'''Jeffreys Bay''' [http://www.jeffreysbaytourism.org/] is a town in South Africa near Port Elizabeth. The municipal area includes adjacent '''Marina Martinique''', '''Aston Bay''', '''Paradise Beach''' and '''the valley of Kabeljousriver'''.
Understand
Also known as '''J-Bay''', the town is famous for surfing, white sand beaches and an abundance of sea shells.
The town became popular with surfers after the 1966 movie ''Endless Summer''.
Since then the town has grown considerably and is now a well know holiday destination. Nowadays is the fastest growing town in South Africa. In November 2008 a regional shopping mall, clinic and most probably private hospital will be opened.
With a permanent population of around 20,000 people, J-Bay is a very quiet little town for most of the year, but it becomes very active during South African holiday periods (''especially December/January'') and special events such as the [http://www.billabongpro.com/ Billabong Pro] and the annual Shell Festival, when the population can overnight grow to 120,000 or more.
2km south of the town is '''Marina Martinique''', a development on 5km of manmade saltwater canals. 2.5 km north of the town is the beautiful valley of Kabeljousriver with its waterfall. These are good places to stay if you like a bit more peace and quiet than accommodation in town can offer. '''Aston Bay''' borders on Marina Martinique and if you cross the causeway over the lagoon, you will enter into '''Paradise Beach'''.
Paradise Beach is still relatively undeveloped with many kilometers of unspoiled beaches all the way to St Francis.
Ocean temperatures range from around 23°C in summer to (''insert your favorite expletive'') cold in winter.
Get in
By car
Follow the '''N2 West''' from Port Elizabeth (''about 70km) or the '''N2 East''' from Garden Route and use the turn off to Jeffreys Bay.
By bus
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.
By Shuttle
<listing name="J-Bay Cabs" e-mail="mail@infojeffreysbay.com" phone="+27 (0)83 6111 003">Offers shuttle service between Port Elizabeth airport and Jeffreys Bay.</listing>
By train
There is no train connection.
By plane
The nearest domestic airport is [http://www.airports.co.za/ Port Elizabeth Airport], approximately 75km away.
The nearest international airport is [http://www.airports.co.za/ Cape Town International Airport], approximately 650km away.
Get around
By foot
You can easily walk around in town. Most places you want to be are centered around Da Gama Road, the main beach and Supertubes.
By thumb
Though it is a short distance that can easily be walked, people often hitchhike along Da Gama road between Supertubes and downtown J-Bay.
By bike
<listing name="Bicycle Hire" phone="+27 (0)72 237-7422">As the name says.</listing>
By car
<listing name="Imperial Car Rental" phone="+27 (0)42 296-2897" address="Magnatubes, Da Gama Road">For cars and beach buggies.</listing>
By Taxi
<listing name="J-Bay Cabs" e-mail="mail@infojeffreysbay.com" phone="+27 (0)83 6111 003">Offers transport in town or to local attractions.</listing>
See
The bay is a playground for dolphins all year round and during the winter months you can also see whales passing by.
The Marina Mile swimming contest is held at ''Marina Martinique'' middle December.
Surfing
Surf Museum. 27 (0)84 240-1741. baytourism@telkomsa.net.
The Billabong Pro. ttp://www.billabongpro.com/. Surfing Competition is held annually in July.
Billabong Pro Updates and Surf Information J Bay. ttp://jeffreysbayinformation.blogspot.com/. Daily updates on Billabong Pro and general Surf information on J-Bay.
Shells
J-Bay is well known for the huge quantity and the quality of shells that can be found on the beaches. A good book to use as a guide is '''The Sea Shells of Jeffreys Bay''' by Douw and Elise Steyn (''ISBN 0-620-24008-3, Eldolise Publishers, [mailto:steynde@mweb.co.za strynde@mweb.co.za]''). There is an annual ''Shell Festival'' in September and a lovely Shell Museum on the corner of ''Drommedaris'' and ''Da Gama'' Roads.
Shell Museum. 27 (0)42 293-1945. pen Mon to Sat from 9AM to 4PM and Sun from 9AM to 1PM. baytourism@telkomsa.net.
Do
Best beaches for sunbathing and swimming are '''Dolphin Beach''' (the main beach) and '''Kabeljous-on-Sea'''
The best surfing location is '''Super Tubes''', home to the perfect wave.
Other spots are '''Boneyards''', '''Kitchen Windows''', '''Magna Tubes''', '''Point''' and '''Albatross'''.
Learn to Surf:
Jeffreys Bay Surf Trips. ctionsport@gmail.com. [http://actionsport.tv/wordpress/jeffreys-bay-surf-trips-camp-package/ www.jeffreysbay-blog.co.za] Daily surf lessons, safari, surfari, visit to a surfboard shaper, accommodation, food ... All-in Surf Package. Come and surf JBay !
Jay Bay Sandboarding. 27 (0)42 296-2974 or +27 (0)72 294-8207. aybaysandboarding@hotmail.com.
Jeffreys Bay Surf School. 27 (0)42 293-4214 or +27 (0)82 324-7284. baysurfschool@hotmail.com. round R300 for first lesson. Wetsuit and board is supplied.
Kahuna Surfing Acadamy. 27 (0)21 783-4965. ttp://www.kahunasurf.co.za. ahunasurf@mweb.co.za. 250 to R350.
'''Jay Bay Sandboarding''' (''listed above'') also offers sandboarding on the dunes in neighboring Aston Bay.
A number of operators offer deep sea fishing charters. Most of the boats operate from nearby St Francis.
J-Bay Fishing. 27 (0)83 300-3200. hop 7, Flauna Building, Goedehoop street. ost is around R400 per person per trip, but discounts can be had if you book as a group.. All gear will be supplied.
Bluewater Fishing Charters. 27 (0)42 293-1928.
Lombardini Game Farm. 27 (0)42 293 2073. nfo@lombardini.co.za. ttp://www.lombardini.co.za. Game drives and horse rides.
Enchantment Tours. 27 (0)722 377 422. nfo@enchantmenttours.com. ttp://www.enchantmenttours.com. Bases in Town, Day Tours to Addo, Garden Route, play with lion cubs and much more.
All Africa Volunteers. 27 (0)722 377 422. llafricavolunteers@gmail.com. ttp://www.allafricavolunteers.com. While enjoying Jeffreys Bay why not help with the upliftment of the local community by donating your time to volunteer projects, Teach local kidds to Surf, work with street children and families affected by aids. These projects are great fun and the reward even better.
Buy
Most shops and businesses are along the main road (''Da Gama Street'') or concentrated around the small main town area.
Ubuntu Surf Co.. Cherry Street,Wavecrest,Jeffreys Bay,6330. 422960376. ww.jaybay.co.za. 200 +. Ubuntu Surf Co. offers excellent Surf Lessons with the highly recommended Andrew Moon & Wavecrest Surf Academy. Guided surf tours are available for the JBay & St Francis area, plus longer trips going as far as Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Surf gear
'''J-Bay''' is a good place to have a custom board shaped, as a number of surfboard manufacturers have made the town their home.
Jeffreys Bay Custom Surfboards. ctionsport@gmail.com. [http://livethelife.tv www.jeffreysbay-blog.co.za] Order your custom shaped surf board online, just as you want it ! International shipping !
Rebel Surfboards. 27 (0)42 293-4410. Surfboard shapers and manufacturer.
Glen D'Arcy. 27 (0)42 293-2204. 3 Jeffreys Str. darcy@intekom.co.za. Locally manufactured Classic J-Bay designs as well as imported NSP and Sunset Softboards.
Clothing
There are many shops selling surfer wear and this is the place to buy an exclusive Billabong or Quicksilver outfit. Apart from the retail stores, there are also surf brand factory stores where you can find great surf gear at bargain prices.
Billabong Concept Store. a Da Gama Road. 27 (0)42 200-2672.
Billabong Surf Shop. agnatubes, Da Gama Road. 27 (0)42 200-2640.
Country Feeling Store. 9 Da Gama Road. 27 (0)42 200-2611.
J-Bay Surf Co.. hop 4, Flauna Building, cnr Goodehoop and Da Gama. 27 (0)42 200-2617.
Surfer Girl. hop 1, Wavecrest Centre, 126 Da Gama Road. 27 (0)42 200-2639.
Gift Shops
Shell Bay Blue. 27 (0)42 293-4409.
<buy name ="The Lavender House Gift Shop. 27 (0)42 293-3967.
Eat
Breakfast
The best budget breakfast has to be the ''Breakfast Pie''.
Spence's Pies. 27 (0)42 293-0630. eaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Road. Try their ''breakfast pies'', filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and tomato.
General
Restaurants are plentiful, '''Le Grotto''' and '''De Visvijf''' in town are well worth a visit.
20 Pepper Street. 27 (0)42 293-1728. 0 Pepper Street.
Aston Arms. olphin Drive. 27 (0)42 292-0792. Excellent Portuguese fare. Have a beer with Manual.
Cafe Portofino. 27 (0)42 293-2443.
Castaways. Dance and spit Braai's.
De Visvijf. 5 Diaz Road. 27 (0)42 293-3921. pen Monday to Sunday from 9AM to 3PM and Monday to Saturday from 5PM till late. Seafood and steaks.
Dulce. 27 (0)42 296-2078. par Centre, Da Gama Str. Ice cream and coffee bar.
Kitchen Windows. 3 Diaz Street. 27 (0)42 293-4230. pen Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30AM to 2PM and 6PM till late. erreira Street cul de sac.
Parklane Restaurant. 27 (0)42 293-2621.
Potters Place. 27 (0)42 293 2500. 8 Oosterland Str. ottersplace@xsinet.co.za. ww.pottersplace.co.za. Good food and life shows.
Sunflower Restaurant & Coffee Shop. 27 (0)42 293-1682>
Tampa Bay Spur. 27 (0)42 293-4206. ime Square Building. ttp://www.spur.co.za. A South African restaurant chain, good steaks.
The Mexican Restaurant & Coctail Bar. 27 (0)42 293-2966. 9A Da Gamma Road.
Wimpy. 27 (0)42 293-1727.
For something completely relaxed and different, try the '''Walskipper''' or '''Tappas''' restaurants at Marina Martinique. Both have beach sand floors and a casual atmosphere. Be prepared to be served in tin plates and mugs at '''Walskipper'''; no glass or ceramics are used as broken shards in the sand will pose a serious hazard.
Walskipper. ttp://www.walskipper.co.za/. lapton Beach, Marina Martinique. 27 (0)42 292-0005. als@inetcom.co.za. pen 12AM to 10PM every day>Dig your toes into the sand and look out over the ocean while enjoying a seafood platter. Walskipper is very popular during South African holiday seasons; best to phone and book the day before. During most other times of the year you can just walk in and sit down.
Tapas Lapa Seaside. 27 (0)83 510-1579. n the beach at Marina Martinique.
Fast food
With the exception of McDonald's, most local and international fast-food franchises are present in '''J-Bay'''. There are also numerous excellent seafood takeaways, most notably '''Die Vismantjie'''
Die Vismandjie. 27 (0)42 293-1241. 10 De Gamma Road. Probably the best fish takeaways in
You can have almost all fast foods delivered by making use of ''Mr Delivery''
Mr. Delivery. 27 (0)42 293-3004. 10 in Jeffreys Bay to R15 in Kabeljous. pen 11AM to 9:30PM. They will accept food orders and deliver it to your door from most fast food outlets and restaurant that do not deliver themselves. Pick up one of their booklets from most fast food outlets.
Braai
Jarinda Butchery. 27 (0)42 293-2388. Goedehoop Str. Excellent braai chops.
Drink
The main swimming beach, Dolphin Beach, is an ''Alcohol Free Zone''.
There are many pubs and two nightclubs in town. Sadly ''Tritons'' no longer exists as a new holiday apartment development has replaced it.
The Mexican. 9A Da Gamma Road. bove Country Feeling Surf Shop. 27 (0)42 293 2966. pen Tuesday to Sunday 12PM till late. A Mexican themed Restaurant. Live music and the party can get quite intense with people ending up dancing on the tables by early morning.
Havana. bove the Spur in the Time Square building. Lively nightclub next to the beach. Moved from their old location to this spot.
Sovereign. a Gama road. Sports bar and nightclub.
Sleep
'''J-Bay''' caters for all kinds of accommodation. Backpacking hostels, caravan and camping, bed and breakfast, self catering and hotels can all be found.
Camping
Aston Bay Caravan Park. 27 (0)82 637-5737. olphin Drive, Aston Bay>
Jeffreys Bay Caravan Park. 27 (0)42 200 2241.
Kabeljous Caravan Park. 27 (0)42 293-3300. 3 Da Gama Road.
Pelrus Caravan Park. 27 (0)42 200 2283.
Backpackers
Indi Africa Backpackers. 27 (0)82 464-3111. 5 Spekboon Str. ndi_africa@hotmail.com. 200m from the sea, TV, Pool and bar.
Island Vibe Backpackers. 27 (0)42 293-1625. 27 (0)42 293-4214. jbay@islandvibe.co.za. ttp://www.islandvibe.co.za/. 0 Dageraad Street. ates range from R70 per person to R315 per room. On the beach. They will collect you in Jeffreys Bay or Humandorp free of charge, collection from the airport in
Stay safe
Robberies of tourists and less careful locals are becoming more frequent. Be careful when walking alone on the beach, or while walking in town at night. Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
Xenophobic attacks have happened in 2008, affecting local Somalians.
Be careful when traveling along the road between Jeffreys Bay and Aston Bay at night, as pedestrians do cross without warning between the small informal settlements on both sides of this road.
Important phone numbers
<listing name="National Sea Rescue Institute(NSRI)" phone="+27 (0)42 294-0131 or 082-911"></listing>
<listing name="Police" phone="10111"></listing>
Stay healthy
<listing name="Dr. J.S. Bouwer" phone="+27 (0)42 293-1244">Dentist.</listing>
<listing name="Dr. Jan Nagtegaal" phone="+27 (0)42 293-1166">Doctor.</listing>
<listing name="Finmed Pharmacy" phone="+27 (0)42 293-1024 fax="+27 (0)42 293-2618" address="Seaview Pick 'n Pay Centre, St Francis Road" ></listing>
<listing name="Private Care Ambulances" phone="+27 (0)42 291-0749" address="22 Kemp Str, Humansdorp" email="pcare@intekom.co.za"></listing>
<listing name="Private Hospital" phone="+27 (0)42 295-1100" address="Humansdorp">The closest Hospital is located about 20km away in the town of Humansdorp.</listing>
Cope
<listing name="Cornerstone Laundromat & Coffee Shop" phone="+27 (0)42 296-0732"></listing>
<listing name="Heathwise Gym" phone="+27 (0)42 293-3545"></listing>
Churches
<listing name="Baptist Church" alt="" address="Dolly Varden Street" directions="near to Caltex Wavelands" phone="+27 (0)42 296-3290" url="http://jeffreysbaybaptist.blogspot.com/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">A loving, warm family church. Services at 8.30am and 6.00pm. Coffee lounge at 5.00pm - All welcome. Kidz Klub on Friday nights for Primary School children. July holidays - Holiday Club.</listing>
<listing name="Catholic Church" phone="+27 (0)42 291-1262"></listing>
<listing name="Presbyterian Church" phone="+27 (0)42 296-2545"></listing>
<listing name="Victory Church" ></listing>
Get out
St Francis Bay is another popular surfing spot.
Go to Port Elizabeth (75km to the east) and its attractions.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is worth a visit to relax a day.
The Gamtoos Valley and [http://www.baviaans.net Baviaanskloof]
* See the ''Great Train Race'' during August or September where runners race ''The Apple Express'' stream trains from PE to Loerie.
* Visit Hankey and see the grave of Sarah Baartman just outside the town and the largest sundial in Africa (''36.4m in diameter'').
* Take a relaxing drive to Patensie and have breakfast at Tolbos.
Wildlife and game viewing is only a short drive away
<listing name="Shamwari" phone="+27 (0)42 203-1111" fax="+27 (0)42 235-1224">The Cape's premier Big 5 game reserve.</listing>
<listing name="Addo Elephant Park" phone="+27 (0)42 233-0556" fax="+27 (0)42 233-0196"></listing>
<listing name="African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary" [http://www.africandawnsanctuary.com African Dawn]>View several species of wildlife on the reserve 20 min from J Bay.[http://www.africandawnsanctuary.com Visit African Dawn]</listing>