Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) is an exposed coquina reef break that offers consistent surfing with peaks for both left and right waves, though lefts are noted as more reliable and better than rights. The spot is generally described as having good wave quality when the right tide and wind direction come together, with the reef nature making sessions feel powerful and focused on timing. The best tide is repeatedly described as low tide. Visitors are also cautioned to check conditions closely before paddling out: at dead low the reef can become very shallow and exposed, which increases the difficulty of takeoff and the consequence of mistakes. Access is another major factor—while public access is limited to walking north from Bathtub Beach Park, the nearby Sailfish Point community is private and restricted. Water conditions are described as clean, and the bottom is reef with shallow-to-mid depth over a coquina structure. Currents can be strong near the reef, including occasional rip currents, so surfers should expect a more dynamic paddle and lineup than a sandy beach break. Hazards highlighted for the spot include rocks, sharks, and coral/sharp coquina reef, along with submerged rocks and occasional fishing lines. Seasonally, the spot is most favored in fall through spring, with September singled out as a best month in one spot guide. Wind is reported as moderate in winter frontal systems, and West winds are associated with the cleanest surf; cross-shore winds from the North can make conditions bumpy and disorganized. Local advice emphasizes planning around the tide and using the Bathtub Beach walk to reach the lineup where permitted.

  • Consistent exposed reef surf
  • Lefts tend to be more consistent than rights
  • Low tide is the key tide window
  • West winds tend to give cleaner conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Consistent surf on a reef structure
  • Both lefts and rights are available (lefts often more consistent)
  • Generally clean water conditions when conditions align
  • Low tide is a key requirement for working the reef
Heads up
  • Exposed reef can be unforgiving
  • Rocks/coral and submerged reef make wipeouts risky
  • Strong currents are possible near the reef
  • Limited public access due to private Sailfish Point community
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW, NW
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal-driven wind is reported for the spot in winter; West/SW winds are associated with surf access and cleaner conditions.
Reliability
Moderate during winter frontal systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January, February, March

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Paddling out includes navigating around submerged coquina rocks and dealing with a shore break.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate takeoff due to shore break and navigating around submerged rocks.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–30 °C
Water Temperature
15–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 3/2mmMar–Nov: 1-2mm
Crowds by Season

Can be busy during peak times, including weekends and major swells.

Storm/Rain Season

June to November (Atlantic hurricane season).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed coquina reef break with consistent surf; lefts tend to be more consistent and better than rights, with both left and right waves available.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NE, E
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Low tide is repeatedly noted as the best tide position for the reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the West provide the cleanest conditions; cross-shore winds from the North can create bumpy, disorganized conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well but can become heavy and challenging with significant NE swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Good wave quality when conditions align.
Wave Power
Moderate — The wave is described as one of the better/more powerful options in the Treasure Coast region.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling, coquina reef wave with consistent peaks.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Typically offers rides of about 50 to 100 meters depending on swell angle and tide.
Typical Ride Length
75 m
Ride Length Details
Typically offers rides of 50 to 100 meters depending on swell angle and tide.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) in the full forecast view.

Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–18 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
NE40°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2618 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–2.6 m9s period
Temperature
22–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.1–2.6 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

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Coral
  • Sharp coquina reef
  • Submerged rocks
  • Strong currents
  • Occasional fishing lines
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No on-site lifeguards are reported for this exact takeoff.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No confirmed on-site rescue availability for the spot.
Emergency Info
Emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Check tide levels: at dead low tide the reef can become very shallow and exposed; plan accordingly for takeoff and lineup position.

Restrictions
  • Access through the Sailfish Point community is private and restricted.
Local Tips
  • Access from the north end of Bathtub Beach; the area to the north is private.
  • Many surfers park at Bathtub Beach Park and walk north along the shoreline.
  • Check the tide—dead low can leave the reef very shallow.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Stuart, Florida
Nearest Town
Stuart
Parking
Parking lot right in front of the break at Stuart Beach; parking at Bathtub Beach Park is available but can fill quickly on weekends.
Access
EXIT I-95 at Stuart/Indiantown exit, head east following signs to beaches. Make right into Stuart Beach, drive a couple miles south to a parking lot directly in front of the break. Public access is limited; many surfers park at Bathtub Beach Park and walk about one mile north along the shoreline.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various hotels and vacation rentals are available in Stuart and Hutchinson Island.
Food & Drink
Options are located a short drive away in Stuart or further south on Hutchinson Island.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point)?

The best overall months at Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) are September, October, November, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point)?

Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) works with W, SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are W.

What skill level is Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) suitable for?

Stuart Rocks (Sailfish Point) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.