Llandudno
A scenic beach known for its powerful waves and more advanced surfing conditions, located near Cape Town.
Powerful beach break with hollow waves and occasional barrels. Rocky bottom creates steep takeoffs. Best on bigger swells with offshore winds.
Wave Height
Wind Speed
Water Temperature
13°C
Surf Forecast
Rating Scale:
- Epic (5.0)
- Good (4.8+)
- Fair to Good (4.0+)
- Fair (3.6+)
- Poor to Fair (2.5+)
- Poor (2.0+)
- Very Poor (<2.0)
Thursday, 3 Apr
Daylight Times
Tide Times
| Time | Tide | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14am | Low | 0.7m |
| 6:32am | High | 1.6m |
| 12:51pm | Low | 0.6m |
| 7:07pm | High | 1.5m |
Daily Overview
Overall Thursday is fair with waves varying between 1.6-2.1m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South South West (SSW), with moderate to strong South East (SE) winds averaging 26km/h.
During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 06:00 - 09:00 with a rating of 3.5/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.
Tide conditions: Low tide at 1:23am (0.7m) , High tide at 6:53am (1.6m) , Low tide at 1:25pm (0.6m) , High tide at 7:12pm (1.5m) .
Spot Information
Llandudno stands as one of Cape Town's most picturesque surf spots, framed by granite boulders and the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range. This powerful beach break produces quality waves that range from playful to challenging, depending on swell size and direction.
The wave here breaks both left and right over a predominantly sandy bottom, though there are some rocks to be aware of, particularly on the southern end. The right-handers typically offer longer rides, while the lefts can provide punchy sections perfect for modern performance surfing.
The beach's exposure to both wind and swell makes it most reliable during early mornings when conditions are typically glassy. The hollow takeoffs and powerful walls make it more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially during bigger swells.
Local tip: Watch for the rip currents that form on bigger days, especially near the rocks on either end of the beach. The northern end typically offers more manageable waves for those still building their confidence in more powerful surf.
Required Skill Level
Hazards & Warnings
Wave Characteristics
- Break Type:
- Beach Break
- Bottom Type:
- Sand with Rocks
- Wave Quality:
- Steep
- Wave Speed:
- Fast
- Wave Length:
- Medium
- Consistency:
- 3/5
Ideal Conditions
Wind:
Swell:
Tides:
Mid to High TidePeak Season:
Best Times:
Environmental Factors
- Water Quality:
-
Excellent
- Llandudno benefits from its relatively isolated location with minimal urban development, resulting in consistently excellent water quality. The Atlantic Ocean provides clean, cold water year-round. No major storm water outlets or rivers affect this beach, making it one of Cape Town's cleanest surf spots.
- Summer Water Temp:
- 16-20°C
- Winter Water Temp:
- 11-15°C
- Wind Protection:
- Moderate
- Swell Exposure:
- High
- Tide Sensitivity:
- High
Logistics
- Crowd Level:
- Moderate
- Access:
- Moderate
- Parking:
- Limited parking, arrive early on good days
- Facilities:
- Limited Toilets No Showers No Food Vendors
- Inner Zone:
- 2-3m
- Middle Zone:
- 4-6m
- Outer Zone:
- 8-12m
- Average Slope Ratio:
- 1:20
- Respect locals
- No dropping in
- Share waves on busy days
- No parking in residential areas
- Respect beach closure times
Bathymetry Profile
Steep beach gradient with mixed sand and boulder bottom. Complex underwater topography featuring scattered rock formations. Steep drop-off beyond the break zone.