The beautiful town of Jeffreys Bay is situated directly on the garden route and is only 75 km from Port
Elizabeth.On the coast of the eastern cape .
Known for its endless summers ,long white sandy beaches ,azure blue sea .Famous for surf and abundant shells (over 400 types of seashells make this the most abundant natural coast-line .
Very few locations around the world offer a coastal dune field .salt marshes ,freshwater wetland a nature reserve and the perfect wave .
Jeffreys bay is the ideal base from which to see many places of interest within a150 km radius ,make it easy day trips.
Say “Supertubes in winter” and surfers the world over will recognise Jeffreys Bay. At the end of autumn, surf bunnies from all over converge on “J-Bay” to ride the waves at Supertubes, Kitchen Windows, The Point and Magnatubes. There’s a seasonal excitement in the air, especially during the international Billabong Pro competition, as both young and old converge on the beaches to watch the riders in action.
Before the surfboard’s arrival to these part, however, Jeffreys Bay was known as a great place to collect shells – there is even a shell museum (the Charlotte Kritzinger) in town.
Jeffreys Bay falls into the greater St Francis Bay area, which is prime coastal real estate these days. Holiday resorts abound, and lighthouse lovers can visit Seal Point which has a 2.7 million candle-power lighthouse, erected in 1876.
Jeffrey’s Bay is proud to be the site of one of the world’s Blue Flag Beaches. This prestigious award requires the beach being examined to adhere to strict requirements in order to qualify for such a status. These criteria include the areas of safety standards, water quality standards, environmental education initiatives, providing environmental information to the general public, the provision of services to bathers and general environmental management standards.
This programme was started by a non-profit organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education in a bid to get beaches around the world to improve, and to recognise those who consistently insisted on the highest standards and focussed on safety and sustainability. The countries involved number approximately 60, and are situated in Europe, Africa, North and South America, Australia and Asia.
Over the years, this award has managed to become a much sought after achievement, lending the beach a status that could not otherwise have been achieved. Being internationally recognised also means that a Blue Flag Beach earns global acclaim, not just local recognition.
Dolphin Beach is the main beach in Jeffrey’s Bay, frequented by locals and regular visitors from around the world. This beach has achieved Blue Flag status and is, therefore, recommended for tourists in the area. Safe swimming conditions are complemented by ideal sunbathing spots for a perfect family getaway under the warm South African sun.
Blue Flag Beach managers commit much time and energy to ensuring that swimmers are as safe as possible. Ultimately, however, your safety depends on you. Some water safety tips to consider follow:
1. Swim near a lifeguard
2. Always swim between the red and yellow flags
3. Do not swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol
4. Do not go behind the breakers, even if you are confident of your swimming abilities
5. Always ensure that your children are visible at all times and do not leave them unattended
6. Do not strain against a rip current. Relax and allow it to pull you around until you reach the shore again
7. Call or wave for help if you feel that you are in danger
8. Report any swimmer that you may feel is having difficulty in the water
9. Keep your eye on the water at all times, do not turn your back on the waves
In addition to your safety in the water, remember to apply a high-factor sunscreen throughout the year, regardless of the season. Wear a broad-rimmed sunhat, sunglasses and light, cotton clothing that covers exposed areas of the shoulders, neck, arms and legs to avoid sun damage.
The beaches along the coastline of the Eastern Cape and Jeffrey’s Bay are breath-taking. They play a big part in the culture, and even the economy, of this coastal village. It is no wonder, then, that Dolphin Beach strove for such worldwide acclaim in the arena of water safety and environmental responsibility.
Jeffreys Bay is one of the five most famous surfing destinations in the world and hosts the annual Billabong Pro WCT surfing event at the Supertubes during July. Spectators and surfers from all over the world flock to this event, which can be viewed live over the internet and various television channels. OTHER SURFING SPOTS Boneyards, SuperTubes, MagnaTubes, Impossibles, Tubes, Point, and Kitchen Windows are all famous surf spots located in Jeffreys Bay.
Jeffreys Bay is famous for abundant seashells and calamari, and you can visit the Shell Museum for a display of the most beautifull shells. St. Francis Bay host the world's largest calamari industry, and you will enjoy the experience of watching the fisher boats come in to the harbour. Make sure to order some fresh calamari at one of the restaurants in the harbour...you will be in for a treat!
The nearby Kabeljous, Seekoei and Krom river lagoons host numerous water birds, and are also ideal for watersports like canoeing, boardsailing, and fishing. Every year, migrating whales make their way to Hermanus and Witsand to give birth, and whales can be seen breaching on almost every day during the season.
Just to the northeast of town on the Kabeljous River lies the Kabeljous Nature Reserve. It is a walk-about reserve, well known to anglers for a diverse number of fish. The Kabeljous estuary is one of the best preserved estuaries in the Eastern Cape. The lagoon is home to waterfowl, herons, and a variety of waders. Nearby, the Seekoei River Nature Reserve lies between Aston Bay and Paradise Beach. The reserve lies on the estuary formed by the Seekoei and Swart rivers. The reserve is rich in birdlife with over 120 species of birds. The lagoon is also home to numerous red-knobbed coots, buck and other small animals. Fishing from boats is prohibited here.There is also a circular hiking trail that takes about three hours to complete. The trail starts with a trip on a raft across the lagoon and runs through fynbos and subtropical vegetation.
For the shopping enthusiasts, there are numerous ways to spend your day... from the Billabong surf shops and factory shop, to the array of curio shops and in due time, the new shopping mall.THE FOUNTAINS ,chain stores such as Edgars Woolworths ,Mr Price P&P
Jeffreys Bay is approximately 1 hour's drive from the Nelson Mandela Metropol , also known as Port Elizabeth, on the N2 highway. There you will find the Port Elizabeth Airport, Dolphin Aquarium, Happy Valley and many other activities.
Then for the more adverturous person, there is bungee jumping, white river rafting, canopy tours, great white shark diving, tubing and a lot of sight seeing at the Storms River Mouth, on your way to Knysna.
While Jeffrey’s Bay offers the perfect seaside resort with endless prospects of some quality rest & relaxation, there is no opportunity for boredom. Whether you are on a surfing holiday, a family trip, or a business appointment, J’Bay guarantees a fun, convenient stay in an authentic South African environment.
Follow the N2 West from Port Elizabeth (about 70km) or the N2 East from Garden Route and use the turn off to Jeffreys Bay. The BazBus stops on its way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in J-Bay and there are a number of intercity bus companies who are stopping in Jeffreys Bay. There is no train connection. You can easily walk around in town. Most places you want to be are centered around Da Gama Road, the main beach and Supertubes. Though it is a short distance that can easily be walked, people often hitchhike along Da Gama road between Supertubes and downtown J-Bay.
# video #
Famous for the billabong
An interview with Cheron Kraak:
“We were so in our own little world in Jeffreys Bay in those days, our own little bubble, and I remember someone saying to me, “You should have an international surf contest here. Look at the waves.
So that was when we held the first Country Feeling Classic in ‘84. We didn’t advertise, it was so low key the whole thing, and I remember someone said to me, “Is there going to be surf for your contest?” I said, “Of course there’s going to be surf!”
I wasn’t sure about much else to do with it, but I knew there would be waves. And it was held just over a weekend, there was no such thing as a waiting period in those days. I woke up the day of the contest and it was eight foot.
Ari, the guy I was married to at the time, said to me Gordon Merchant from Billabong is here and he has this kid from Australia with him. He paddled out there and just blazed, blew everyone out of the water. That kid was light years ahead of everyone, and he won the event. It was Occy, of course.
The following year was classic. Back in ’85, our event used to be held just before the Gunston in Durban. Occ had come over to South Africa early to stay with us, and he’d asked if he could come back and stay when he got back from Durban. I said, “If you win the Gunston you can come back and stay.” On the Sunday night I get this phone call. “Hey, Cheron, it’s Occ. I won the Gunston. Can I come back and stay?”
And that was it; I don’t think he’s missed a year since. When the kids were young he’d hang out and play with them and look after them and fight with them. I’d make him eat his vegetables because he was still so young and I’d say, “Don’t forget to brush your teeth, Occy.” It was like having another kid around.
But he was all time. Occ was so much fun. And even when he had his wobbly times he’d come back here and hang out for six weeks. He’d arrive here with a suitcase, and the suitcase would have no clothes in it. “Occ, where are your clothes?” “Oh, they were dirty so I left them at home.” Then he’s leaving to go to America and I go, “Occ, have you got any money?” and he pulls 10 rand out of his pocket.
The first contest at Supertubes.
Occ was the first guy to come and stay with us, and then the floodgates opened. He was the first of many. Most of the guys were young and didn’t have much of a clue about where they were, so this became their home while they were here. The town was way smaller and there was no restaurant here on the point back then, so all these guys would hang out and eat here. It sort of became the place to hang out for all those guys. Every year I see the guys who have stayed here and they’re still the same.
SEALS st francis bay ,port francis best place to view them
a lovley day outing from a1 kynaston
FUR seals, or sea lions, have external ears and a hind limb that can be rotated forward to allow them to walk and climb on land. They are skilled climbers and may be sighted in surprisingly high places.Fur seals are so named for their thick pelt. There are14 species of fur seals, including the Cape Fur Seal which is the one we usually see at the Port st francis TRUE seals have no external ears and their hind legs cannot be rotated forward. True seals have only a thin covering of hair. Thereare 18 species of true seal.Seals can travel up to 50 – 80km per day,and can dive up to 200m for food .Males spend months off shore
WHAT DO YOU CALL A GROUP OF
SEALS?
POD ; COLONY ; CRASH ; FLOCK ;
HAREM ; BOB ; HERD ; ROCKERY ; TEAM ;
HURD
TRUE LOVE
When males arrive at the breeding site, they fight fiercely for territory so as to be able to impress the females. The males come ashore to set up territories in late October. The females follow soon afterwards.The females are very particular when choosing their mate, basing their decision on how much territory the male CLAIMS as his.
HAREMS
20 – 30 cows to one bull
Within 6 days of giving birth the cow is again mated with by the bull.
Embryo implantation into the uterus is delayed for four months, with an eight month gestation period ensuing, resulting in synchronous annual seasons of birth.Nursing females remain at the colony for most of the year, feeding at sea and returningevery few days to suckle the pups
Subantarctic fur seal (white-faced seal) resting at Cape St Francis.
They are regularly seen in South African waters, especially in winter.
