South Surf 100

Not long ago this was a sleepy town, but now J-Bay sports round-the-clock development with low-rise apartments (you could live and surf here), beachside resorts, and dozens of cafes. Ask any local, though, and they'll tell you J-Bay is a surf town.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa - Surfers' HeavenRelaxed and friendly, even the rich and famous want a piece of the action. Along the coast you will spot some of best mansions to grace a beach. The beauty continues all the way down to the break at Cape St. Francis, immortalized by the 1960's movie "Endless Summer".

To get to Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, fly or bus into Cape Town, then get another bus or hire a car or mini-bus. Remember, it's 600 Km.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa - Surfers' HeavenAnd if you want to see the pros in action, come in July during the world famous Billabong Pro. It's held at "Supertubes" beach. The top pros have called Supertubes the most perfect and predictable wave in the world.

But the tournament was once delayed due to sharks in the area. Because of the warm water from the Indian Ocean, sharks are attracted here. But locals say the sharks main hang out is at Nahoon Reef, some 400km down the cost.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa - Surfers' HeavenWaves can get pretty big - sometimes up to 3 meters (10 ft), however, Jeffreys Bay is known for being safe. But that combination together and you just must make a trip here during your lifetime. There are surf shops that plan trips and many die hard surfers go as part of a pilgrimage; join them - it's that good.

Best time to go in between the end of May and the end of August. This is perfect for surfers who surf the North Shore, Hawaii, or Tahiti, to get in some waves year-round. Many are making J-Bay a summer vacation destination because there is much to do around the Jeffreys Bay area.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa - Surfers' HeavenThe beaches with the best breaks are Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magnatubes, Phantoms, and the Albatross. Believe it or not, there are beaches that can provide you with a ride as long as three minutes. Keep your eye on that wave.

Now some say that KwaZulu, Natal's Durban - with its year-round warm weather and water beats Jeffrey's Bay - but don't tell that to a local.

Our thanks to local surfer Sven Herselman of East London for help with this article.