Double Point (Marin County)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Double Point is a remote, rugged point-break surf spot in Marin County that’s best when a west-to-west-northwest swell wraps the point effectively. When it connects into the more sheltered cove, it can produce long, peeling rides—especially rights—though the wave can section depending on how the swell and wrap line up. Reported conditions emphasize an adventurous, winter-oriented destination with cold, challenging access. The spot is known for shark hazard in the region and also has significant physical dangers: submerged rocks/kelp, steep cliffs, and strong currents that may include rip currents and longshore flow. Because it sits within Point Reyes National Seashore with limited emergency response and no lifeguards, preparation matters—plan for self-sufficiency, carry appropriate first-aid supplies, and be ready for a full day of effort. Wind can be variable at the spot level, but the surrounding cliff terrain strongly influences it. High cliffs can create heavy wind shadow during certain Northwest conditions, while reported E/NE winds are offshore. Even when wind looks manageable, conditions at the water’s edge remain hazardous due to rocky terrain and current. For timing, surf-spot reporting highlights January as the best month, with consistent winter performance. If you’re coming specifically for the surf window, be ready for low-tide preferences and a working swell range roughly around 2–4 meters (where sourced), understanding that larger swell can hold shape but also become heavy and dangerous. Water temperature is typically cold year-round, so wetsuit planning is essential.
- Secluded point-break with long, peeling rights when swell wraps correctly
- Cold-water, winter-focused surf destination
- Cliffs can provide shelter from Northwest winds (but create wind shadow effects)
- Known shark hazard and strong current risk
- Secluded point-break surf with long, peeling rights when conditions align.
- Cliff shelter can help protect the break from prevailing Northwest winds.
- Very isolated and difficult access (long hike or boat/kayak).
- Cold water and no on-site help.
- Shark and rocky/submerged hazard risk.
- Limited rescue availability.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE, SE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Prevailing northwesterly gradient flow (regional pattern). Spot-specific wind direction reported as E/NE/SE in calm-ish conditions.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Heavy wind shadow from tall cliffs during Northwest winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Narrow rocky beach beneath steep cliffs
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult
Through the year
Very low crowds year-round due to the difficult access.
December through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Remote, rugged point break with dramatic cliffs and significant isolation. Requires swell to wrap around the point into the more sheltered cove.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — High cliffs provide shelter from Northwest winds, but access and rocky hazards remain significant.
- Wind Effect
- Sheltered from the prevailing Northwest winds by high cliffs; E/NE winds are offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles large swells well as they wrap into the point; can become heavy and dangerous.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Often long, peeling rights; some lefts when conditions align.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer long rides when the swell wraps correctly, though it often sections.
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling rights are the main feature when the swell wraps in properly; lefts may appear with the right combination of swell direction and wrap.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Double Point (Marin County) in the full forecast view.
Double Point (Marin County) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- NW304°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2811 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 10–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Double Point (Marin County) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.7–1.4 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
- Great white sharks
- Sharks
- Isolation
- Submerged rocks
- Strong currents
- Falling cliff debris
- Sharks (Red Triangle region hazard)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-beach rescue; emergency response is limited and far from the shore.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are far away; contact Point Reyes National Seashore rangers or Coast Guard via radio if possible. In the region, dial 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Located within Point Reyes National Seashore; follow all National Park Service regulations. No motorized vehicles; wilderness area rules apply.
- No motorized vehicles
- Accessible only by foot or boat
- Wilderness area rules apply
- Bring plenty of water and a first aid kit as there is no help nearby.
- The hike from Palomarin Trailhead is long; plan for a full day trip.
- Watch the tide carefully as the beach can disappear at high tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Francisco
- Nearest Town
- Bolinas
- Nearest Airport
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Parking
- Park at the Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; some bus service (West Marin Stagecoach), but a personal vehicle is essential for gear transport
- Access
- Accessible only via a long hike (approximately 4-5 miles) from the Palomarin Trailhead or via boat/kayak. No direct road access. Park at the Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation ranges from remote camping within the National Seashore to hotels in nearby towns (Bolinas/Stinson Beach).
- Food & Drink
- None available at the spot; bring all supplies.
- Equipment Rental:
- None available; gear must be brought in.
- Gear Storage
- None available; riders typically transport gear daily.
- Gear Repair
- None available at the coast; repair in greater San Francisco Bay Area only.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Point Reyes National Seashore scenery includes dramatic cliffs, wildlife, and hiking with limited coastal infrastructure.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Double Point (Marin County)?
The best overall months at Double Point (Marin County) are January. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Double Point (Marin County)?
Double Point (Marin County) works with E, NE, SE winds.
What skill level is Double Point (Marin County) suitable for?
Double Point (Marin County) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.