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.
Buffalo Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- 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?
The Buffalo Bay profile favors mid to high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Buffalo Bay?
The Buffalo Bay profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 245° to 300°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Buffalo Bay?
The Buffalo Bay scoring profile favors swell from SE (100° to 190°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists GRJ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes. 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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