Surf: General: On the north end of Port Aransas are the Port Aransas Jetties. The jetties protect the Port Aransas Ship Channel, and across from that is St. Joe's (San Jose) Island, an uninhabited isle that runs from Port Aransas north to Matagorda Island. On large, out-of-control, wind-driven S swells, St. Joe's can be a good option for catching clean walls that break on the sandbars just north of the north jetty. Though the waves can sometimes border on being a bit mushy, the jetty offers considerable protection from howling southerly winds, and can afford surfers their only chance for clean surf when every other beach is blown out. Tides: Medium Size: Chest high to a couple feet overhead Wind: N, NW or W with a swell pushing in, or strong S, SW will work Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand. Paddling: More if you're paddling the channel. Spot Rating: On select swells it is the place to go, but usually not worth the effort. Access: Can be dangerous, if you paddle across the channel. Easiest/safest is by boat or ferry. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Sparse. Local Vibe: Positive. Environment: Relatively clean. Hazards: Large vessels (if paddling). Season: Late summer/fall; late winter to mid-spring