Alkimos
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Alkimos is an exposed reef break in Perth’s northern suburbs that works year-round, with best surf conditions noted for June. It’s generally seen as a safe bet for consistent waves, but the spot is also defined by offshore reef hazards and an unforgiving environment. The break sits over a reef, and reports specifically call out rocks, sharks, and heavy shorebreak as key hazards. Current and drift can vary with swell size, and there is also a warning to be extremely cautious around submerged remains of the SS Alkimos shipwreck. Because of the reef and exposure, conditions can change quickly, and the shore can be hazardous. Wind at Alkimos is influenced by regional sea-breeze behavior. An easterly wind direction is highlighted as the best wind direction, while summer conditions are associated with sea-breeze development (Fremantle Doctor pattern), typically building through the afternoon. For riders, this often translates to better wave grooming when the wind is offshore (easterly) and reduced chop compared with stronger south-westerly flows. Overall, the spot is suited primarily to intermediate surfers looking for consistent, exposed reef waves in a rarely crowded setting. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal and rescue availability is limited, so riders should plan conservatively around the reef hazards and heavy shorebreak.
- Exposed reef break that works year-round
- Best month noted as June
- Rarely crowded
- Exposed reef break with consistent surf and year-round work.
- Rarely crowded.
- Sea-breeze patterns can provide reliable wind conditions in warmer months.
- Exposed reef break with significant hazards (rocks and sharks).
- Reef and submerged wreckage increase risk for wind and foil activities.
- Heavy shorebreak reported at the spot.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze pattern commonly associated with the Fremantle Doctor; builds in summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- High for summer afternoon sea breezes (as a seasonal pattern).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusting conditions.
- Best Months
- June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with dunes leading toward the reef offshore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Rarely crowded; more locals visit during summer weekends.
Winter months (June to August) bring frontal weather and heavy rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Can be used during summer sea breezes, but it is less popular than other Perth beaches; reef risks make it more demanding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible only in open water areas, but the shallow reef and submerged wreckage pose significant risks to foils.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited due to shallow reef areas and submerged wreckage.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed reef break that works year-round, best described as consistent when swells are solid.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore easterly winds can groom the waves; strong south-westerlies make it choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- May begin to close out on the reef in extreme conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Decent sections when the swell is large enough to wrap over the reef properly; can close out on the reef in extreme conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Alkimos in the full forecast view.
Alkimos wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–17 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–2.2 m10s period
- Temperature
- 9–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Alkimos is forecast for daytime winds of 5–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–2.2 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Heavy shorebreak
- Drop off
- Strong currents
- Submerged wreckage (SS Alkimos shipwreck remains)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue reported as limited at the spot level.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Joondalup Health Campus. Emergency number: 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No notable localism reported at the spot level.
Rules of the spot
Respect standard surfing etiquette and the reef ecosystem.
- no camping
- no littering
- no vehicles
- no dogs allowed
- The best time for surfing is usually early morning before the sea breeze kicks in.
- Be extremely cautious of the submerged remains of the SS Alkimos.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Perth
- Nearest Town
- Alkimos
- Parking
- Public parking available near the beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via Transperth rail network (Joondalup Line) and connecting bus services; most riders use private vehicles.
- Access
- Accessible via Marmion Avenue and Shorehaven Boulevard; located at Alkimos Beach (100 Coolangatta Rise, Alkimos WA 6038). Public parking near beach access points.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Coastal holiday rentals, residential guesthouses, and hotel accommodations in nearby Mindarie and Joondalup.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and restaurants are available in the nearby Shorehaven and Alkimos developments.
- Equipment Rental:
- No direct rental at the beach; gear must be brought from Perth city surf shops (wind sport equipment).
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are primarily offered by local surf clubs or specialized wind sport schools in the region.
- Gear Repair
- Professional kite and wing repair services available in the greater Perth area and serve the northern beaches.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A northern Perth corridor blending suburban access with rugged coastline and nearby natural attractions.
Remains of a Greek-owned freighter wrecked in 1963, visible from the shore.
Historical park featuring koala boardwalks, caves, and Aboriginal cultural experiences.
Hub for boating, diving charters, and coastal exploration.
Local bistro and bar popular with the coastal community.
Large coastal park and playground area suitable for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Alkimos?
The best overall months at Alkimos are June.
Which wind directions work at Alkimos?
Alkimos works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Alkimos?
Recommended equipment sizes at Alkimos: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Alkimos suitable for?
Alkimos suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.