Cocos Island
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cocos Island is a boat-access-only lagoon spot off southern Guam, known for very clear, shallow water and a large protected riding area. Conditions are described as shallow, flat-to-chop water over a sandy bottom, with crystal-clear visibility that also makes the lagoon attractive for marine-life outings. Wind is driven primarily by Northeast trade winds, with the best directions typically falling around ENE and E (and sometimes NE). Reported wind strength is commonly in the 15–25 knots range, with relatively steady conditions during the dry-season trade-wind window. The best months are generally given as January through May, and again in September through December. For kitesurfing, riders can expect broad, long lagoon space that supports freeride and freestyle progression, including foil sessions where depth allows. Launching is typically from a sandy shoreline on the lagoon side (often near the resort area) or from boat-accessible sandbars. However, shallow reef patches and reef heads/coral heads mean riders should stay aware of bottom conditions throughout the session. Safety-wise, the most emphasized cautions are boat traffic and motorized-water areas (including ships and jetskis/ferry traffic), along with reef-related hazards. Currents can become strong near lagoon passes—especially around incoming or outgoing tides—so plan routes carefully. Only limited rescue support is noted, and there may be no dedicated public lifeguard on the island itself; use appropriate personal safety gear and check access timing and schedules before heading out.
- Crystal-clear, protected lagoon water
- Steady Northeast trade winds (best from ENE/E)
- Shallow sandy riding areas with broader deeper channels near reef passes
- Strong focus on boat-access logistics from the Merizo area
- Crystal-clear, protected lagoon water with flat-to-chop conditions.
- Steady ENE/E wind suitable for flat-water progression.
- Long lagoon runs and broad space for kite/wind/foil riding.
- Boat-access-only makes logistics dependent on ferry/private transport.
- Shallow areas and reef heads require careful navigation.
- Boat traffic/jetskis and designated motorized zones can limit riding areas.
- Currents can be strong near lagoon passes.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE, E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Reliable Northeast trade wind pattern during the season.
- Reliability
- High during the dry season trade wind window.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Typically steady trade-wind flow.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand shoreline on the lagoon side.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave conditions described as flat.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy shoreline on the lagoon side; launching often near the resort area or from boat-accessible sandbars.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launching is described as easy (sandy lagoon-side shoreline).
Through the year
Highest during Japanese and Korean holiday periods; mid-week is generally quiet.
July to November (wet season with increased typhoon risk).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-to-chop shallow lagoon riding with crystal-clear visibility. Best wind is from ENE/E.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Good for slalom and freeride in long, unobstructed lagoon runs.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Large lagoon area suited to foiling, with attention needed around shallow reef sections.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly; keep clear of shallow reef patches.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters in the main riding areas.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cocos Island in the full forecast view.
Cocos Island wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- ENE70°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cocos Island is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.2 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
- Ships
- Jetskis
- Reefs
- Reef heads
- Strong currents in channels
- Sea urchins
- Ferry traffic
- Coral heads in shallow areas
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; there is no dedicated public lifeguard on the island itself. Assistance may come via private operators or local boats in the Merizo area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are on the main island of Guam (Guam Memorial Hospital). In an emergency, dial 911.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming and motorized watercraft zones. Kiting is generally prohibited in the heavy tourist swimming areas immediately in front of the resort.
- Boat access required.
- Daily fees for island resort access may apply.
- Kiting is generally prohibited in the heavy tourist swimming areas immediately in front of the resort.
- Only accessible by boat—follow route 2 south to the village of Merizo to catch a boat to the island.
- Always check the ferry schedule if not using private transport.
- Wear reef booties to protect against coral and sea urchins.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hagåtña
- Nearest Town
- Merizo
- Nearest Airport
- Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
- Parking
- Parking available at the Merizo Pier area on the mainland.
- Public Transport
- Primarily via ferry or private boat shuttle from the Merizo Pier on the main island of Guam.
- Access
- Only accessible by boat. Follow route 2 south to the village of Merizo where you can catch a boat/ferry to Cocos Island.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Chamorro
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Resort accommodation is available on the island; additional options are in Merizo or further north in Tamuning.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant and bar available within the Cocos Island resort.
- Equipment Rental:
- General water sports rentals (e.g., kayaks, snorkels) may be available seasonally through local operators; specialized kite/windsurf gear is rarely for rent.
- Gear Storage
- Available for resort guests.
- Gear Repair
- None on the island.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A secluded southern Guam barrier-lagoon environment centered on a protected coral system and warm water, with recreation primarily oriented around the lagoon and trade-wind conditions.
Secluded barrier island/lagoonscape within the Merizo Barrier Reef, part of Malesso' Municipality.
Popular jumping spot and primary departure point for boats heading to the lagoon.
Exploration of vibrant coral ecosystems within protected lagoon waters.
Local dining spot near the Agat Marina serving fresh seafood and island favorites.
Boat tours departing from the southern docks to view local dolphin pods.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cocos Island?
The best overall months at Cocos Island are December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cocos Island?
Cocos Island works with ENE, E, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cocos Island?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cocos Island: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cocos Island suitable for?
Cocos Island suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.