Cyclops
Cyclops is one of the most terrifying waves in the world—an ultra-shallow slab that breaks over a barely submerged reef shelf near Esperance on Western Australia's remote south coast. The wave breaks in water so shallow that riders are launched over dry reef, and the consequences of a wipeout are severe. Accessible only by boat from the Cape Le Grand area, Cyclops explodes when solid SW groundswells hit the shelf, producing thick, square barrels that close out in seconds. This is strictly experts-only territory where miscalculation can be fatal.
Cyclops surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m - 3.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat or jet ski access only from near Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid area east of Esperance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cyclops?
Cyclops is a slab in Esperance, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at Cyclops?
Cyclops picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 2m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.9 to 3.5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cyclops?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Cyclops, and anything from the N round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cyclops?
Cyclops is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Cyclops?
The most reliable run of swell at Cyclops comes Mar to May, through the southern autumn. There's a second window in Jun to Jul too. Autumn provides best combo of swell and lighter winds.
How cold is the water at Cyclops?
The water at Cyclops averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cyclops good for beginners?
No. As a slab, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Extremely shallow. Boat access only. Great white sharks. One of the most dangerous waves in Australia.
How do I get to Cyclops?
The nearest airport on our list is EPR, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $400 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat or jet ski access only from near Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid area east of Esperance.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Jun, Jul
Autumn provides best combo of swell and lighter winds.
Getting There
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