Southwest Reef is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, about 700 meters offshore from Cape Point. The spot is only accessible by boat due to its distance from the shore. The bottom is made up of coral reef and sharp rocks, so caution is needed. The waves here are formed by massive deep ocean Atlantic swells that hit a triangular reef, creating giant wedge-shaped a-frame peaks. The spot is known for its world-class quality and can handle swells in the 40 to 60 feet range when conditions are right, but it needs a huge swell to work. The length of the ride is usually between 50 and 150 meters. The spot is empty most of the time and is considered suitable only for experienced surfers and pros due to the size and power of the waves, as well as the hazards from the reef. The best time to surf Southwest Reef is during medium and high tide. The surf spot provides both left and right waves. Nearby surf spots include Dias Beach, Buffels Bay, Extensions, Black Rocks, and Olifantsbos. There are no crowds most of the time, but if you find other surfers in the water, respect the locals and always check the surf etiquette, especially when the spot is crowded. Before paddling out, check your skills and make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. For the latest surf forecast, report, map, and webcam updates, check reliable sources before heading out. No alternative names, main peaks, or historical information are available for this spot. Always be aware of the hazards and the challenging conditions at Southwest Reef. Check out the good surf at Southwest Reef in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Southwest Reef, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 99 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Southwest Reef. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 99 surf spots