Nantasket Beach
Nantasket Beach is Boston's go-to surf spot—the closest consistent wave to a city of millions, accessible from downtown in under an hour. The northeast-facing beach catches nor'easter swells that miss south-facing breaks, providing an alternative window when the rest of New England goes flat. The water is cold year-round, the crowd is dedicated, and the rocky areas demand awareness, but Nantasket delivers surf to a metropolitan area that has no business having a surf scene. For Bostonians who refuse to let geography dictate their stoke, Nantasket is home.
Nantasket Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (75°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 120°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Offshore range
- 220° - 290°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Public beach south of Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nantasket Beach?
The Nantasket Beach profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Nantasket Beach?
The Nantasket Beach profile uses wind from WSW (250°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 220° to 290°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Nantasket Beach?
The Nantasket Beach scoring profile favors swell from ENE (45° to 120°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 13s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Nantasket Beach?
The main season at Nantasket Beach is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Nor'easters and hurricane swells.
How do I get to Nantasket Beach?
The spot profile lists BOS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 35 minutes. Public beach south of Boston.
What kind of wave is Nantasket Beach?
Nantasket Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Nor'easters and hurricane swells.
Getting There
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