Cox Bay
Cox Bay is Canada's surf capital—a beautiful beach break surrounded by old-growth rainforest on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. Tofino has become a surfing mecca, drawing everyone from beginners to experienced chargers. The water is cold year-round (thick wetsuits required), but winter storms deliver consistent Pacific swells that light up the sandbars. The setting is stunning: rainforest, black bears, and pristine wilderness. Canadian surfing at its finest.
Cox Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (260°)
- Direction range
- 220° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
Water temp
11°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Or fly into Tofino airport (YAZ)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cox Bay?
Cox Bay is a beach break in Tofino, Canada, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Cox Bay?
Cox Bay picks up swell from the SW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Cox Bay?
An E wind is dead offshore at Cox Bay, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cox Bay?
Cox Bay has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.5m to 2.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Cox Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Cox Bay comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr to May and Sep too. Winter storms deliver consistent swell. Cold water year-round.
How cold is the water at Cox Bay?
The water at Cox Bay averages around 11°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cox Bay good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Cold water (9-14°C). Strong currents. Rocky outcrops at ends.
How do I get to Cox Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is YYJ, then it's roughly a 4-hour drive. Or fly into Tofino airport (YAZ).
What other surf spots are near Cox Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Tofino - Long Beach (0.8 km), handy when Cox Bay isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Winter storms deliver consistent swell. Cold water year-round.
Getting There
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