Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) is an exposed beach break near the Jounieh/Byblos shoreline, known for both left and right-hand waves breaking over a sandy bottom with rocky sections/rocks nearby. The most consistently recommended positioning is the right side of the beach near the rocks. Surfing conditions are described as working across tide levels (all-tides). Providers differ slightly on typical ride length and wave feel, but both portray a beach-break that can be punchy and short, with the possibility of longer rides when the swell and angle line up well. Wave power is generally moderate, and the break is categorized as exposed. Wind-driven performance is best understood as variable by setup: an east-northeast/onshore-favorable description is paired with another view that East winds can groom waves while West winds create chop. Winter conditions—especially when storm/swell activity ramps up—are emphasized as the time when the spot “comes alive,” aligning with the spot’s best months in November through March. Safety considerations are important at this launch: rocks (including submerged rocks) and possible rip currents during larger winter swells are repeatedly flagged. In addition, water quality may worsen after heavy rains in urban-coastal areas like Jounieh, so it’s advised to check conditions after the first major rain of the season. Lifeguards are not described for the spot, and rescue availability is treated as limited in regional context.
- Exposed beach-break with both left and right waves.
- Good winter opportunity, especially during storm/swell periods.
- Often rarely crowded; intermediate-friendly surf.
- Right side near rocks is highlighted as the best zone.
- Exposed beach-break setup with both left and right waves over a sandy bottom.
- Often rarely crowded, with activity more likely when winter swells run.
- Works at all tide stages and can be good for intermediate surfers in the winter season.
- Submerged and surface rocks are a key hazard (especially near the right side).
- Water quality can degrade after heavy rains due to urban drainage/runoff.
- Rip currents are possible during larger winter swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers disagree on wind driver: one describes an east-northeast setup with some north shelter; the other labels the pattern as frontal. Regional context notes thermal sea breezes in warm months and winter frontal systems that can increase wind/swell.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Protected by local topography from very light northern winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand reported by one provider; mixed sandy/rocky sections and mixed composition reported by another.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — One provider calls wave size small; another reports medium waves with a winter-storm focus.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Wind direction can create immediate chop (notably with West winds); otherwise can be groomed with offshore East winds.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow sandy stretch with rocky outcrops reported; also described simply as a beach launch.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; most activity occurs on weekends when a swell is running.
December to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach break with both left and right-hand waves over sand (and nearby rocky sections). Works at all tide stages and tends to be best during winter storm/swell periods.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works at all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; no meaningful natural shelter from swell noted.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore-favorable setup reported; elsewhere: offshore East winds groom the waves, while West winds cause immediate chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swells exceed 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality reported; windswell-driven conditions can improve ride chances.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave shape reported; can become chop depending on wind direction.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Punchy and short waves; medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides reported as about 50 to 150m by one provider; another gives 30–60m as typical.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal (50 to 150m) on one description; punchy/short with occasional longer rides (especially on a well-angled Northwest swell).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) in the full forecast view.
Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- WSW244°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3011 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.9 m4s period
- Temperature
- 19–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–1.9 m with a period of about 4s. 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 and rocky sections on the beach
- Rocks near the best spot on the right
- Urban runoff after heavy rain
- Rip currents during larger winter swells
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context suggests rescue availability is often limited; no spot-specific lifeguard service described.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number noted in regional context: 140 (Red Cross). Nearest major medical facility noted as Notre Dame du Liban Hospital in Jounieh.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none by one provider; another indicates mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local surfers. Be cautious around rocks and check water quality after heavy rains.
- The best spot is on the right of the beach near the rocks.
- Check water quality after the first major rains of the season.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Byblos (Jbeil)
- Nearest Town
- Byblos
- Nearest Airport
- Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) ~25 km away
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or nearby lots within walking distance.
- Public Transport
- Well-connected by private taxis and frequent minibuses along the main coastal highway between Beirut and northern Lebanon.
- Access
- Exit at Byblos (Jbeil) on the highway north of Beirut and ask for Tam Tam beach; instant access (<5 min) from the road to the beach. Accessible via the main coastal road north of Beirut.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic, French, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various hotels and guesthouses are available in the Jounieh and Tabarja area.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink are available along the coast via nearby beach resorts and cafes in the region.
- Equipment Rental:
- One provider lists rental available via local surfing schools; equipment rental is described as available in the broader bay region.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Jounieh is a vibrant coastal destination with a strong tourism focus and mountain backdrop, functioning as a base for sea and mountain activities.
A cable car ride offering panoramic views of Jounieh Bay as it ascends to Harissa.
The most famous casino in the Middle East, located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.
A major pilgrimage site featuring a massive bronze statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the coast.
Tandem paragliding flights that launch from the mountains and land near the Jounieh coastline.
A collection of high-end seafood and traditional Lebanese restaurants in the historic district.
A large amusement park near the Jounieh coastline.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast)?
The best overall months at Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast)?
Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) works with E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE.
What skill level is Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) suitable for?
Tam Tam (Jounieh Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.