Buffalo Bay
Buffalo Bay, Buffelsbaai to locals, is a protected curve of sand just south of the Knysna Heads, where overlapping reefs inside Walker Point serve up a consistent, slow-breaking right-hander with beach peaks running down the bay. It is considered one of the safest beaches on the Garden Route, sheltered from the rips that plague this coastline, and surf schools have operated here since 2008. The bay borders the Goukamma Marine Protected Area, hosts an annual surf contest, and stays uncrowded outside summer weekends.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Direction range
- 100° - 190°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 245° - 300°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Bottom
Mixed
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Side road off the N2, about 15km from Knysna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Buffalo Bay?
Buffalo Bay works best on a mid to high tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Buffalo Bay?
Offshore wind at Buffalo Bay blows from the W (270°). Anything in the 245° to 300° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Buffalo Bay?
Buffalo Bay wants SE swell (100° to 190°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Buffalo Bay?
The main season at Buffalo Bay is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov. Protected cove with rideable waves most of the year; groundswells outnumber windswells.
How do I get to Buffalo Bay?
Fly into GRJ, then allow about 60 minutes by road. Side road off the N2, about 15km from Knysna.
What kind of wave is Buffalo Bay?
Buffalo Bay is a point break, a right-hander over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov
Protected cove with rideable waves most of the year; groundswells outnumber windswells.
Getting There
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