Delray Beach is located at the end of Atlantic Boulevard and is known for its lively atmosphere and decent surf. The south end, particularly near Anchor Park, can deliver some quality waves at times. It’s a popular spot, so be prepared for crowds, but there’s enough space to find your own wave. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, making it a nice place to spend a day in the sun.
The surf here can be pretty good, especially when the conditions align. It works best with NorthEast (NNE) swells but can handle North (N) and SouthEast (SE) swells too. You can expect wave sizes ranging from about 3ft to 15ft (0.9m to 4.6m). The beach break offers left and right waves that break over sand, and it generally suits beginner to intermediate surfers. The optimal conditions are usually with the wind coming from the West (WNW) and tides anywhere from low to high. On bigger days, be ready to paddle hard, especially when the currents are strong.
Even though Delray Beach can get crowded, it maintains a mellow vibe overall. You’ll find that it’s a spot that's best during the fall, spring, and winter months, and while you're out there, just keep in mind the usual ocean hazards like sharks and jellyfish. For your board choice, you can go with anything from a shortboard to a funboard or even a longboard, depending on the day.
