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.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to EPR, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Australia is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Australia — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Cyclops trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Boat or jet ski access only from near Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid area east of Esperance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cyclops?
The Cyclops 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 Cyclops?
The Cyclops profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 0° to 90°. 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 Cyclops?
The Cyclops scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 270°), a swell-height range of 2m to 4m, and a reference period of 16s. 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 Cyclops?
The main season at Cyclops is Mar-May. A secondary window runs Jun, Jul. Autumn provides best combo of swell and lighter winds.
How do I get to Cyclops?
The spot profile lists EPR as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $400 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Boat or jet ski access only from near Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid area east of Esperance.
What kind of wave is Cyclops?
Cyclops is a slab break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Jun, Jul
Autumn provides best combo of swell and lighter winds.
Getting There
Plan a trip around Cyclops
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.