North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
North Palmetto Point is an exposed reef break on Eleuthera’s Atlantic side that does not work very often. The wave setup can produce both left and right reef breaks, but sessions are highly dependent on timing—especially swell direction and mid tide. Overall wave quality is described as average, with better outcomes on the right day. When conditions align, the spot can deliver powerful reef waves and rides of medium length, because the wave energy breaks over a reef platform. The most commonly cited swell direction for workable surf is southeast (with other references pointing to North/East ranges). The best tide is mid tide, and heavy whitewater can make larger swells feel messy if they come on too strongly. Wind quality plays a major role. Southwest and west winds are described as offshore/grooming for the reef, while north or east winds can blow the waves out. Spot-level wind notes indicate September as the best month, but wind cleanliness and consistency vary (including a reported tendency toward “blown” conditions). Expect the spot to be quiet rather than busy. From a safety perspective, conditions are hazardous: exposed rocks, coral/sea urchins, and rip-current risk are specifically mentioned. There are no lifeguards, and rescue is described as limited. Access is also a practical consideration—this location is best reached by boat (and can be difficult to paddle from shore), with limited parking near beach access points.
- Uncrowded reef break with both left and right waves
- Exposed Atlantic setting and clear water
- Best timed to mid tide with offshore-style winds
- Uncrowded/rarely crowded conditions.
- Crystal-clear water and a reef break with both left and right waves.
- Best sessions can be timed to mid tide with the right swell and offshore (west/southwest) wind.
- Does not work very often and can be inconsistent.
- Exposed reef environment with significant hazards (rocks, coral/urchins).
- No lifeguards and limited rescue options specific to the beach.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W, NW
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Trade-wind/gradient-driven conditions dominate; winter frontal systems can influence wind.
- Reliability
- moderate to unreliable (spot-level blown % reported).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting reported by seasonal wind notes.
- Best Months
- September
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Spot-level summary lists small; other notes describe medium swell windows depending on timing.
- Launch
- Small — Beach access leads directly to the water, but the surfing area is over an offshore reef.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Access is manageable but the surf area is over an offshore reef; best approached by boat.
Through the year
Rarely crowded throughout the year.
Hurricane season runs from June to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
North Palmetto Point is an exposed reef break on Eleuthera’s Atlantic side. It offers both left and right reef sections, but it is highly dependent on swell direction and does not work very often.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, N
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open to the elements with no meaningful shelter at the break.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest/west winds tend to groom the waves; north or east winds can blow them out.
- Bigger Swell
- May become messy with heavy whitewater if the swell is too large or too onshore.
- Wave Quality
- Average — On a good day it can be high quality, but overall it’s not consistent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reports vary by day; can be described as powerful on the right swell/wind setup.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed reef-platform wave shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can be respectable when the swell period is long enough.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves break over a reef platform; wave period strongly influences how long the ride lasts.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) in the full forecast view.
North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–12 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- ENE57°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2512 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–3.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 25–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–3.0 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
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Urchins
- Coral
- Rip currents
- Sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated beach-specific rescue reported; regional maritime support exists.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facility: Governor's Harbour Clinic. In emergencies, call 911 or 919.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard surfing etiquette and respect the local environment.
- Best accessed by boat, as it is quite far to paddle from shore.
- Keep an eye out for fire coral and urchins when entering and exiting the water.
- Quality is highly dependent on timing—conditions can be rare.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Central Eleuthera
- Nearest Town
- Central Eleuthera
- Nearest Airport
- Governor's Harbour Airport (GHB)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small dirt clearings near beach access points.
- Access
- Accessible via Queen's Highway followed by local settlement roads to the Atlantic coast.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various vacation rentals and villas in the North Palmetto Point and Governor's Harbour areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and grocery stores are available in the nearby settlements of Palmetto Point and Governor's Harbour.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rentals are sparse in the immediate area; limited availability through mobile instructors is reported.
- Gear Storage
- Not commonly available at public access points.
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 North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera)?
The best overall months at North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) are September.
Which wind directions work at North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera)?
North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) works with SW, W, NW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) suitable for?
North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.