Turtle Cove surf guide

Turtle Cove is a classic surfing spot located in Montauk, known for its righthand pointbreaks. This area can hold powerful rights, especially during a southeast swell, and typically the best surf happens with west to northwest winds. The wave quality can vary throughout the day, so keeping an eye on the tide is important to catch the best conditions. The cove can become quite busy, but the strong, consistent current usually helps disperse the crowd a bit.

The surf here is quite sectiony with multiple take-off points, meaning you can find a spot that suits your style. You can expect short barrels along the boulder-strewn lineup. The ideal swell direction is southeast, but you can also catch waves from the east and southwest. Turtle Cove can handle swell sizes starting from around 2 ft (0.6 m) and works best at low, mid, and high tides, although mid tide seems to be the sweet spot to avoid dry rocks. Surfing this cove is suitable for intermediate surfers, as the waves can get tricky.

There’s also a short left directly beneath the lighthouse, but keep an eye on the erosion—it can be a bit sketchy. If you're looking for a less crowded experience, consider the area around Camp Hero Air Force Base. Just be ready for a long walk to get to the surf there, but it might be worth it for some more quiet time in the water.