The Surf Window

Dadonghai Sanya

Hainan, China

Beach breakBeginner

In Sanya at the southern tip of Hainan, Dadonghai is a popular resort beach where the tropical South China Sea delivers small but consistent waves to China's most developed beach resort, the "Hawaii of China."

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–E 0.8–1.5m at 8–10s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Nov–Feb

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Small beach peaks

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginners
  • •Why: Small, warm-water waves great for learning in a full-service resort setting

Hazards

  • •Very crowded, Dadonghai is one of China's busiest resort beaches
  • •Boat and jet ski traffic in the bay
  • •Jellyfish periodically

Local Tips

  • •Dadonghai is better for enjoying beach culture than serious surfing, manage expectations
  • •Riyue Bay (60km northeast) is far superior for actual surfing
  • •Sanya's Yalong Bay has better-maintained beaches if Dadonghai feels too crowded

Location

Map showing the location of Dadonghai Sanya in Hainan, China

18.2186, 109.5176