Overview
Port O'Connor Jetties is a remote jetty setup off the Central Texas coast, with beach and jetty waves breaking over sand. The “big jetties” cut through the Matagorda Peninsula, and either side can work depending on swell and wind.
It can be fun on days with swell, but really comes to life when hurricane swell moves through the Gulf toward a landfall farther east. The jetties help reduce drift and can handle larger swells than many nearby spots.
When It Works
The spot works on east-southeast to south swell, with south and southeast swells especially noted for the sandbars. It is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft.
Spring and autumn are the main seasons, with late summer to fall and late winter to mid-spring also noted as productive windows.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is northwest. North, northwest, or west winds with swell are also a useful window here.
Low, mid, and high tide can all be in play, and a rising tide is better.
Local Tips
This is more suited to intermediate and expert surfers. Shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish all make sense depending on the conditions.
Crowds are usually quiet to empty, though a few surfers may show up on major hurricane swells. The lineup can feel reserved.
Access
Access is difficult and requires a boat. The jetties are more than a 20-minute boat ride from town, and it is best to check the channel before looking for a safe place to land on the bay side of the island.
Bring sunscreen and water, and make sure the boat is securely anchored. The spot is isolated, and the pass outflow can still make the water dirty even though it feels far from the city.
