Seal Point (Cape St Francis)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Seal Point is a world-class right-hand point break at Cape St Francis, producing hollow, sectiony waves with a distinct two-part structure separated by a rock (“Full Stop”). The wave is exposed and runs over rocky reef, which contributes to its fast, mechanical character and can create powerful barrel opportunities on the right swell and tide. Surf quality is described as world-class and consistent, with the spot able to start working at under 1 m and hold up to about 3 m+ on bigger swells. Rides are commonly reported as long—often in the few-hundred-metre range (with classic days stretching roughly into the 300–500 m band depending on conditions)—and the wave tends to become faster and more hollow as size increases. The spot is primarily best with NW or W winds (offshore relative to the point), which groom the face. Wind reliability is described as moderate, with winter frontal systems playing a large role; seasonal best months are centered on June and July, while a broader winter-to-early-summer swell and offshore-wind pattern is also referenced. Safety is a key priority: the break is rocky and shallow in places, with hazards including sharks and sea urchins, plus rip/strong currents and sharp reef. Daylight-only operation is noted for surfing. Recommended practice includes staying alert around the rocks and selecting the best entry/exit routes through the reef, and using protective footwear where sea urchins are present; lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability as limited.
- Long, mechanical right-hand point break with two sections separated by a rock
- Hollow/barrel potential on SW/E/S and larger swell
- Offshore-grooming NW/W winds commonly improve wave face
- Manageable crowds for most of the year
- World-class right-hand point break with long, mechanical rides and consistent performance through the best winter window.
- Offshore NW/W winds commonly groom the face for cleaner wave quality.
- Exposed, rocky launch and shallow reef sections; serious hazards include sharks, sea urchins, and rip/strong currents.
- Best wave days skew toward intermediate-to-advanced riders; heavy days demand experience due to sharp reef and two-section layout.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W
- Offshore directions
- NW, W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is highly dependent on winter frontal systems; offshore-grooming NW/W winds are commonly cited.
- Reliability
- Moderate; highly dependent on winter frontal systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness described as moderate in winter conditions.
- Best Months
- June, July
- Shadow Zones
- Directly behind the lighthouse and surrounding buildings.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline/reef with flat rocks and sharp rocky sections.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave size characterized as small at the spot-level; other descriptions indicate medium/working size depending on swell.
- Launch
- Small — Beach/paddle access with near-instant entry from the lighthouse parking area; rocky entry near the lighthouse for surfers (sandy beach launch exists in an adjacent bay).
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — One provider describes launch difficulty as easy with beach/paddle access; another describes surfing launch as difficult due to rocky entry—variability depends on swell and approach route.
Through the year
Quieter during weekdays and winter; busy during South African school holidays and weekends.
Winter months are most prone to frontal storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primary surfing focus at the point, but the adjacent bay is described as a kitesurfing area; advanced riders may sometimes venture toward the point on cross-shore days.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Challenging conditions for wave specialists; rocky launches and powerful swells are key factors.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Foiling is described as limited at the rocky point; foilers typically prefer sandy beach areas of Cape St Francis Bay to avoid reef contact.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
World-class right-hand point break with two distinct sections separated by a rock. Offers hollow barrel sections and fast, mechanical waves that can hold significant size on the right swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, S, SW, SE, E, W
- Swell Height
- 1–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide given as mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point with open-coast characteristics; not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Best with NW offshore or W winds, which groom the face; offshore NW/W described as grooming perfectly.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to ~3 m+ (10 ft+) with clean, perfect walls and barrel sections; becomes faster and more hollow as size increases.
- Wave Quality
- World class — World-class wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Frequently described as powerful; can become faster and more hollow on bigger swell.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow barrel sections are highlighted in multiple descriptions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Spot descriptions conflict slightly: one source emphasizes medium peel speed; another describes fast peeling sections. The overall characterization is section-by-section speed increasing on bigger days.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long mechanical rides with classic-length runs across multiple sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 300–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- Commonly reported 300–400 m on big swells; other reports indicate 300–500 m on classic days (and separate shorter ‘normal’ lengths in some summaries).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Seal Point (Cape St Francis) in the full forecast view.
Seal Point (Cape St Francis) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–17 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- ESE119°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3017 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–3.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 15–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Seal Point (Cape St Francis) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.6–3.2 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Sea urchins
- Sharp reef / shallow reef sections
- Rip currents / strong currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; regional emergency response exists via NSRI Station 21 at Port St Francis.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Humansdorp or Port Elizabeth.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism noted; respect standard surfing etiquette and rotation in the lineup.
Rules of the spot
Daylight hours only (surfing restrictions noted).
- Daylight hours only.
- Keep your head on a swivel due to shark activity.
- Be aware of the Full Stop rock separating two sections.
- Booties are highly recommended due to sea urchins on the rocks.
- Watch locals for the best entry and exit points through the rocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Humansdorp
- Nearest Town
- Cape St Francis
- Parking
- Public parking lot at the Seal Point Lighthouse.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is extremely limited; a rental car or private transport is recommended for accessing the Kouga area
- Access
- Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Humansdorp on the N2; follow signs to Cape St Francis/St. Francis Bay; continue to the coast and reach the parking lot at the Seal Point Lighthouse. Access to the beach is instant (<5 min walk).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses, villas, and self-catering apartments are abundant in Cape St Francis.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby cafes and restaurants are described as within walking distance of the lighthouse; also noted as nearby.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals available via local shops in the village.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to private accommodation or schools.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available in Cape St Francis or nearby St Francis Bay.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Seal Point (Cape St Francis)?
The best overall months at Seal Point (Cape St Francis) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July.
Which wind directions work at Seal Point (Cape St Francis)?
Seal Point (Cape St Francis) works with NW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Seal Point (Cape St Francis)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Seal Point (Cape St Francis): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Seal Point (Cape St Francis) suitable for?
Seal Point (Cape St Francis) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced to Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.