Dungeons
Dungeons is South Africa's premier big wave spot—a powerful right-hand reef break near Hout Bay that was home to the Red Bull Big Wave Africa contest. The wave produces double-up drops that funnel into fast, walling faces, testing even the best big wave surfers. Located in cold, shark-rich waters off Cape Town, Dungeons breaks infrequently but delivers serious size when SW winter swells hit the coast. The dramatic backdrop of The Sentinel and the quality of the wave make it Africa's most respected big wave venue.
Dungeons surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 4m - 10m
- Ideal size
- 5.7m - 7.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat/jet ski access only
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Dungeons?
Dungeons is a big-wave spot in Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Dungeons?
Dungeons sits just east of The Sentinel peak in Hout Bay and was home to the Red Bull Big Wave Africa contest, first held in 1999. Its reefs are named for their depth: the most popular is '2.5', which is 2.5 m deep, with '3.5' behind it. One reef is reputed to be able to hold a 100-foot wave.
What swell works best at Dungeons?
Dungeons picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 4m and keeps going up to about 10m, with the sweet spot around 5.7 to 7.5m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Dungeons?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Dungeons, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Dungeons?
Dungeons is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Dungeons?
The most reliable run of swell at Dungeons comes May to Sep. Winter swells. Infrequent but powerful when it breaks.
How cold is the water at Dungeons?
The water at Dungeons averages around 14°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Dungeons good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Great white sharks common in area. Heavy hold-downs.
How do I get to Dungeons?
The nearest airport on our list is CPT, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat/jet ski access only.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Winter swells. Infrequent but powerful when it breaks.
Getting There
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