Skeleton Bay
Skeleton Bay is one of surfing's most alien landscapes—a sand-bottomed left point in the remote Namibian desert that produces some of the longest tube rides in the world. When massive SW swells from the South Atlantic align with rare offshore winds, the wave can run for well over a kilometer. Also known as Donkey Bay, it breaks along a sandspit that keeps reshaping as the wind blows in sand from the Namib Desert: harsh, isolated, and almost lunar in its barrenness. The walk back up the point after each wave is brutal. Getting it perfect requires luck, planning, and a willingness to wait. When it aligns, nothing else compares.
Skeleton Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Direction range
- 220° - 270°
- Size range
- 2.5m - 5m
- Ideal size
- 3.6m - 4.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (113°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 142°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.8m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: 4WD required. Remote desert location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Skeleton Bay?
Skeleton Bay is a point break in Skeleton Coast, Namibia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Skeleton Bay?
It is also known as Donkey Bay, and its sand point keeps changing as the wind carries sand in from the Namib Desert. Photographer Alan van Gysen first came across the wave in 2007, the same year Surfing magazine ran its Google Earth Challenge.
What swell works best at Skeleton Bay?
Skeleton Bay picks up swell from the SW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WSW. It starts working at around 2.5m and handles up to about 5m, with the sweet spot around 3.6 to 4.4m. 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 Skeleton Bay?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Skeleton Bay, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Skeleton Bay?
Skeleton Bay has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.3m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Skeleton Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Skeleton Bay comes Jun to Sep. There's a second window in May and Oct too. Very fickle. Needs big SW swell + E wind alignment.
How cold is the water at Skeleton Bay?
The water at Skeleton Bay averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Skeleton Bay good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Extremely remote. Very strong currents. Long walk back.
How do I get to Skeleton Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is WVB, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. 4WD required. Remote desert location.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Sep
Secondary: May, Oct
Very fickle. Needs big SW swell + E wind alignment.
Getting There
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