Herolds Bay
Herolds Bay is a small resort cove tucked between George and Mossel Bay, where peaky sand-and-rock banks throw up hollow, punchy lefts and rights when an easterly swell lines up with a light morning berg wind. The setting is classic Garden Route: a 1935 tidal pool, ancient rock formations framing the beach, and a village that stays sleepy outside holiday season. It rarely gets crowded, but respect the water here, as the rips on both sides of the cove are genuinely treacherous.
Herolds 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
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 20°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Bottom
Mixed
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Public access, short walk from the village parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Herolds Bay?
The Herolds Bay profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Herolds Bay?
The Herolds Bay profile uses wind from NNW (340°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 20°. 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 Herolds Bay?
The Herolds Bay scoring profile favors swell from SE (90° to 180°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 2.4m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 Herolds Bay?
The main season at Herolds Bay is Apr-Sep. Winter is most consistent, June especially, though clean days are not frequent.
How do I get to Herolds Bay?
The spot profile lists GRJ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. Public access, short walk from the village parking.
What kind of wave is Herolds Bay?
Herolds Bay is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Winter is most consistent, June especially, though clean days are not frequent.
Getting There
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