Cortes Bank
Cortes Bank is surfing's most remote big wave venue—an underwater mountain rising from the seafloor 100 miles off the San Diego coast. When massive Pacific storms generate huge W-NW swells, waves break on the shallow reef at heights that rival anything on Earth: 70-100 foot faces have been documented. Getting there requires a major boat expedition and perfect weather windows. The wave breaks maybe 3 days per year. Cortes Bank represents big wave surfing at its most logistically extreme and potentially largest scale.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (281°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 292°
- Size range
- 18.3m - 22.9m
- Ideal size
- 20.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Major boat expedition
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cortes Bank?
Cortes Bank works best on a low tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Cortes Bank?
Offshore wind at Cortes Bank blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cortes Bank?
Cortes Bank wants W swell (270° to 292°) between 18.3m and 22.9m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cortes Bank?
The main season at Cortes Bank is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Oct, Apr. ~3 days/year
How do I get to Cortes Bank?
Fly into SAN, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $2000 USD). Major boat expedition
What kind of wave is Cortes Bank?
Cortes Bank is a big wave break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
~3 days/year
Getting There
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