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Moonlight Bay

Right-34.3802, 18.8262

Overview

Quality
Regional classic
Crowd
Empty
Experience
Intermediate
Bottom
Sand and rocks

About this Spot

Moonlight Bay is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, near Betty’s Bay and closer to Pringle Bay than some maps show. The spot sits in a small, rocky bay with a private beach and features a right-hand reef break. The surf spot provides right waves. The bottom is a mix of sand and rocks, and the spot can be empty most of the time. Moonlight Bay works best with a south swell and east-southeast offshore wind, and it tends to pick up more swell than nearby Pringle Bay. The wave is usually less than 50 meters long and can get bigger and more powerful with larger swells, especially on high or rising tides. There is a mean reef break on the right side that produces big open barrels when the swell is up. Sometimes a shorebreak forms, and a wave can wedge off the rocks on the left side of the bay. The spot is known for strong rips and undertow, and submerged rocks can be a hazard, so always check the surf report and forecast before heading out. The surf here is inconsistent and sometimes breaks, so it is important to check the webcam or surf map for current conditions. The water temperature changes with the seasons, so bring the right wetsuit for the time of year. Access may require a short walk from the nearest parking area. The spot is considered a regional classic and is best suited for intermediate surfers. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. Always respect the locals, especially when the spot is crowded, and follow surf etiquette to keep things cool in the lineup. Nearby surf spots include Pringle Bay Reef, Pringle Bay, Silver Sands, Penguins, and Betty’s Bay.

Optimal Conditions

Best Swell
S, SW
Swell Direction
157.5°-247.5°
Best Wind
NE, E, SE
Wind Direction
22.5°-157.5°
Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 0.6 meters
Wave Length
< 50m
Frequency
Sometimes break (between 5 and 40)

Location

Coordinates

-34.380217° N, 18.826233° W

Open in Maps

Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

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