Surf Forecasts:
Albatross surf forecast from 18 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 24 Jul, 2AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 17s period, SSW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 24 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 13ft (4.0m), 17s period, SSW swell with 8,921 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 18 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 10s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Albatross this week:
The surf forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 18) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 1.2m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Albatross in the next 16 days are 4.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 24) at 8AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.4m 5s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 5PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Sat 18th Jul) | 5ft (1.5m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Fri 24th Jul) | 11ft (3.5m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 8AM (Fri 24th Jul) | 13ft (4.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Albatross over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s talk about Albatross. This is a solid beach-and-reef setup that’s consistent and beginner-friendly when the swell is mellow, but it can get proper heavy when the size picks up. It’s sheltered from the main swell direction, but the optimum is a good SSW pulse. The water temp is about right for this time of year – nothing unusual.
We’ve got a run of surf starting straight away. Saturday morning, July 18, kicks off with a 4ft south swell, 11 seconds, cross-off breeze – clean enough, but not the standout. That afternoon it picks up to 5.2ft from the SW, 10 seconds, with offshore wind – much better, and the energy is moderate (858). Sunday morning, July 19, holds 4.9ft SW, 9 seconds, offshore, clean – still nice. But Sunday afternoon gets a bit rowdy with a 8.2ft SW, 8 seconds, and a strong cross-off breeze – that’s messy and the energy jumps to 1164, but it’s not clean. Skip that.
Monday morning, July 20, is a beauty – glassy conditions, 7.9ft SW swell, 11 seconds, and the combined energy is strong (1788). That’s a proper session, clean and punchy. Monday afternoon goes cross-shore with a 6.6ft SW, 11 seconds – still rideable but not as good.
Tuesday morning, July 21, is glassy again with a 5.6ft SSW swell, 15 seconds – that’s long period groundswell, which will give you long walls and easy paddling, but watch out for it being a bit straight at the beach section. The reef will handle it fine. The energy is strong (1452). Tuesday afternoon is offshore, 6.9ft SSW, 14 seconds – even better, clean and powerful.
Wednesday morning, July 22, glassy, 7.2ft SW, 13 seconds – another standout. Wednesday afternoon offshore, 6.6ft SW, 12 seconds – clean again.
Thursday, July 23, morning is cross-off with 9.8ft SW, 11 seconds – big, but clean, energy strong (1837). That’s getting into expert territory. Thursday afternoon similar but 8.2ft.
Now here’s the real standout: Friday, July 24. Morning has 13.1ft SSW, 16 seconds – that’s a massive groundswell, very long period, and glassy. The combined energy is 7591 – very strong. This is for experienced surfers only. The reef will hold it, and the glass
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Sun afternoon, min 13°C on Sun night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the WSW on Sun afternoon, calm by Mon morning). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | ||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 11 | SW 10 | SW 10 | SW 9 | SW 9 | SW 8 | SW 10 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 10 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 17 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 804 | 367 | 475 | 632 | 334 | 846 | 2482 | 1365 | 884 | 416 | 1174 | 1653 | 1932 | 1569 | 1182 | 3286 | 1782 | 1508 | 6059 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | cross | on | glassy | off | cross-off | glassy | off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | glassy |
High Tide | 6:10AM1.50m | 6:39PM1.62m | 6:48AM1.39m | 7:17PM1.51m | 7:26AM1.26m | 7:58PM1.38m | 8:10AM1.14m | 8:45PM1.26m | 9:10AM1.04m | 9:52PM1.15m | 10:51AM0.98m | 11:31PM1.11m | |||||||
Low Tide | 00:12AM0.19m | 12:17PM0.12m | 00:52AM0.28m | 12:52PM0.23m | 1:32AM0.39m | 1:29PM0.36m | 2:16AM0.49m | 2:10PM0.49m | 3:10AM0.59m | 3:05PM0.61m | 4:31AM0.65m | 4:37PM0.69m | |||||||
 |  |  |  |  | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | — | 7:22 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — |
 | 5:30 | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 15 | 17 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 15 |
Feels °C | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 11 | SW 10 | S 11 | SW 9 | SW 9 | SE 10 | SE 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SW 10 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SE 12 | SW 11 | SW 11 | SSW 17 |
| kJ | 804 | 348 | 348 | 632 | 334 | 268 | 343 | 1365 | 884 | 416 | 1174 | 1653 | 1932 | 1569 | 1182 | 67 | 1782 | 1508 | 6059 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | S 11 | E 10 | S 11 | SE 10 | S 10 | SSE 9 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ENE 9 | ESE 12 | ESE 12 | SE 11 |
| kJ | 72 | 367 | 49 | 231 | 207 | 50 | 29 | 407 | 393 | 380 | 278 | 242 | 146 | 103 | 82 | 16 | 55 | 54 | 31 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | E 10 | WSW 10 | SW 13 | SW 12 | E 10 | E 10 | SSE 9 | E 10 | SSW 16 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | — | E 9 | E 9 | ENE 8 |
| kJ | 78 | 71 | 35 | 202 | 295 | 31 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 380 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 26 | 26 | — | 6 | 2 | 7 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | SW 10 | — | — | SW 8 | SW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 5 | SW 11 | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | 475 | — | — | 846 | 2482 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 119 | 3286 | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 257 | 2 | 0 | 198 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape (South) | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Albatross Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Albatross provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Albatross can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Albatross surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Albatross) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Albatross may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Albatross is 18 km (11 miles) from the city of Kruisfontein. If you plan a holiday in Eastern Cape (South), look for hotels and other accommodation in Kruisfontein. Kruisfontein has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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