Del Monte Beach (Monterey)
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Del Monte Beach is an exposed sandy beach break in Monterey that “usually has waves,” with surf that’s generally oriented toward learners rather than consistently high-quality performance. The waves can break both lefts and rights but are often closeouts, so progression is typically best when the sandbar/tide align. Conditions are described as variable across sources, ranging from poor to average wave quality, while still being workable for beginner surfing. The most frequently cited timing for surfing is around mid tide (often when the tide is rising). Ride lengths are described as typically short, with sandbar rides commonly reported in the tens of meters; some accounts also mention longer runs up to around 100 meters depending on conditions. Wave height windows are given as roughly 0.6–1.5 meters for workable swell. Safety is a key consideration: sources consistently warn about rips/rip currents and sharks. Kelp and occasional driftwood are also mentioned as hazards. Lifeguards are described as seasonal, and rescue availability is characterized as limited. For wind, winds for wind sports are less dependable; while offshore conditions for surfing are described for south to SSE winds, NW winds are described as onshore and choppy. Water temperatures are cold year-round (generally about 11–15°C), so a thick wetsuit is recommended. A 4/3mm full wetsuit year-round is described, with winter often including hoods and boots. Operationally, checking sandbar changes after winter storms and aiming for early-day conditions before onshore wind increases are both highlighted as practical local tips.
- Beginner-friendly sandy beach break with waves breaking both lefts and rights
- Often closeout-prone but can produce fun, sandbar rides around mid tide
- Cold year-round water—thick wetsuit recommended
- Offshore south/SSE winds can help surfing conditions; NW winds can add chop
- Beginner-friendly surf beach break with waves breaking both lefts and rights
- Wide sandy beach with space for launching/prep
- Mid tide is described as the best window for surfing
- Parking and amenities are readily available in the area
- Waves can be poor or inconsistent and often close out
- Cold water requires thick wetsuits
- Hazards include rips/rip currents and sharks
- Wind can be unreliable for wind sports due to sheltered/wind-shadow effects
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S, SSE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Prevailing NW gradient pattern for the wider area; spot-specific winds are described as offshore when blowing from the south to SSE for surfing.
- Reliability
- Moderate for general beach use; often unreliable for wind sports compared with more exposed nearby areas.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Winds can be gusty or light depending on the sheltered setting.
- Best Months
- April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand bottom and sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small; can reach up to around head height in winter per narrative descriptions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Onshore NW is described as creating chop for surfing/water surface conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for preparing gear or paddling out.
Through the year
Highest in summer months due to tourism; surfing crowds are generally manageable.
December through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rarely kitesurfed due to its location in a wind shadow; nearby windier areas are described as significantly better for consistent wind.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Occasional windsurfing is possible during strong NW fronts, but it is not described as a primary windsurf spot.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
Possible for foil practice in light winds, though depth and kelp can vary.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly described as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
An exposed sandy beach break that usually has waves and breaks both lefts and rights, with conditions often ranging to closeouts. More protection than open-coast swell is described, making it a good beginner option; quality tends to be variable.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW
- Swell Height
- 0.6–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best around mid tide when the tide is rising.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed beach break/shelter level exposed; also described as somewhat sheltered from heavy swells than the open ocean side of the peninsula.
- Wind Effect
- South and Southeast winds are described as offshore; Northwest is described as onshore and creates chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out during very large winter swells as it is a beach break.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as poor by one source and average by another; overall, it’s characterized as beginner-friendly but not consistent for advanced surfing.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Closeout — Also described as often closeouts; alternatively described as peeling—conditions vary with sandbar/tide.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Described as a medium peel for the sandbar waves.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride lengths are reported as typically short; sandbar rides can offer quick sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ride distances include about 30–60 meters typical sandbar rides, with some reports describing up to around 100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Del Monte Beach (Monterey) in the full forecast view.
Del Monte Beach (Monterey) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NW317°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2611 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 10–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Del Monte Beach (Monterey) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 1.0–2.2 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
- sharks
- rips
- rip currents
- kelp
- driftwood
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 911. Nearest major medical facility: Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild localism; maintain distance from wharf structures.
Rules of the spot
Respect local beachgoers and maintain distance from the wharf structures.
- Restricted areas near the pier
- Dogs must be on leash in certain sections of the state beach
- Check for sandbar shifts after winter storms.
- Early mornings usually offer the cleanest conditions before onshore wind picks up.
- Best around mid tide when the tide is rising.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Monterey
- Nearest Town
- Monterey
- Nearest Airport
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
- Parking
- Paid parking lots and limited street parking are available along the beach front; plenty of parking is also described.
- Public Transport
- Bus service via Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) connects coastal areas with the rest of the peninsula; no direct transit to Del Monte Beach reported.
- Access
- Highly accessible via Del Monte Avenue with multiple entry points to the state beach.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and motels in Monterey within walking distance; overall described as expensive (regional baseline).
- Food & Drink
- Various restaurants and cafes are located along Del Monte Avenue and the nearby Fisherman's Wharf.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local schools and shops in Monterey (and the neighboring Santa Cruz area).
- Gear Storage
- Limited specialized storage; gear storage is often handled through private schools or personal transport (regional baseline).
- Gear Repair
- Basic maintenance is available locally; major kite/sail repairs typically serviced farther away (regional baseline).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Monterey Peninsula delivers a mix of marine-focused attractions (aquarium and whale watching) and historic waterfront culture, with extensive visitor infrastructure around Monterey and Seaside.
World-class marine exhibits focused on the habitats of Monterey Bay.
Prestigious golf course and resort community.
Historic fishing village and maritime museum.
Historic wharf featuring seafood restaurants, shops, and whale watching departures.
Guided whale-watching tours in the bay.
Guided boat tours to see humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas in the bay.
Oceanfront dining with fresh seafood.
Casual dining with views of the Monterey Harbor.
A large, iconic community park with unique play structures for children.
Interactive marine exhibits and kid programs.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Del Monte Beach (Monterey)?
The best overall months at Del Monte Beach (Monterey) are January, February, March, December. The best wind months are April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Del Monte Beach (Monterey)?
Del Monte Beach (Monterey) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Del Monte Beach (Monterey)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Del Monte Beach (Monterey): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Del Monte Beach (Monterey) suitable for?
Del Monte Beach (Monterey) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.