Cheyne Bay
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cheyne Bay is a protected, sandy bay near Albany known for crystal-clear water and big open space for kitesurfing setup. The general water character is choppy with small waves, which suits freeride-focused riding as well as intermediate wave-style sessions when conditions line up. For wind sports, the best direction range is ENE through SE, with the most dependable season stretching from January through March and again from October through December. During this period, sea-breeze influence is stronger, and conditions are commonly described as steady rather than highly gusty—supporting longer sessions and easier planning for strapless/freeride riding. Kitesurfing is the standout activity here: the bay’s protection helps keep conditions manageable, while the wide sandy launch area makes self-launching straightforward. Wind ranges reported for the main season are typically about 15–25 knots, and standard kite sizes of roughly 9–12 m² are commonly used. Safety is an important consideration. The spot has no dedicated on-site rescue or lifeguards, and emergency response is handled from Albany. Sources also note potential marine wildlife risk in the bay area (including sharks), and local conditions can include patchy mobile reception; riders should plan to ride with safe wind margins (avoid offshore entirely, and stick to side-on/side-shore winds) and be prepared to self-manage.
- Protected sandy bay with crystal-clear water
- Spacious launch/setup and easy self-launch
- Strong seasonal ENE–SE wind window for kitesurfing
- Protected sandy bay with crystal-clear water and spacious launch/setup
- Strong, seasonal ENE–SE winds supporting reliable kiting in summer
- Flat-to-choppy conditions with small waves for progression
- No major shorebreak reported; easy self-launch
- Remote location with limited on-site emergency support
- Wildlife and marine activity risk (including sharks) in the wider bay area
- Mobile reception can be patchy in parts of the bay
- No kite/board rental services on-site (gear is typically brought or sourced from Albany)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Summer sea breezes (east to southeasterly) are the main pattern; winds are otherwise variable with frontal systems in winter.
- Reliability
- high in summer
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady conditions reported during the main season.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with clear access for setup.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported; overall water described as chop.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy conditions reported.
- Launch
- Big — Wide, expansive sandy beach with space for setup; easy sandy self-launch in a protected bay.
Through the year
Generally quiet; can get busier during school holidays and salmon season.
Winter months (June to August) are the rainiest; winter frontal systems are a seasonal feature.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Protected bay with chop and small waves over a sandy launch. Best with ENE–SE winds in summer/early autumn; suited to freeride and intermediate wave-style riding, and can be a strong platform for freeride/foil given the open space.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good for slalom and freeride in easterly winds; water is relatively flatter than the exposed coast.
Viable due to clear/deeper water and consistent wind, especially near the main beach access.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Reported as foil-friendly with deep enough water off the main beach.
- Min Depth
- Deep enough off the main beach
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Usually more sheltered than other Albany-area options, with smaller, rideable waves when larger southwest swell wraps into the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Protected by being in the bay; still gets manageable wave action on larger southwest swell.
- Wind Effect
- Groomed by easterly winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Stays manageable when the exposed coast is maxed out.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft — Waves are generally soft.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peel speed reported as slow.
- Ride Length
- Short — Rides are typically short.
- Ride Length Details
- Short rides reported when waves are on.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cheyne Bay in the full forecast view.
Cheyne Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- SSE156°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 9–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cheyne Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 1.1–2.5 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- sharks
- remote-location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue; emergency response via Albany.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-site rescue; emergency services are dispatched from Albany. Nearest major hospital is Albany Health Campus; emergency number is 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Quiet, local-heavy scene with minimal friction reported.
Rules of the spot
Avoid offshore winds entirely; only ride with side-shore or side-onshore winds (ENE–SE). Be mindful of other beach users and wildlife.
- The area can have significant marine activity, especially during the salmon run.
- Mobile reception can be patchy in parts of the bay.
- Parking is available at/near the bay, which helps with setting up and emergency access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Albany
- Nearest Town
- Manypeaks
- Nearest Airport
- Albany Regional Airport (ALH)
- Parking
- Parking available directly at the bay / near the end of the access road near the caravan park.
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent; private vehicle is required for access.
- Access
- 434 km southeast of Perth and 38 km northeast of Albany (Great Southern region), next to Manypeaks; accessible via Cheynes Beach Road with main settlement/beach access points reachable with 2WD.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Cheynes Beach Caravan Park and nearby holiday rentals.
- Food & Drink
- General store at the caravan park for basic supplies; local takeaway at Cheynes Beach Takeaway.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals available / limited—visitors are generally expected to bring their own gear or source rental services from Albany.
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available; riders typically store gear in private vehicles or accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- No on-site repair reported.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A remote, rugged stretch of Western Australia’s southern coastline with pristine white sands and clear water. Tourism centers on outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
A nearby national park featuring a unique deep-set inlet and rugged coastal scenery.
Seasonal Southern Right and Humpback whale watching from the coastline.
Numerous coastal trails offering views of the Southern Ocean.
Local general store and takeaway serving basic meals and supplies.
Protected areas of the bay can offer calmer water suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cheyne Bay?
The best overall months at Cheyne Bay are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cheyne Bay?
Cheyne Bay works with ENE, E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cheyne Bay?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cheyne Bay: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cheyne Bay suitable for?
Cheyne Bay suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.