The Surf Window

Cox's Bazar

Chittagong, Bangladesh

Beach breakBeginner

The world's longest natural sea beach at 120km, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh stretches along the Bay of Bengal where southwest monsoon swells create consistent beach break on a scale unlike anywhere else on earth, and a tiny but passionate local surf scene has emerged.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

NE

Light to NW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the world's longest beach

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Powerful Bay of Bengal swells with strong rip currents require experience

Hazards

  • •Very strong rip currents, Cox's Bazar has a high drowning rate
  • •No surf rescue infrastructure
  • •Cyclone risk during transition seasons (April–May, October–November)

Local Tips

  • •Bangladesh Surfing Federation is working to develop the sport, connect with them
  • •The beach at Laboni Point in the main town is the most accessible starting point
  • •Cox's Bazar's fried fish stalls along the beach serve extraordinary fresh seafood

Location

Map showing the location of Cox's Bazar in Chittagong, Bangladesh

21.4420, 91.9812