Jonas Beach (Jieh)
- Longboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Jonas Beach (Jieh) is an exposed beach-and-reef surfing spot on the Mediterranean coast, accessed through a private resort area. The break is described as a right-hand wave that works over a mixed sandy/reef bottom, with hazards including submerged rocks and reef sections. For conditions, the spot is most often discussed as a strong autumn and winter choice, aligning with Lebanon’s broader November-to-March surf window. Reported working swell direction is West to Northwest with an optimal swell height around 1.0 to 2.5 meters, and all tides are said to be usable. On good days, ride lengths are described as medium-to-long (with some reports of roughly 50 to 100 meters). Wind-wise, the best wind direction is reported as East, which is also described as offshore here and helps groom wave faces. West winds are described as more onshore and can lead to chop, and overall wind reliability is reported as low at this spot. Safety-wise, plan for rocky/reef impacts and check water quality after heavy rainfall due to runoff and potential pollution. Lifeguards/rescue support is reported as absent or not centralized, so rely on general beach awareness, appropriate gear, and getting help in Beirut/Saida if needed.
- Exposed Mediterranean beach-and-reef right-hander
- Best in autumn/winter (consistent surf season)
- Offshore grooming with East winds
- Submerged-reef hazards—requires caution
- Reliable surf season in autumn/winter with consistent conditions
- Offshore East winds can help groom wave faces
- Rides reported up to roughly 50–100 meters on good days
- Wind reliability is reported as low
- Submerged rocks and reef hazards increase risk (including sea urchins)
- Water quality can be affected after heavy rainfall
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Best described as gradient/seasonal wind rather than thermal at this spot.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size reported as medium; can vary with swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach access; sandy entry with rocks submerged further out.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch reported, with sandy entry.
Through the year
Relatively quiet overall; busier with local surfers on weekends during a good swell.
Winter (December to February) brings the most rain and the largest swells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A right-hand wave breaking over sand and reef/mixed bottom; can range from small knee-high to larger surf depending on conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides reported as workable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed to the Mediterranean.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and groom wave faces; West winds are onshore and can cause chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may close out if it gets too massive.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave description provided.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good days can produce longer rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 75 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides of roughly 50 to 100 meters on good days were reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jonas Beach (Jieh) in the full forecast view.
Jonas Beach (Jieh) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–15 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- W273°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2915 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 20–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jonas Beach (Jieh) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–1.7 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
- Submerged rocks
- Sea urchins
- Water pollution after heavy rain
- Submerged rocks and reef sections (over/near the line)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Reported as no centralized wind-sports coastal rescue service; rely on local beach clubs or private support and seek medical help in Beirut/Saida when needed.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals are located in Beirut or Saida.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported as mild; general surfing etiquette applies.
Rules of the spot
Private-resort access applies; follow general water-sports etiquette and local guidance. Avoid swimming/surfing in/near periods of heavy runoff after rain.
- Private resort access may be restricted to guests or paying visitors
- Entrance is typically through the Jonas beach resort area
- Check water quality after heavy rainfall as runoff can affect the area.
- Expect the most consistent surf in winter months.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Beirut
- Nearest Town
- Jieh
- Parking
- Parking available at the private resort/beach resorts (fee may apply).
- Access
- Drive about 22km south of Beirut to Jieh; access road past the mosque and greenhouses leads to the beach. Entrance is typically via the Jonas beach resort area.
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several beach resorts and hotels are located in Jieh.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant options including seafood on-site; multiple beach clubs/restaurants along the coast.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental reported available via local surf schools and some beach resorts.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jonas Beach (Jieh)?
The best overall months at Jonas Beach (Jieh) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Jonas Beach (Jieh)?
Jonas Beach (Jieh) works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Jonas Beach (Jieh) suitable for?
Jonas Beach (Jieh) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.