En route to Jeffrey's Bay I encountered the old Van Stadens Bridge. I shuddered at its reputation as the "bridge of death" – by suicide – for many.
En route to Jeffrey's Bay I encountered the old Van Stadens Bridge. I shuddered at its reputation as the "bridge of death" – by suicide – for many.
It's such an incredible contrast to the paradise of Jeffrey's Bay that revealed itself just kilometres away. It introduces itself so beautifully as you approach.
Vistas of undulating beach hugging blue waters stunned me.
I've always loved the seaside, and J-Bay is definitely one of the paradises I've seen in my life.
The beach looked serene. It was deserted except for few tourists strolling along and some brave surfers fighting high waves crashing onto the coast.
My relaxed beach walk was a perfect escape from the city noise.
J-Bay is actually one of the top five surfing destinations in the world.
It also boasts a Blue Flag Beach, which means that it meets stringent international standards of water quality and safety.
I was told that you can see dolphins in the bay almost daily, and whales come to calve between May and August.
I gazed hopefully offshore to spot some, but I guess I was too optimistic.
J-Bay is surrounded by nature reserves that are a playground for all sorts of birds too.
Visitors are really spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the outdoors there as a plethora of activities like sand boarding, kite surfing, mountain biking and horse riding can also be done.
The town is famous for retail indulgences too like arts, crafts and surf shops.
J-Bay surf village is a great place to browse for hand-crafted leather goods, shoes, jewellery and décor.
Even though I didn't visit during peak tourist season, it was the perfect weekend getaway destination.
I recommend it to:
- people who love white beaches and the sea
- sporting enthusiasts up to trying another sport – surfing looks quite cool
- girls and women with a weak spot for surfers and
- outdoorsy types who like to enjoy the best of both worlds – beautiful sea and the bush surrounding it.
How to get there:
Leave Grahamstown via the N2 and after about 120km, take exit 676 towards R102/Jeffrey's Bay.
Turn left towards St Francis Street and continue straight through three roundabouts.
Continue along St Francis Street for another 1.5km before turning left into De Reyger Street. Take the second left into Da Gamma Street, and you've arrived!
