Big Bay (Bloubergstrand)

About This Spot

Big Bay is a wide sandy beach in the Blouberg area ~20 km north of central Cape Town, famous for postcard Table Mountain views across Table Bay. It is one of Cape Town's premier kite spots and a hub for both kiters and windsurfers. Wind: The reliable engine is the SE 'Cape Doctor', which blows side-shore (from the left). Season runs roughly Oct–Mar; the strongest, most consistent wind is Dec–Feb (~60–70% windy days), with Nov and Mar good shoulder months and thinner crowds. Wind usually starts light in the morning and builds through the afternoon, averaging 20–25+ knots and frequently hitting 30–40 kt. Note Big Bay sits slightly downwind of Kite Beach in a SE, so wind tends to arrive a bit later and a touch lighter, and the spot is known to be gusty (beach erosion hasn't helped). Water: Choppy in the main bay with frequent small-to-medium swell year-round; clean wave faces line up downwind of the rocks. Westerly/onshore winds turn it into a fun wave spot. Cold water all year (~10–15°C summer, 13–17°C winter) — bring a 4/3 or thicker plus boots/hood for winter. Skill: Best for intermediate to advanced riders comfortable in chop, waves and gusts. True beginners are better off at the more sheltered, crowded Kite Beach (Table View) just upwind. Launch & access: Park at the Big Bay lot off the R27 (turn at Dolphin Beach Hotel); short walk to a roomy beach with promenade, cafés and kite schools. Space can get tight when crowded with kiters, windsurfers and surfers (surfers favour the left). Hazards: Rocks flank both ends of the narrow bay — stay off them on launch/landing. Gusty/offshore-leaning lulls, strong afternoon wind, cold water, and reported car break-ins in the lot. Great whites are present (no kiter incidents reported). Setting sun ahead reduces visibility for late sessions.