Best surfing destinations in Africa
Best surfing destinations in Africa
Powerful coral reef wave breaks and uncrowded coastal points in Africa
Southern Africa is home to one of the most consistent right-hand point breaks on earth, drawing professional competitions for decades, while North Africa's Atlantic coast offers an entirely different, more accessible kind of surf travel just a short flight from Europe.
The destinations on this list range from world-class point breaks with serious professional surf history to more forgiving beach breaks suited to learning. Southern water runs notably cold even in summer, while northern coasts stay warmer and more approachable year-round.
Checking shark advisories remains genuinely relevant at several southern African breaks, where great white activity is a real, well-documented part of the local surf culture. Local surf schools can arrange board rental and lessons. Checking local surf reports the morning of a session also tends to make a noticeable difference to overall conditions encountered.
Lists by region
Country
South Africa
Where wildlife meets diverse landscapes
Cold Atlantic spray stings on the west coast. Indian Ocean water off Durban feels as warm as a bath. Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa, marks where the two oceans meet. Breaks range from the long point wave at Jeffreys Bay to beginner beach breaks at Muizenberg.
Town in South Africa
Jeffreys Bay
Surf‑swept sands and lively coastal vibes
Winter swells arrive from June to September. The World Surf League holds its event here each July. Supertubes is a fast right-hand point break that can run 300 metres or more. Whales breach off the coast in season. Shells wash up on the beaches in large numbers.
City in South Africa
Durban
Sunny beaches and rich culture
Warm Indian Ocean water and sea breezes greet surfers along Durban's Golden Mile. The beachfront runs about 6 kilometres and has piers that shape the waves. Winter water stays near 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so short wetsuits are enough. Surf schools rent boards at beaches such as Bay of Plenty.
Village in Morocco
Taghazout
Coastal charm where surf meets tradition
This fishing village is about 12 miles north of Agadir on the Atlantic coast. Right-hand breaks such as Killer Point and Panorama lie along the nearby coast. Winter swells from November to March bring the biggest waves. Water stays near 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
City in Senegal
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
The 1960s film The Endless Summer started its surf trip in Dakar. Mike Hynson and Robert August rode Ngor Right, a point break off Ngor Island. Swells from both north and south bring waves all year. Yoff and Virage have sandy beach breaks for beginners.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Muizenberg Beach on False Bay has slow rolling waves for beginners with surf schools along the sand. Colourful bathing huts stand beside it at St James. Dungeons, off Hout Bay, is a big wave break that can top 10 metres. Water on the Atlantic side is cold at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Country
Ghana
Gateway to vibrant African culture
The Gulf of Guinea sends swells onto a coast of palm lined beaches and fishing villages. Busua in the west has beach and point breaks for beginners and intermediates. Kokrobite is about 30 kilometres from Accra and has uncrowded lineups. Miemia Bay has a long point break with peeling waves.
Outer Territory in France
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
A series of shark attacks since 2011 led officials to limit where people can surf. Saint-Leu has a well known left-hand wave but sharks have been seen there. Some beaches have nets or supervised zones. Check current local rules before paddling out. The volcanic island rises to about 3,070 metres.
Country
Liberia
Untouched rainforests and sandy coastlines
Surfing is a young local tradition that began when American visitors taught Robert Lomax after 2003. He then taught others in the town. The African national surfing titles have been held in Robertsport. Left-hand point breaks like Cassava Point curve along the shore. The town is about 50 miles northwest of Monrovia.
Country
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
The coast runs about 1,500 miles, longer than the US West Coast. Tofo has beach breaks with warm water and surf schools. Manta rays and whale sharks swim offshore so many surfers add a snorkel day. Ponta do Ouro in the far south has a point break near the South African border.
Country
Namibia
Desert wilderness meets wildlife wonders
Skeleton Bay is a left-hand wave that peels along the Pelican Point sand spit near Walvis Bay. Rides can run longer than a kilometre in good conditions. Winter from June to September is the main season. Water is cool at 57 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Seals and dunes line the nearby coast.
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