Sandfly Bay Reviews and Ratings

Visitor reviews of Sandfly Bay surf break

• March 18, 2011
  Steve from New Zealand
  

  Sandfly bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in Otago, Sharks and rips are not the only thing to watch out for, the beach is a protected breeding site for Yellow Eyed Penguins, Southern Fur Seals and Hooker Sea Lions, both of the latter have been known to approach surfers. Access is via a very steep sand hill, so after a hard days surfing, climbing back up to the car park can be very challenging. It is this access that limits the numbers and in all the years I have been photographing wildlife at Sandfly Bay, I have only on the rare occasion seen surfers there. The beach got it's name, not because of sandflies, but the strong southerly winds, that literally make the sand fly up and cover the surrounding hills. This beach is an extremely popular tourist attraction.

• Sandfly Bay Ratings

  Based on 1 vote. Vote

  Quality on a good day: 4.0 (1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).	Consistency of surf: 3.0 (1: Sandfly Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).
  Difficulty level: 1.0 (1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).	Water quality: 3.0 (1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).
  Crowds: 4.0 (1: Often too crowded. 5: Sandfly Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).	Access: 5.0 (1: Getting to Sandfly Bay requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).

  Based on 1 vote. Vote