Surf Forecasts:
Bonza Bay surf forecast from 16 Sep 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 17 Sep, 5AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 10s period, E swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 20 Sep, 5AM (local time) - 8ft (2.5m), 9s period, E swell with 1,185 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 17 Sep, 5AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 10s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Bonza Bay this week:
The surf forecast for Bonza Bay over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Sep 17) at 5AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.0m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 1.2m and 8s. Another secondary swell of 1.2m and 6s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Bonza Bay in the next 16 days are 2.5m 9s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Sep 20) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.6m 3s period and expected on Monday (Sep 21) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5AM (Thu 17th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 5AM (Thu 17th Sep) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 20th Sep) | 8ft (2.5m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Bonza Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it. The next couple of weeks are a bit of a mixed bag for Bonza Bay. We’ve got some size coming, but a lot of it is going to be messy with the wind. It’s not all doom and gloom though—there’s a couple of windows where things line up pretty nicely, especially if you’re an experienced surfer.
The first real chance to get wet is on the 21st (Monday morning). We’re looking at a clean 4ft of ESE swell, and that light offshore W wind will have it holding up pretty well. The energy is moderate (323), so it won’t be pumping, but it’ll be fun, clean surf. That’s a nice one for a morning session.
After that, the 23rd is a bit of a tease. A 6ft E swell rolls in, but the moderate cross-shore SW wind will chop it up, making it a bit of a battle. It’s not terrible, but you’ll be working for it.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The 25th (Friday morning) is the standout. Even though the swell is a solid 8ft from the SE, the gentle cross-offshore NNE wind will clean it right up. The energy is strong (2170), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is the one to circle. But heads up, this is over a week away, so treat it as a promising forecast rather than a guarantee.
The 30th (Wednesday morning) is another one to look at, but it’s a different story. We’re looking at 10ft of E swell, and the wind is a moderate cross-shore ENE. The forecast says the swell is too big for this break, but the wind and tide are favorable. For a river break, a wave that big can be a handful, and maybe even close out. Unless you’re a solid expert, I’d probably give this one a miss.
The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so nothing crazy there. The crowds at Bonza Bay can be a factor sometimes, but on the standout morning, it might be worth getting there early.
So, to sum it up: the 21st is your clean, fun wave. The 25th is the big one for experienced surfers, but it’s a wait-and-see. The rest of the time, the wind is going to mess with things, and a couple of days look more like a kite-surfing show than a surf session. Keep an eye on that Friday.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastHeavy rain (total 88mm), heaviest during Thu afternoon. Warm (max 21°C on Tue night, min 11°C on Wed night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SW on Wed morning, calm by Thu morning). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryHeavy rain (total 25mm), heaviest during Sat afternoon. Warm (max 21°C on Sun afternoon, min 16°C on Fri night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the ENE on Fri night, light winds from the ENE by Sun afternoon). | ||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | Saturday 19 | Sunday 20 | Monday 21 | ||||||||||||||
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) | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | ESE 9 | E 9 | ESE 8 | E 8 | E 8 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 512 | 333 | 290 | 259 | 210 | 327 | 734 | 763 | 858 | 766 | 1098 | 1099 | 1018 | 726 | 463 | 251 | 221 | 140 | 111 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on |
High Tide | 5:59AM1.71m | 6:14PM1.72m | 6:26AM1.58m | 6:39PM1.57m | 6:57AM1.43m | 7:08PM1.41m | 7:52AM1.28m | 8:16PM1.26m | 12:06PM1.26m | 00:25AM1.29m | 1:16PM1.42m | 1:22AM1.43m | |||||||
Low Tide | 11:56PM0.53m | 12:01PM0.57m | 00:24AM0.66m | 12:29PM0.73m | 00:55AM0.79m | 1:01PM0.89m | 1:39AM0.93m | 1:59PM1.06m | 4:01AM1.04m | 6:26PM1.07m | 6:45AM0.93m | 7:25PM0.91m | |||||||
 |  |  |  |  | | |  | |  | | | | |  |  | | |  | |
 | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — |
 | 5:59 | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:02 | — |
mm | — | — | 3 | 14 | 15 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 1 | 4 | 3 |
Temp °C | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 |
Feels °C | 19 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 21 | 19 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | SE 7 | E 10 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 11 | E 9 | E 9 | SSW 11 | E 9 | ESE 9 | E 9 | ESE 8 | E 8 | E 8 |
| kJ | 512 | 333 | 290 | 259 | 109 | 327 | 147 | 140 | 186 | 97 | 854 | 812 | 50 | 726 | 463 | 251 | 221 | 140 | 111 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 10 | SSW 11 | SW 15 | SSW 14 | E 10 | S 8 | — | SSE 7 | SSE 7 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | S 19 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | S 6 |
| kJ | 39 | 148 | 56 | 111 | 210 | 137 | — | 99 | 84 | 69 | 145 | 131 | 7 | 435 | 356 | 198 | 87 | 56 | 51 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 5 | — | — | SW 11 | SSW 8 | SSW 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 6 | S 7 | S 16 | SE 6 |
| kJ | 3 | — | — | 19 | 81 | 238 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 16 | 4 | 5 | 24 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | SSW 6 | SSW 6 | S 7 | — | SE 7 | ESE 8 | ESE 8 | ESE 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | — | — | — | SSW 4 | S 6 | — |
| kJ | — | 159 | 256 | 208 | — | 67 | 734 | 763 | 858 | 766 | 1098 | 1099 | 1018 | — | — | — | 11 | 78 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 435 | 492 | 99 | 129 | 34 | 492 | 666 | 1236 | 204 | 237 | 214 | 124 | 19 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 129 | 19 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Bonza Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Bonza Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Bonza Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Bonza Bay 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 (Bonza Bay) 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 Bonza Bay 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.
Bonza Bay is 7 km (4 miles) from the city of East London. If you plan a holiday in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast, look for hotels and other accommodation in East London. East London has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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