Cactus Caves
Cactus Caves is the fearsome right-hander in the legendary Cactus Beach zone on the Great Australian Bight. While its neighbour Castles draws the crowds with its long left, Caves delivers thick, heavy barrels that break over dangerously shallow reef. The wave is strictly for advanced surfers—the take-off zone is tight, the barrel is square, and the reef below is unforgiving. Set in one of Australia's most remote and shark-infested stretches of coastline, reaching Caves requires a long drive from Ceduna followed by a dirt road to basic camping at Point Sinclair.
Cactus Caves surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (30°)
- Offshore range
- 350° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Dirt road from Penong. Basic camping at Point Sinclair. No facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cactus Caves?
The Cactus Caves profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Cactus Caves?
The Cactus Caves profile uses wind from NNE (30°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 350° to 70°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Cactus Caves?
The Cactus Caves scoring profile favors swell from SSW (170° to 250°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Cactus Caves?
The main season at Cactus Caves is Jun-Aug. A secondary window runs May, Sep. Winter for biggest swells. Autumn can be cleaner.
How do I get to Cactus Caves?
The spot profile lists CED as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 80 minutes. Dirt road from Penong. Basic camping at Point Sinclair. No facilities.
What kind of wave is Cactus Caves?
Cactus Caves is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Secondary: May, Sep
Winter for biggest swells. Autumn can be cleaner.