Betty’s Bay main beach is a popular surf spot and a great place for the whole family provided the wind is not blowing. This area gets very windy at times and can be unpleasant for those who have come to spend a relaxing day out or for those who come in hope of scoring nice glassy waves, only to find out that there is a howling offshore or onshore wind. It is predominantly a holiday area with many homes and properties being used for holiday purposes only but there is a small permanent community of friendly and hospitable people with a few shops, restaurants and small pubs in the region.
Surfing at Betty’s Bay main beach is best in the winter when the swell is generally bigger and the North Westerly wind blows which is offshore at this spot. It’s found about 40 Km by road from the Strand beach and around 20 Km from Cool Bay on the same coastal route which has magnificent sea views. If there is decent size swell at the Strand and the wind is light NW and the tide is pushing then you can almost guarantee there will be waves and other surfers scoring some good sessions round at Betty’s. Although this is a beach break, it produces powerful waves and when there is a decent size swell this break is not really suitable for beginners.
Other things to do in this area include visiting the Harry Porter Botanical Gardens if you are keen on hiking and nature or a trip to Stony Point which boasts a large colony of penguins and boardwalk viewing platforms for the public to see these fascinating birds in there natural habitat. Sand boarding is popular on the dunes here just above another rarely surfed spot known as Silver Sands. For experienced surfers, there is a point to the one side of Silver Sands that produces epic waves when the swell gets massive and the wind is light North Westerly. Whether you are looking for good surf spots or just need a break away in the outdoors from the hustle and bustle of everyday life then Betty’s Bay and the main beach are definitely worth a visit.