The Surf Window

Whitesands Bay

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Beach breakIntermediate

At the tip of St David's Peninsula near Britain's smallest city, Whitesands Bay (Porth Mawr) is Pembrokeshire's most popular surf beach, a perfect crescent of white sand below the island of Ramsey where consistent Atlantic swells break on a beautiful backdrop.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks in the horseshoe bay

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: All levels
  • •Why: Protected bay creates manageable waves while exposed enough for consistent swell

Hazards

  • •Crowded in summer, this is a very popular tourist beach
  • •Rip currents in bigger swells
  • •Jellyfish seasonally

Local Tips

  • •St David's Cathedral in the city (10 minutes) is extraordinary, Britain's smallest city holds a mighty history
  • •The RNLI lifeboat station here serves some of the most treacherous waters in Wales
  • •Ramsey Island boat trips are available for extraordinary wildlife experiences

Location

Map showing the location of Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales

51.8938, -5.3029