Redfish Pass surf guide

Redfish Pass is located on the northern part of Captiva Island, just above the more popular surf spots. This area is part of the upscale Sanibel/Captiva region, where the scenery is nice, but access can be a bit tricky due to the exclusive nature of the local resorts. Unlike the crowded beaches of Tampa and St. Pete, you might find this spot to be relatively chill, with fewer surfers around, though those who are here tend to keep things on the down-low.

The surfing at Redfish Pass can be decent, especially when conditions line up right. It tends to handle swell sizes from 3 to 6 feet (about 1 to 2 meters). The waves break over sand, which makes for a typical beach setup. Most days you can expect thigh-high to overhead waves, especially on low incoming tides. The best swell direction is from the NorthWest, but you might also get good waves from other directions like North and East. When it comes to winds, north and northeast are your friends, providing cleaner conditions. This spot is suitable for intermediate to expert surfers, especially when the windswell picks up. Keep in mind that other times, the waves may not be as exciting, so don’t come expecting to find the best surf in Florida.

Getting to Redfish can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re not staying at one of the resorts, access can be limited, as there's essentially one road in and out. Also, local vibes can feel a bit snobby—so be respectful of the area and local surfers. Despite these hurdles, if you're able to make it, you might just enjoy some fun sessions on less crowded waters.