4 Reasons Jeffreys Bay was Crowned Small Town of the Year

Jeffreys Bay has long been celebrated as one of South Africa’s favourite coastal destinations, drawing visitors with its world-famous surf, beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. As if this wasn’t enough, this 177-year-old seaside gem has received even more recognition after being named one of the country’s top small towns, cementing its reputation where sun, sea, and sand come together to create the perfect coastal escape.

Jeffreys Bay received this incredible recognition at the end of 2025 by Daily Maverick, who awarded it with its Small Towns of the Year after it achieved an incredible score of 90.3%. While various towns threw their hat into the ring, J-Bay came out on top following a rigorous evaluation across a series of categories.These included cleanliness, municipal performance, community spirit, safety, natural environment, family friendliness and connectivity.

While Jeffreys Bay is renowned for its seaside charm, incredible community, and family atmosphere, there are a few other things that make this town so special:

1. A World-Famous Surfing Destination

Home to the legendary Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay is considered one of the best locations for surfing in the world. It’s a bucket-list destination for surfers, as the area is home to arguably one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks. It offers long, fast rides, high-speed walls, endless lips to hit and the occasional long tube. Each year, thousands of surfers descend on this small coastal town, looking to test their skills and embrace the rich surf culture and relaxed beach atmosphere it offers.

While Supertubes attracts professional surfers, there are several other beaches, such as Kitchen Windows and Dolphin Beach, that are ideal for beginners, with surf schools available for those looking to learn.

2. Incredible Natural Beauty

Beyond the seemingly endless pristine beaches, Jeffreys Bay is home to incredible natural beauty. Each year around June, the coastline bursts with marine life as whales migrate to warmer waters. However, throughout the year, you’re likely to spot pods of dolphins doing their own bit of surfing. If you’re tired of riding the waves with dolphins, Kabeljous Nature Reserves is a wonderful spot to stretch your legs and spot some incredible wildlife, including bushbuck, duiker, and grysbok.

The town also offers easy access to a range of fun outdoor activities, such as riding the rolling sand dunes, mountain biking, and horse riding.

3. A Relaxed Coastal Lifestyle

Jeffreys Bay has seen considerable growth over the years as many individuals attempt to trade the concrete jungle for the slower pace that this town offers. It’s the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature without ever having to abandon the conveniences of everyday life. Excellent cafés, restaurants and local shops line the streets of J-Bay, while friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere only add to the appeal of this town..

 4. The Gateway to the Eastern Cape

While travellers have grown familiar with the beauty of the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape offers a rugged and untouched beauty that leaves visitors wanting more. Along with being nestled along the famous Garden Route, it also offers easy access to some incredible Eastern Cape must-sees, which include:

• Addo Elephant National Park
• Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area
• St Francis Bay
• Cape St Francis
• Gamtoos River

J-Bay provides the ideal location to kick up your feet and explore all that this incredible province has to offer.

Experience Award-Winning Jeffreys Bay for Yourself

Jeffreys Bay offers endless surprises that deserve to be explored, and finding the perfect Jeffreys Bay accommodation is pretty easy. Supertubes Guesthouse provides a comfortable J-Bay accommodation to help you explore all the charm of this seaside town. Stay just steps from the famous Supertubes Beach, explore the town’s best attractions, restaurants and beaches, all while enjoying comfortable accommodation with spectacular ocean views.

Whether you’re looking for a self catering accommodation in Jeffreys Bay or a luxury guest house, we offer a range of accommodation options to suit your needs.

Ready to explore what makes Jeffreys Bay one of the best small towns? Book your J-Bay accommodation today.