Cayton Bay Bunkers
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cayton Bay Bunkers is a fairly exposed beach/sandbar break at the southern end of a sandy bay, known for having quite consistent surf and regular wave frequency. The spot is described as working best when a north swell is present, with conditions often improving as the tide rises toward high tide. Wave shape is commonly reported as peeling, with ride lengths described as short under typical conditions (often under 50m), while good sessions can deliver longer day-length rides (around 50–150m). Southwest winds are highlighted as the best wind direction, helping create more favorable wave faces (offshore/grooming effect). The spot offers both left and right wave options depending on conditions. Hazards are a key part of planning here: submerged rocks and rip currents are reported, and pollution/water quality can become an issue after heavy rain—so checking the latest water quality guidance is recommended when rain has recently occurred. Providers also flag the risk of rocks/bunkers becoming submerged as the tide rises, so staying alert to how the shoreline changes during the session matters. This spot is generally positioned for intermediate surfers, with advice emphasizing caution due to the rocky nature of the shore. Winter conditions are emphasized for wetsuit use due to cold water, and despite the spot being busy during peak periods, some guidance notes it can be quieter on weekdays off-season.
- Consistent beach/sandbar surfing conditions
- Best on north swells with southwest offshore winds
- Holds larger swell size up to about 4m+ / 12ft
- Left and right options reported
- Quite consistent surf and regular frequency reported
- Works best on north swells with southwest offshore winds
- Can hold up to around 4m+ / 12ft
- Wave quality is described as good with peeling waves
- Rocks/submerged rocks near the shore
- Water quality/pollution risks can occur after heavy rain
- Rip currents are reported
- Exposed setup can be demanding outside ideal conditions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southwest winds described as the best wind direction for the spot; gradient/trade style winds are reported by different providers.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs at the southern end provide shelter from southerly winds (and a nearby spot is noted as offering some shelter in northwesterly winds).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as working from under 1m and holding up to around 4m+.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky outcrops near the cliffs; rocky hazards near the southern end.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Access is via a steep footpath; launch is on a sandy beach but with rocky/submerged hazards near the shore.
Through the year
Packed in summer; empty/few on weekdays off-season. Weekends and summer holidays can be busy; Bunkers is often less crowded than the main beach area.
Winter months (October to March) see more frequent storms and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed beach/sandbar break with quite consistent surf. Works best with a north swell and on mid-to-high tide (including rising/approaching high). Offers left and right waves depending on conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N
- Swell Height
- 1–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Best tide reported as high; also described as working best on mid-to-high and rising tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/sandbar setup; providers also describe partial shelter from southerly winds from surrounding cliffs.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds are described as offshore and help groom the wave faces; best with southwest offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to around 4m+ / 12ft; can become heavy and challenging on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling described; a separate source notes peeling as the dominant shape.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal short rides are reported as well as longer day length goals on good days (50–150m mentioned).
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length short rides are reported (<50m), with good day length described as about 50–150m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cayton Bay Bunkers in the full forecast view.
Cayton Bay Bunkers wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–29 ktsGusts 49 kts
- Direction
- SW221°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2429 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.9 m5s period
- Temperature
- 5–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cayton Bay Bunkers is forecast for daytime winds of 6–29 kts, peaking around 29 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 49 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–1.9 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 rocks (including near the southern end)
- Rip currents
- Pollution / water quality issues after heavy rain
- Cliff falls (noted as a hazard in the area)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is noted for the wider bays/area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue services are generally limited at the spot level; Coastguard operates year-round for maritime emergencies.
- Emergency Info
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; be mindful of rocks and submerged hazards as conditions change with the tide.
- Occasional water quality alerts from environmental agencies
- Respects restricted access/conditions where hazards are present (rocks and submerged features near the shore)
- Check water quality alerts after heavy rain.
- Get as far out to the waves as possible, especially when conditions are bigger.
- Be careful of the bunkers/rocks which can become submerged as the tide rises.
- If sunbathing, bring a wind break during windy summer periods.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Scarborough
- Nearest Town
- Cayton
- Parking
- Pay carpark near Cayton Bay Surf Shop: £2 before 4pm / £1 after 4pm; street parking can be used if done correctly to avoid tickets.
- Access
- Drive through and past Scarborough on Filey Road; park at Cayton traffic lights or pay carpark near the Cayton Bay Surf Shop; walk down the footpath past holiday caravans to reach the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday parks and campsites are adjacent to the bay; additional options are in Scarborough.
- Food & Drink
- A small cafe and refreshments at the surf shop are mentioned near the top of the cliff.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is available at the surf shop located at the top of the bay.
- Gear Storage
- Limited dedicated gear storage is mentioned primarily via surf schools/centers for their students or club members.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be handled by the local surf shop; basic surfboard/wetsuit repair is available via specialist shops in the Scarborough area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cayton Bay Bunkers?
The best overall months at Cayton Bay Bunkers are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Cayton Bay Bunkers?
Cayton Bay Bunkers works with SW, W winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is Cayton Bay Bunkers suitable for?
Cayton Bay Bunkers suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.