Bonnet Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Bonnet Point is a rocky, fickle point break on Narragansett’s coastline that depends on the right swell wrapping around the point. Providers describe the break as capable of producing long, steep rides (up to around 250 meters) and sometimes serious sets when major weather swell aligns, but that it is also unreliable and may barely break for long stretches. Wave behavior is strongly tied to both swell direction and wind. One description highlights left-hand point waves with long peels that can barrel when winds are right, while another emphasizes right-hand point waves that require a specific swell to wrap correctly. In general, north to northwest offshore winds are described as improving conditions, and the spot can work across different tide stages though one source also notes best performance around mid tide. Safety is a major concern: the bottom is rocky with submerged boulders, and rips are noted near the point. Sources also warn that access is restricted through a private residential community with strict parking rules for non-residents, and towing is reported—so checking access and parking ordinances before arriving is essential. The combination of hazards and occasional crowds when it does break makes this a spot for surfers who are comfortable managing risk. Water temperatures are cold and the area’s winter pattern calls for a proper winter wetsuit setup (including hood, gloves, and boots during peak swell season), with lighter spring/summer options only when water warms. Overall, it’s a specialized spot: excellent potential on the right day, but conditions and access can limit opportunities.
- Fickle point break with long steep rides when it works
- North/northwest offshore winds can improve surf quality
- Rocky hazards and rip-current risk
- Long, steep rides are possible when the correct swell and wind align.
- Offshore north/northwest flow can help create cleaner surf.
- Well-known among local surfers and recognized for serious sets on larger storms.
- Inconsistent and fickle conditions; the spot can barely ever break.
- Rocky bottom with hazards (rocks and rips).
- Access and parking restrictions via a private neighborhood; towing can occur.
- Can be crowded when a good swell hits.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe winds as frontal; regional patterns also note frontal influence in shoulder seasons.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts mentioned by one provider.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — One provider notes sand; another describes rocks/beach composition as rock—actual access area includes rocky/boulder bottom.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Providers also describe medium conditions depending on the swell setup.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky shoreline/point entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky entry with a moderate level of difficulty.
Through the year
Hurricane season (late summer/autumn) and Nor'easters (winter).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fickle rocky point break in Narragansett with inconsistent surf and specific swell-and-wind combinations. One description emphasizes left-hand point waves with long rides; another describes right-hand waves requiring the right swell to wrap around the point. Hazards are primarily rocks and rips.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, SSE
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — One provider states good surf at all stages of the tide; another specifies mid tide for its best version of the break.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as having semi-shelter relative to some wind directions; also described as reasonably exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore north winds are described as favoring clean conditions; one provider also notes West/Northwest offshore flow.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds larger hurricane and nor’easter swells and can produce serious, heavy sets when nor’easter conditions align; when not perfectly wrapped it may become washed out/heavy over rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Providers range from average to good; sources align that quality depends heavily on the correct swell wrapping the point.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — One provider rates it powerful; another describes moderate-to-serious conditions when swell wraps.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — One provider reports mixed; another reports peeling with variability.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Both descriptions note medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Up to ~250 meters is described, with long steep rides.
- Ride Length Details
- Reported peels for up to 250 meters with long steep rides; another provider describes medium ride lengths and an inconsistent setup.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bonnet Point in the full forecast view.
Bonnet Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- W276°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2911 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 4–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bonnet Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.2–0.8 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- submerged boulders
- rips
- private property access restrictions
- extremely limited / restricted parking
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional cluster guidance indicates limited maritime rescue coverage.
- Emergency Info
- In the US, dial 911 for all emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Sources describe restricted access and potential crowding only when conditions are right.
Rules of the spot
Access is restricted; check parking and local rules before attempting to visit.
- Private beach access / neighborhood access restrictions
- Parking restricted; resident permits usually required for closest streets
- Watch out for rips and rocks.
- This spot barely ever breaks and can be crowded when it does.
- If visiting via the private neighborhood access, check parking ordinances beforehand; towing is reported.
- Be prepared for a walk if you cannot find legal parking.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Narragansett
- Nearest Town
- Narragansett
- Nearest Airport
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Parking
- Extremely limited; resident permits usually required for closest streets
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus service from Providence to Narragansett; a private vehicle is highly recommended for coastal access.
- Access
- Restricted; located within the private Bonnet Shores community
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various vacation rentals in Narragansett; lodging options are available in the broader area.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes available in the wider Narragansett area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental exists in the wider Narragansett area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public gear storage; most riders rely on private vehicles or local services.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair is available via local surf shops; no dedicated sail/kite repair noted on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Narragansett is a classic New England beach community with a rocky coastline and strong local interest in surfing and coastal recreation.
An iconic historic structure spanning Ocean Road, remaining part of the Narragansett Pier Casino.
A historic active lighthouse on the west side of the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Ancestral home of the Narragansett people, with local historical markers and tribal events.
Deep sea fishing departures from the Port of Galilee.
Historic restaurant offering upscale dining and views.
Large sandy beach with pavilions, snack bars, and beginner-friendly water access.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bonnet Point?
The best overall months at Bonnet Point are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Bonnet Point?
Bonnet Point works with N, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What skill level is Bonnet Point suitable for?
Bonnet Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.