Surf spot

Big Bay

Forecast conditions and map view for Big Bay in South Africa, Cape Town. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: South Africa, Cape Town
Coordinates: -33.7923, 18.4511

Metric
Metric	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00
Wave height (m)	1.4	1.3	1.2	1.8	2.1	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.2	2.2	2.1	1.6	1.7	1.6	1.5	1.3	1.3	1.2	1.1	1	1	0.9	1	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	1	1.1	1.3	1.7	1.9	2.3	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.5	2.4	2.1	1.9	1.8	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.8	1.8	1.6	1.5	1.5	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.7
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	WSW	WSW	SW	WSW	WSW	WSW	SW	WSW	WSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	9.8	9.8	9.2	12.4	12.8	12.6	12.3	12.1	11.7	11.1	10.6	11.4	10.3	10.2	10.2	10.1	9.8	9.7	9.6	9.6	9.5	7.7	6.5	7.2	8.2	8	8.4	6.5	6.3	6.8	6.8	8.8	6.8	8.8	9.3	9.6	9.8	9.8	9.6	9.7	9.7	9.7	9.7	9.7	9.4	9.2	8.9	9.1	9.3	9	8.9	9.8	10.1	10.6	10.2	10.3
Wave energy (kJ)	370	338	225	1027	1401	1638	1642	1483	1325	1150	972	649	649	533	439	363	318	262	223	190	166	100	91	96	104	95	106	72	86	116	159	442	341	796	1164	1233	1266	1246	1227	1139	1048	853	694	617	672	604	566	525	530	404	366	444	497	542	601	599
Wind speed (km/h)	18.1	17.6	18.1	22.5	23.3	29.9	21.9	19.4	10.5	11.9	12.4	15	8.2	12.1	4.9	8.3	4.6	13.1	16.6	26.5	32.1	32.4	24.9	23	24.2	21.3	18.6	28.7	32.4	28.3	18.1	12.2	5.8	9.1	10.3	11.2	19.2	26.4	15.6	14.6	11.5	14.6	13.8	18.4	16	17.1	14.5	11.5	11	10	19.6	35.6	32.7	30.7	25.3	24.5
Wind direction	SECross	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross	SSECross	SECross-off	ESECross-off	ESECross-off	ESECross-off	ECross-off	ECross-off	ESECross-off	ESECross-off	SSECross	NNEGlassy	NWCross	NNEGlassy	NCross-off	NCross-off	NNWCross	NNWCross	NNWCross	NCross-off	NCross-off	NCross-off	NNWCross-off	NNWCross	NWCross	NWCross-on	NWCross-on	NNWCross	NCross-off	NCross-off	NCross-off	ESECross-off	SSECross	SSECross	SSECross	SECross	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	SECross-off	SSECross	SECross-off	SECross	SECross	SSECross	SSECross	SBlown out	SCross-on	SCross-on	SCross-on	SCross-on

Big Bay, in Bloubergstrand just north of Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s most famous surf spots for its consistent Atlantic Ocean swells and iconic view of Table Mountain. It’s a broad, open bay with a long sandy beach and good wave exposure, which makes it a reliable place to surf when conditions are right.

What it’s like

Wave type: Mostly beach break, with shifting peaks along the bay.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, though beginners can find manageable smaller days.
Best conditions: Offshore easterly winds, medium to larger swells, and a little tide movement can help shape the waves.
Hazards: Strong winds, cold water, rip currents, and busy lineups when the surf is good.

Atmosphere

Big Bay has a lively, laid-back surf scene. It’s popular with locals, kitesurfers, and beachgoers, so the area can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. The backdrop of Table Mountain and Robben Island gives it a uniquely Cape Town feel.

Conditions and gear

The water is cold year-round, so a wetsuit is usually needed. A 3/2mm suit may work in summer, while a thicker 4/3mm or more is often better in winter.

Overall

Big Bay is a scenic, dependable surf beach with fun peaks and a strong ocean swell exposure. It’s a great Cape Town spot if you want a classic beach-break session with one of the best views in surfing.