Desert Point
Desert Point is one of the longest, most perfect barrel rides on Earth—and one of the most fickle. When SW swells combine with low tide and offshore winds, this Lombok left produces long, mechanical tubes. But it's a demanding wave: the reef is razor-sharp, the timing must be precise (it needs low tide), and getting it perfect is rare. When it turns on, Desert Point delivers the stuff of dreams—mechanical perfection over shallow coral, far from the Bali crowds.
Desert Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.5m
- Ideal size
- 3m - 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 1m
- Danger below
- 0m
- Danger above
- 1.2m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Fast boat from Bali or drive through Lombok.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Desert Point?
Desert Point is a reef break in Lombok, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Desert Point?
California surfer Bill Heick and friends stumbled onto it in the early 1980s while sailing leaky boats off Lombok. It was named for its dry, forbidding feel, and the crew kept it quiet: 'No talk, no maps, no photos.'
What swell works best at Desert Point?
Desert Point picks up swell from the SSW round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 4.5m, with the sweet spot around 3 to 3.8m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s 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 Desert Point?
An E wind is dead offshore at Desert Point, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am 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 Desert Point?
Desert Point is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.2m to 1m on the local chart. Below 0m it gets dangerously shallow. Above 1.2m it tends to fill in and wash through.
When is the best time of year to surf Desert Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Desert Point comes May to Oct. Dry season. Very fickle - needs big SW swell AND low tide. Dead flat at high tide.
How cold is the water at Desert Point?
The water at Desert Point averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Desert Point good for beginners?
No. At 10/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Ultra shallow, ultra fast, ultra gnarly. Razor-sharp reef. Wear a helmet.
How do I get to Desert Point?
The nearest airport on our list is DPS, then it's roughly a 4-hour drive. Fast boat from Bali or drive through Lombok.
What other surf spots are near Desert Point?
The closest breaks we track are Mawi (41 km), Lacerations (43 km) and Playgrounds (44 km), handy when Desert Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Dry season. Very fickle - needs big SW swell AND low tide. Dead flat at high tide.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Mawi
🌊 Lombok A-frame • Powerful reef break • Fast lefts and rights
Lacerations
🌊 Sharp reef, sharp waves • Both lefts and rights • Booties essential
Playgrounds
🌊 Lembongan A-frame • Crystal-clear water • Perfect for improvers
Shipwrecks
🌊 Lembongan barrels • Crystal-clear tubes • Easy access from Bali
Keramas
🏆 Former WSL CT venue • East coast perfection • High-performance
Grupuk Bay (Don Don)
🌊 Lombok bay breaks • Boat access • Surf camp vibes
Plan a trip around Desert Point
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.