Double Point (Marin County)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Secluded point-break surf with long, peeling rights when conditions align.
  • Cliff shelter can help protect the break from prevailing Northwest winds.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm to 5/4mm full wetsuit + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Very low crowds year-round due to the difficult access.

Storm/Rain Season

December through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Remote, rugged point break with dramatic cliffs and significant isolation. Requires swell to wrap around the point into the more sheltered cove.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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)
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodImpact vestLeashHarnessKnifeGlovesHelmet

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.

Restrictions
  • No motorized vehicles
  • Accessible only by foot or boat
  • Wilderness area rules apply
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Point Reyes National Seashore scenery includes dramatic cliffs, wildlife, and hiking with limited coastal infrastructure.

Best time to visit: September and October often provide warmest weather and least amount of fog for general tourism.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.