights.
Parking
Limited parking near the beach hotels and backpackers
Public Transport
Limited; most visitors arrive via private 4x4 or shuttle transfers, with limited informal minibus-taxi options.
Access
Accessible via a paved road from Mthatha, followed by a short walk from local accommodation or parking areas. Also described as rural and remote shores in the heart of the Transkei on the Wild Coast.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
IsiXhosa, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — A mix of rustic backpacker lodges, campsites, and small coastal hotels near Coffee Bay.
Food & Drink
Several local restaurants and bars attached to backpackers and hotels offer seafood and traditional meals.
Equipment Rental:
Basic surfboards may be available for rent at local backpackers.
Gear Storage
Limited storage facilities are occasionally provided by local backpackers for guests.
Gear Repair
No professional gear repair services available locally; nearest facilities reported in East London or Durban.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Coffee Bay area is known for a rugged, outdoors-focused Wild Coast experience with dramatic scenery and hiking opportunities.

Best time to visit: Winter (May to September, with emphasis on June to September) for more consistent swells and offshore grooming; best months commonly cited include June, July, and August.
Hole in the Wall8 km to 11 km

A massive detached cliff with a natural archway carved by the sea; also described as a natural coastal arch and hiking destination.

Local Xhosa Villages3 km

Guided tours offering insight into traditional Xhosa lifestyle, architecture, and customs in the surrounding hills.

Wild Coast Hiking Trails0 km

Extensive coastal trails connecting Coffee Bay to various remote bays and viewpoints.

Mpuzi Caves

Explore Mpuzi cliff edge and caves, including Bat Cave.

Mpuzi Cliff Edge

Epic cliff jumping opportunities.

Coffee Shack Bar1 km

A popular social hub for travelers and locals, known for nightly events and a rustic atmosphere.

Beach Exploration0.5 km

Safe lagoon areas and wide sandy beaches can be suitable for children during low tide.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Coffee Bay Point?

The best overall months at Coffee Bay Point are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Coffee Bay Point?

Coffee Bay Point works with W, WNW, N winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.

What skill level is Coffee Bay Point suitable for?

Coffee Bay Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.