Caesarea Shonit Beach
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Caesarea Shonit Beach is a reasonably exposed beach-and-reef surf spot that tends to work only when conditions are just right. The spot is described as primarily active during winter storm periods, with wave quality generally described as good on a good day (and average in another assessment). The most favorable setup reported is a West to West-northwest swell combined with offshore east-southeast (east) winds. When the wind aligns offshore, it helps groom the waves; when it doesn’t, the spot is less likely to perform. The break is exposed to wind and weather, with no shelter from cross-shore breezes reported. Conditions are best suited to intermediate surfers. The bottom is mixed, with submerged rocks and reef patches, and caution is advised—especially at low tide when rocky outcrops can be more exposed. Rip currents can occur during heavier swells, and the presence of lifeguards is reported as none. Crowd levels are a key positive: it’s described as unlikely to be overly crowded even when surf is up, making it a calmer alternative to busier beaches in the wider Tel Aviv area. For the best chance of consistent sessions, sources point to winter low-pressure systems in the Mediterranean.
- Offshore east/east-southeast winds can groom waves
- Intermediate-friendly but mixed bottom hazards (rocks/reef)
- Often quiet/calm sessions
- Break is unlikely to be too crowded, even when surf is up.
- Offshore easterly winds are reported to provide the cleanest conditions.
- Winter storms can produce rideable surf suitable for intermediate surfers.
- Only works when conditions align (swell + correct wind).
- Mixed sand and rock/reef bottom increases hazard risk.
- Rip currents can occur during heavier swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE
- Offshore directions
- ESE
- No-go directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal (sea-breeze) winds in summer; winter sessions can be driven by frontal/storm systems (regional baseline).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, December
- Shadow Zones
- Wind shadows can occur close to the northern structures and ruins.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small to moderate rideable waves; winter storms drive the more consistent surf.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Also described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky sections near the shoreline.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can see more visitors on weekends and summer holidays.
Rainy season occurs from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A reasonably exposed beach and reef break that only works when conditions are just right; it tends to work primarily during winter storms.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across all tides, but rocky outcrops can be more exposed at low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and provide the cleanest conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy with heavy closeouts during very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality described as good on a good day; another source describes average wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short and punchy rides over a mixed sand and rock bottom.
- Ride Length Details
- Short and punchy rides over a mixed sand and rock bottom.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Caesarea Shonit Beach in the full forecast view.
Caesarea Shonit Beach wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- WNW296°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2915 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 20–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Caesarea Shonit Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.3–1.7 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
- Reef bottom
- Submerged rocks
- Reef patches
- Rip currents
- Scattered rocks and reef patches in the water
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local coastguard base reported; general coast monitoring and daytime presence during the official season (regional baseline).
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 101 (Magen David Adom).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism reported by one provider; another describes mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Best surf is found when conditions line up correctly (swell + offshore winds). Watch for submerged rocks/reef patches, especially at low tide.
- Best surf is found during winter when low pressure systems move through the Mediterranean.
- Watch for rocky outcrops when the tide is low.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hof HaCarmel Regional Council
- Nearest Town
- Caesarea
- Parking
- Available parking nearby, often used by visitors to the adjacent water park and ruins.
- Access
- Direct beach access; accessible via the road leading toward the northern end of Sdot Yam and the Shonit area.
- Local Language
- Hebrew
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts in Caesarea to local kibbutz guesthouses and boutique apartments.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants are located near the Caesarea port and entrance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Extensive rental options available at local clubs for windsurfing, wingfoiling, and SUP (regional baseline).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Restored harbor and well-preserved Roman ruins, including an amphitheater, hippodrome, and ancient port areas.
Iconic ancient structure on the northern beach of Caesarea.
Private museum focusing on Latin American and Spanish art.
Israel's premier international golf course.
High-end dining options overlooking the ancient port.
Interactive multimedia presentations about the history of the region.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Caesarea Shonit Beach?
The best overall months at Caesarea Shonit Beach are December, January, February. The best wind months are January, February, December.
Which wind directions work at Caesarea Shonit Beach?
Caesarea Shonit Beach works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ESE. No-go directions are E, ESE, SE.
What skill level is Caesarea Shonit Beach suitable for?
Caesarea Shonit Beach suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.