Cotton Tree (Robertsport)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cotton Tree (Robertsport) is an exposed left-hand reef/point break with rocky take-off and a generally consistent surf. It’s described as a long-running wave type—built for riders who want sustained, peeling sections—often best shaped when the tide is low. Timing is important. April through October is highlighted for the largest and most consistent conditions, with March and November as secondary windows. Separately, one wind-focused reference notes the best wind direction as northeast and points to November for peak conditions, while also describing workability around the year. Conditions can vary with swell and wind direction. The spot is reported to respond to SW-oriented swell, and northeast winds are described as providing cleaner/offshore-like conditions. When winds shift southerly, the wave can lose quality and get blown out. Larger swells are generally held well, though they can come with stronger pull and more power. Safety is a major consideration: the take-off/launch is rocky, and strong currents can occur during big swells. Medical resources in Robertsport are described as extremely limited, so serious incidents likely require travel to Monrovia. Bring your own equipment because supplies are extremely limited, and consider booties for the rocky sections. Water is warm year-round, so a rash guard or thin top is typically sufficient.
- Long left-hand peeling waves
- Best at low tide
- Rocky take-off/entry and occasional strong currents
- Long, peeling left point/reef waves with a reputation for consistency
- Works best around low tide and handles larger swells well
- Warm water year-round—typically rash-guard level gear
- Rocky entry and take-off—risk increases on higher sets
- Limited medical facilities nearby; significant issues may require travel to Monrovia
- Wind direction matters: southerly winds can blow the break out
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NNE, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds with a typical northeast component in the drier season.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting reported for the windy window.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May · Dir: NNE, NE · A reliable afternoon thermal sea breeze often develops in the dry season (typically 1:00 PM–5:00 PM), supporting cleaner onshore/offshore patterns depending on the prevailing wind direction.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rock/reef influence at the break; mixed sand and rock bottom reported across sources.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave size described as small in one guide, while another provider reports surf can reach larger sizes depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry; surfer may need to leap off rocks into the water to catch waves.
Through the year
Generally low crowds; increasing with more international surf travelers.
Rainy season runs from May to October and is often associated with larger swells and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Cotton Tree (also referred to as Inner Cottons) is an exposed reef/point left-hand break in Robertsport with rocky take-off/entry. It is known for consistent surf and long, peeling waves, working best at low tide and on SW-oriented swell.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is consistently noted as the best tide for the take-off and surf shape.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef point with limited natural protection.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are reported to provide cleaner offshore conditions; southerly winds can blow the break out.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds large swells well; becomes more powerful and faster with a stronger pull.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Described as having excellent/good quality depending on conditions; generally consistent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Very long lefts reported; can offer rides several hundred meters on a good swell and can connect for extended runs when sections line up.
- Typical Ride Length
- 200–400 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ride length can be several hundred meters; some sources note the possibility to connect for half-mile style rides when connected sections line up.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cotton Tree (Robertsport) in the full forecast view.
Cotton Tree (Robertsport) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- SW233°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 257 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–0.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cotton Tree (Robertsport) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–0.9 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
- Rocks at the point/launch area
- Strong currents during large swells
- Remote access
- Sun exposure
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence noted.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated water rescue services noted; support is community/boat-based.
- Emergency Info
- Extremely limited medical facilities in Robertsport; major issues require travel to Monrovia. General emergency number in Liberia is 911.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local community.
- No official professional coastguard/dedicated water rescue services noted; safety relies on local support and boat operators.
- Take extra care at the rocky take-off—practice the leap into the water before committing at higher sets.
- Water is warm year-round—prepare for heat and sun exposure.
- Bring your own equipment because supplies are extremely limited in Liberia; consider booties for rocky sections.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Robertsport
- Nearest Town
- Robertsport
- Nearest Airport
- Roberts International Airport (ROB)
- Parking
- Limited parking near guesthouses or along the road leading to the points.
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via private 4x4 vehicles or shared taxis from Monrovia; no structured public transit within Robertsport itself.
- Access
- Accessible via a long drive from Monrovia; often requires a 4x4 during the rainy season.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nana's Lodge and other guesthouses/lodges are near the spot.
- Food & Drink
- Local guesthouses provide basic meals and drinks; beachfront options exist nearby.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited; local surf club may have some boards.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is reported via the local surf community/lodges.
- Gear Repair
- Basic equipment/board repairs may be possible via the local community, but specialized repairs are not noted as available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Robertsport combines a tropical lagoon/ocean setting with surf culture and nearby nature and hiking options.
A large tidal lagoon and RAMSAR wetland site known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Ruins and preserved structures of Afro-American style architecture from the 19th century.
Hike to the peninsula’s mountain summit for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Lake Piso.
Beachfront dining specializing in fresh seafood and local Liberian cuisine.
Guided tours through the mangroves of Lake Piso in traditional dugout canoes.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cotton Tree (Robertsport)?
The best overall months at Cotton Tree (Robertsport) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, March, November. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Cotton Tree (Robertsport)?
Cotton Tree (Robertsport) works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NNE, NE.
What skill level is Cotton Tree (Robertsport) suitable for?
Cotton Tree (Robertsport) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.