Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Expert
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) is a remote, exposed point-break setup designed for experienced surfers looking for consistent winter surf. When the south swell lines up, the wave peels around the cape into the surrounding bay. With offshore winds from the north, wave faces are described as cleaner and better groomed, supporting a more “usable” ride when conditions are right. Conditions are hazard-heavy: rips/strong currents are common around the headland, and the shoreline and seabed are rocky with reef ledges and sharp rocks. Shark activity is specifically flagged, and the spot is isolated—there is no lifeguard presence and no dedicated spot rescue service reported. For safety, sources emphasize avoiding solo sessions, checking access (often requiring 4WD or a long walk), and being ready for heavy, dangerous conditions on larger swell days. Surf quality is generally described as clean and reasonably consistent, with one guide emphasizing that the surf is surfable across all tide stages. A second surfing description notes the point can deliver long, peeling walls and that long-period swells improve the wraparound behavior. Monthly “clean” conditions vary, with May highlighted as the best single month, and winter as the overall optimum season. Local practicalities matter here: the area is accessed via unsealed roads, parking is limited near the headland track, and the nearest medical facilities are in Kingscote (around 60 km away). If you plan a session, prioritize long-period swell and offshore wind timing, and bring appropriate cold-water kit and abrasion protection suited to a rugged rocky environment.
- Winter-focused point-break surf with offshore-north winds that groom the faces.
- Peeling point walls with wrap-around swell behavior (especially on long-period swells).
- Low-crowd, remote environment away from mainland congestion.
- Crystal-clear water quality is reported for the broader Vivonne Bay area.
- Exposed point break with reasonably consistent surf in winter.
- Offshore north winds can groom waves.
- Very rarely gets crowded, helping preserve a low-pressure experience.
- Remote and exposed coastline—conditions can be heavy and hazardous near the headland.
- Strong currents/rips and sharp rock hazards around the point.
- Shark activity is reported; surfing alone is discouraged.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NW
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- The point offers some protection from westerly winds inside the bay.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Wave size described as big in one guide; heavier swell can become dangerous.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry off the point or paddle out from the western end of the sandy beach.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky entry and/or paddle-out with hazards makes launch and exit difficult.
Through the year
Generally low profile and quiet; more visitors can appear during school holidays.
May to September (winter storms and frontal systems).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed cape point break with a reliable peel when the swell wraps—best in winter with south swells and offshore north winds.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point with open-coast conditions; little natural shelter.
- Wind Effect
- North and Northeast winds act offshore, grooming the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size but can become very heavy and dangerous with strong sweeps; heavier swell increases hazard around the headland.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally clean groundswells when conditions align; cleanliness percentages vary by month.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful point-break surf.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling / peeling walls; tends to stay clean with the right wind.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling walls are typical when the swell lines up.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium-length rides; larger swells can extend rides significantly.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Provider sources conflict on whether the break is right- or left-hand; surf-forecast describes a left-point peel while another description characterizes a right-hand wrap. In either case, point-break peeling walls are expected with correct swell alignment.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) in the full forecast view.
Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSW207°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.7–2.9 m11s period
- Temperature
- 10–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.7–2.9 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Rips and rip currents
- Rocks and reef ledges
- Sharks
- Strong sweeps / heavy currents
- Isolation
- Heavy swell
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue service specific to the spot is reported.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Kingscote (about 60 km away). For emergencies call 000.
Rules of the spot
Surfing here is remote and hazard-heavy (rips, rocks, shark activity) and should be approached with advanced experience and self-sufficient planning.
- Surfable at all stages of the tide, but conditions can change quickly around the headland.
- Offshore winds blow from the north, helping groom the waves—however, the area remains exposed and dangerous on larger swell.
- The area is known for great white shark activity; avoid surfing alone.
- The point often requires 4WD access or a long beach walk—check access and timing before committing.
- Watch swell period: long-period swells produce better wrap around the cape.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Vivonne Bay
- Nearest Town
- Vivonne Bay
- Parking
- Limited unsealed parking area near the headland track
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited public transport; a private vehicle or rental car is essential for accessing the area.
- Access
- Accessible via unsealed roads; the final track to the point usually requires a 4WD vehicle.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals and camping available in Vivonne Bay, with additional options in Kingscote.
- Food & Drink
- General store in Vivonne Bay offers basic supplies and meals.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals are available at the spot; nearest shops are in Kingscote. Basic surfing and SUP rental can be available via local operators in the region.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage facilities are not publicly available in the region.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Naturally occurring inland sand dune system popular for sandboarding.
Guided beach walks and one of the largest colonies of Australian sea lions.
Local hub known for Whiting Burgers and basic supplies.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay)?
The best overall months at Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay)?
Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) works with N, NNE, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NW.
What skill level is Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) suitable for?
Cape Kersaint (Vivonne Bay) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert to Advanced.