Cisco (Nantucket)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves, Medium waves, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cisco (Nantucket) is Nantucket’s Atlantic-facing surf beach: a wide sandy launch area with steep drop-off from the parking side, exposed to the full ocean. Conditions are frequently characterized by chop/heavy surf and strong currents, with the result that safe water skills and strong current awareness are central to using the spot. For surfing, it’s described as one of the island’s most popular and consistent beach breaks. In the working setup, waves are peeling and can hold more size on larger swell, with typical rides on good days described around 50–100 meters (about 75 meters typical). Wind direction matters: north winds are associated with cleaner/offshore conditions, while south winds can bring chop and onshore mush. Wind sports are possible but more demanding than typical summer sea-breeze venues. Kitesurfing is described as challenging due to heavy chop and strong currents, with suitability generally aimed at more experienced riders. Windsurfing is noted as excellent when the wind has a southerly component, and wingfoiling can work but is described as challenging because shore break and consistent swell can be hard to manage near launch. Safety guidance is explicit for this beach: rip currents/strong currents are repeatedly highlighted as a key risk, particularly when larger swell is running. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty in the main summer period, and summer kiting may be restricted in designated swimming areas. Also watch for seasonal piping plover nesting closures that can rope off sections of the beach—check signage before launching and during changing conditions.
- Exposed Atlantic beach-break surf.
- Strong rip-current risk—especially with larger swell.
- Summer parking lot fills early; bikes often easier than driving.
- Seasonal lifeguards and seasonal shorebird nesting closure signage.
- Consistent exposed Atlantic beach-break surf with a clear swash-and-swell setup on the right wind/swell combination.
- A wide sandy beach with straightforward access and an early-filling parking lot for summer sessions.
- Wind-and-wave activity is a core part of the spot’s identity during late spring through early autumn.
- Strong currents and rip currents make conditions hazardous, especially with larger surf.
- Surf area is heavily exposed and can be very rough; prioritize experience and safety checks.
- Kitesurfing and other wind sports may have area restrictions in designated swimming zones during summer.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, SSE, S, SW, W, WNW
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Seasonal mix of prevailing offshore/sea-breeze patterns and shifting synoptic winds; strong south/SE components common in the main season.
- Reliability
- reliable
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gustiness described as light-gusts in the local wind pattern.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves, Medium waves, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with dunes/sandbars.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Waves described as medium overall, with consistent surf that can feel heavy depending on wind.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop/mixed conditions are repeatedly referenced (chop and heavy surf).
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with dunes; access via seasonal ramp/aluminum ramp in season; area can become narrower during high tide.
Through the year
Extremely crowded in July and August; quieter in shoulder seasons.
Late summer and autumn can be affected by Atlantic hurricane swells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible but generally challenging due to chop and strong currents with a moderate shore break; best for riders comfortable in moving water and shorebreak.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent for wave sailing when wind has a southerly component; requires experience with beach starts and managing shore break.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Possible but challenging due to shore break and consistent swell; deep water close to shore can help with longer masts.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions described as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Cisco is Nantucket’s exposed Atlantic surf beach with consistent beach-break waves. Conditions involve heavy surf and strong currents; it’s primarily best for experienced surfers and bodyboarders when swell and wind line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides per spot-level surf guidance.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed to full Atlantic; limited shelter and therefore wind and swell impacts are strong.
- Wind Effect
- North winds provide cleaner/offshore conditions, while south winds bring chop and onshore mush.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size on larger swell; may close out if the swell becomes too large (noted as possible during very large events).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good in the main working setup; other provider notes characterize local surf quality as poor due to heaviness/conditions—conditions can vary by wind/swell combo.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate for the main working conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Wave shape characterized as peeling; heavy shorebreak can still be present depending on conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling wave type with medium peel speed described.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides described as medium, with longer rides on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves break over shifting sandbars; rides range roughly from 50 to 100 meters on good days. Typical listed ride length is about 75 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cisco (Nantucket) in the full forecast view.
Cisco (Nantucket) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–20 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- WNW297°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2720 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 9–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cisco (Nantucket) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.4–1.0 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- strong currents
- rip currents
- strong undertow
- heavy shore break
- crowded waters (surfers and swimmers)
- piping plover nesting closures (sections may be roped off)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards on duty late June–Labor Day (and related seasonal monitoring).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited at the spot level, with broader Coast Guard coverage in the region.
- Emergency Info
- 911. Nantucket Cottage Hospital is the nearest medical facility; local lifeguards are seasonal and Coast Guard maritime search and rescue operates in the area.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none at this spot, though kite/surf positioning rules can apply around swimming zones and crowds.
Rules of the spot
No vehicle access year-round (beach driving closed year-round). In summer, lifeguards are on duty seasonally; kite launching may be restricted in designated swimming areas—check active zones with lifeguards. Watch for seasonal shorebird nesting closure signage that may rope off sections.
- No vehicle access year-round.
- Beach driving closed year-round.
- No kiting in swim zones (summer seasonal restrictions may apply).
- Seasonal shorebird nesting closures may rope off sections of the beach.
- Arrive early on summer weekends for parking (lot fills by ~10am; bikes are often easier than driving).
- Avoid launching directly in front of the main surfing crowd.
- Check plover closure signage before launching/landing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nantucket
- Nearest Town
- Nantucket
- Nearest Airport
- Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)
- Parking
- Free dirt parking lot; fills very early in peak summer weekends (arrive before ~11:30 for best chance). Bikes can be easier than driving.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transit; access primarily by ferry/flight to Nantucket and on-island transport.
- Access
- Follow Cisco Beach Access Rd to the large dirt parking lot at the end; from town, drive via Prospect St → Hummock Pond Rd and then the dirt road to the unpaved lot.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels/inns/vacation rentals are available in Nantucket town.
- Food & Drink
- Seasonal food trucks are often in the parking lot; nearby Cisco Brewers is described as about a short walk inland.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as available on-site during summer for surfing/wetsuits (and similar basic gear).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair is available locally via shops; specialized kite/sail repair may be limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Nantucket is known for preserved 18th-century architecture, pristine beaches, and a vibrant summer scene, with wind-and-wave conditions shaped by Atlantic geography and summer breeze patterns.
Explores the island's history as a world-leading whaling port.
The oldest functioning windmill in the United States, built in 1746.
Over 30 miles of paved bike paths connecting town to various beaches.
A popular outdoor destination featuring a brewery, distillery, and winery with live music.
Small, local-species aquarium focused on marine education.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cisco (Nantucket)?
The best overall months at Cisco (Nantucket) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Cisco (Nantucket)?
Cisco (Nantucket) works with SE, SSE, S, SW, W, WNW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cisco (Nantucket)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cisco (Nantucket): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cisco (Nantucket) suitable for?
Cisco (Nantucket) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.