This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Jeffreys Bay.
Jeffreys Bay, also called Jbay by the locals, is a coastal city in South Africa. It is about twelve hours by public transit from Cape Town, the capital of the country. This city gives any visitor the “small town” feel, making it perfect if you want some downtime, some rest and relaxation, and a small slice of adventure while doing it.
The residents of Jeffreys Bay are very hospitable people – you can find hostels in most of the tourist-heavy parts of the city. The hostels are typically affordable, as long as you don’t get dragged into deals that seem like bargains but actually are not. The people are friendly and make some great local delicacies if you want to sample them.
Most hostels also serve as base camps for you to go surfing on the beaches of Jeffreys Bay. During the “winter,” a west-blowing wind causes big waves to show themselves. Grab a surfboard and participate in the Winter Fest, a seasonal surfing competition that has put this town on the map. If you do not know how to surf, there are little surf schools for you to get the basics down.
If you are not in the mood for surfing, you may want to take a boat trip along the Marine Martinique canals in the city. Of course, if the sea is not really what you had in mind, you can rent out some horses and go riding along the dunes and wetlands of Jeffreys Bay. Alternative ways to enjoy the local area include biking, kayaking, and trekking through the wetlands.
Last, but certainly not the least, you can go skydiving in Jbay with one of the many helpful adventure tour operators in the city. The skydiving companies are usually booked early, so get your hands on tickets before you make your visit to the town. You can choose a beach landing for a better experience.
Written by local enthusiast for Jeffreys Bay hostels
Jakob Lombardi