Derna Coast (Derna)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Derna Coast is a rugged point-break surfing location on Libya’s Cyrenaic shoreline near Derna. It’s described as low-profile and largely uncrowded, with conditions most consistent when winter Mediterranean swells reach the coast. The preferred swell window is reported as roughly 1.0–2.5 meters from the north to northwest, and the spot is rated around 3 for quality/consistency. Wind for the spot is generally best when coming from the west. Reported typical wind speeds are around 10–25 knots, but wind reliability is described as inconsistent—dependent on winter low-pressure systems and potentially turbulent when southerly winds interact with buildings/terrain. A winter pattern dominated by frontal/storm influence is emphasized, while summer sea-breeze/thermal effects are described as weaker at this spot. The break is exposed and wave behavior can vary with storm strength: during larger storm surges, waves may become heavy and disorganized. The shoreline/launch area is described as rocky with small sand patches near the port area, and currents can become moderate longshore currents during swell events. Safety is a key concern. Multiple sources flag rocks, underwater debris, strong currents, and additional post-flood environmental hazards (including remnants of urban infrastructure and other debris near the river mouth). After heavy rains, water quality may worsen due to runoff, so check conditions carefully. Given the limited emergency and rescue environment, the spot is best approached with strong self-sufficiency and conservative planning.
- Winter Mediterranean swell window (roughly November to February, plus broader winter-to-early-season overlap)
- West winds reported as favorable
- Very low crowd / often solo sessions
- Uncrowded/very low crowd profile
- Point-break surfing can come alive during winter Mediterranean swells
- West winds are reported as favorable for the spot’s orientation
- Limited/uncertain surfing infrastructure and services
- Serious hazards from rocks, underwater debris, and strong currents
- Emergency medical and rescue availability is limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WSW, S
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Mediterranean frontal systems in winter; overall pattern described as winter frontal influence with summer sea-breeze/thermal influences.
- Reliability
- inconsistent; dependent on winter low-pressure systems
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain and buildings in the city can create turbulence with southerly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky points and small patches of sand near the port area
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Extremely low year-round; often solo sessions
November to March (occasional heavy Mediterranean storms)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Low-profile point break on the Cyrenaic coast that comes alive during winter Mediterranean swells; rocky points with occasional sand patches near the port area. Exposed to conditions and can become heavy/disorganized during large storm surges.
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- West winds are considered favorable for the local orientation; wind is reported as best from the west.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized during large storm surges
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Manageable rides when the swell wraps around coastal points.
- Ride Length Details
- Offers manageable rides when the swell wraps around the coastal points.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Derna Coast (Derna) in the full forecast view.
Derna Coast (Derna) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- NW326°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2916 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 16–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Derna Coast (Derna) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.3–1.6 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- underwater debris
- strong currents during swell events
- lack of emergency services
- remnants of war
- post-flood environmental hazards
- coastal debris and rocky outcrops
- remnants of urban infrastructure near the river mouth
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards documented for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Formal water-sports rescue services are virtually non-existent; coast guard operations are mainly for maritime security.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency medical facilities in Derna are limited; self-sufficiency is required. In an emergency, dial 193 for police or 190 for ambulance services.
Rules of the spot
Check water quality after heavy rains; use extreme caution around underwater obstacles near the river mouth/port; given the limited/absent water-sports rescue capability, plan for self-sufficiency.
- Check for water quality following heavy rains
- Be extremely cautious of underwater obstacles near the river mouth and port
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Derna
- Nearest Town
- Derna
- Nearest Airport
- Benina International Airport (BEN), Benghazi (~300km west)
- Parking
- Limited informal parking along the coastal road
- Public Transport
- Public transport is limited to private microbuses and taxis; a private vehicle is essential for reaching different coastal points
- Access
- Access is possible via coastal roads, though infrastructure may be damaged following the 2023 flood
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Limited local guesthouses and hotels in Derna; availability may be limited following the 2023 floods
- Food & Drink
- Local shops and cafes are available in the city center
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized surfing rental available
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated gear storage facilities are available
- Gear Repair
- Professional gear repair services are not available locally
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Derna Coast is set against a rugged limestone-cliff backdrop where the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) meets the Mediterranean, and regional tourism is largely centered on historical sites and natural landscapes.
UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
Ancient port city with partially submerged ruins and a historic theater.
Lush upland region for hiking and scenic drives through cedar and pine forests.
Traditional Libyan coffee houses and small eateries serving local dishes.
Popular local beach area known for scenic beauty and calmer waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Derna Coast (Derna)?
The best overall months at Derna Coast (Derna) are January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Derna Coast (Derna)?
Derna Coast (Derna) works with W, WSW, S winds.
What skill level is Derna Coast (Derna) suitable for?
Derna Coast (Derna) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.