Ghost Trees
Ghost Trees is Pebble Beach's secret big wave—a right-hand slab named for the white, ghostly Monterey Cypress trees that frame the break. The Carmel Canyon focuses swells to produce waves in the 40-60 foot range on rare winter days. The spot is controversial: jet-ski bans limit access, and the exclusive Pebble Beach community has mixed feelings about the surfers. When conditions align, Ghost Trees produces some of California's most photogenic big wave barrels.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (281°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 292°
- Size range
- 3.7m - 18.3m
- Ideal size
- 10.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (101°)
- Offshore range
- 56° - 146°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Restricted (jet ski ban)
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ghost Trees?
Ghost Trees handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Ghost Trees?
Offshore wind at Ghost Trees blows from the E (101°). Anything in the 56° to 146° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Ghost Trees?
Ghost Trees wants W swell (270° to 292°) between 3.7m and 18.3m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Ghost Trees?
The main season at Ghost Trees is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Oct. Rare winter days
How do I get to Ghost Trees?
Fly into MRY, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Restricted (jet ski ban)
What kind of wave is Ghost Trees?
Ghost Trees is a big wave break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct
Rare winter days
Getting There
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