Cabretta Island surf guide

Cabretta Island is a small, pretty island located in front of Sapelo Island. It features a beachbreak right in front of the campground, and also has a long sandspit point. This spot can offer some decent waves, but it’s not really on anyone's must-visit surf list. Access is a bit of a hassle since you can only get there by boat or kayak, so it’s less crowded, which can be a plus if you prefer some space while you surf.

The surf here works best with swells coming from the east, southeast, and even as far as south. It can handle swell sizes from about 3 feet (1 meter) to 6 feet (2 meters). The beachbreak is generally better at high tide, while the sandspit shines during low to mid-tides and tends to produce longer lefts. You'll mostly find lefts and rights here, making it suitable for different riding styles. The preferred winds are from the west, west-northwest, and northwest. Multiple levels of surfers can find fun; it’s good for beginners, intermediates, and experts since the waves can vary in size and shape.

Keep in mind that you might face some strong currents, especially with hard northeast and southwest winds, though it’s generally mellow. The environment is pretty clean, but the weather is often cloudy. It's important to be cautious as there’s no one nearby if you run into trouble. The best times to hit the surf are during late summer, early fall, and early spring, so plan your trip accordingly. You’ll be looking at using shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, or even SUPs, depending on your preference.