Massawa
Massawa represents the absolute frontier of Red Sea surfing—an ancient port city in Eritrea where winter monsoon winds occasionally generate short-period swells along the African coast. The waves are small and inconsistent, but the setting is extraordinary: Italian colonial architecture, coral reefs, and the sense of surfing somewhere completely off the radar. Access is challenging due to Eritrea's isolation, but for adventurous travelers who find themselves in this historic port, the Red Sea occasionally provides unexpected waves.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (50°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 8s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 1m
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: 2hr drive from Asmara. Historic port city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Massawa?
Massawa works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.2m and 1m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Massawa?
Offshore wind at Massawa blows from the W (270°). Anything in the 230° to 310° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Massawa?
Massawa wants NE swell (20° to 80°) between 0.5m and 1.5m, with a period of 8s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Massawa?
The main season at Massawa is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. NE monsoon creates short-period wind swells in Red Sea.
How do I get to Massawa?
Fly into ASM, then allow about 120 minutes by road. 2hr drive from Asmara. Historic port city.
What kind of wave is Massawa?
Massawa is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
NE monsoon creates short-period wind swells in Red Sea.