Blackbeard Island surf guide

Blackbeard Island is located about 18 miles from Shellman's Bluff, Georgia. It's part of a wildlife refuge, so while surfing can be enjoyable here, remember that camping and fires aren't allowed. You can hike or bike around its interior, which is accessible from the north end of Sapelo Island. To get to Blackbeard, you’ll need to travel by boat to the primitive Cabretta campground.

When it comes to surfing, Blackbeard Island has its moments. The waves can range from knee to head high (about 0.9 to 2.1 meters) and can handle swell sizes from 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters). Swells typically come from the northeast, east-northeast, east, east-southeast, and southeast. The sandy bottom makes for beach breaks that can offer both left and right waves. The best surfing conditions are with mid to high tides and when the wind blows from the west-northwest, northwest, or north-northwest. It's a spot that's friendly for beginners, intermediates, and even experts at times, so you can bring your shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or SUP along. However, don’t expect it to be a go-to surf destination; it can be fun, but nothing too consistent.

Accessibility is straightforward, as the only way to get there is by boat or kayak. Don't worry about crowds here; you’ll usually have the place to yourself. The environment is relatively clean, although it's often cloudy. Just keep in mind that strong currents can occur, especially with hard northeast or southwest winds. Plus, since it’s a remote spot, help isn't readily available if something goes wrong, so always take precautions when out on the water. The best seasons to catch waves here are late summer, early fall, and early spring.