Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tank Beach on the Nanasu Coast of Saipan is an exposed beach-and-reef surf spot with quite reliable surf, especially in August. The spot is described as having mixed beach/reef characteristics and generally working as a consistent option on this windward stretch when conditions are right. Because the break sits over sharp reef and rock, it carries multiple hazards: rocks, sharks, and sea urchins (and sharp reef/debris are specifically noted). Strong rip currents are also a key concern, particularly during larger swells, when conditions can become messy and more dangerous. Surf quality is reported to depend on wind direction. East winds tend to make the water choppy, while west or southwest winds are described as providing cleaner faces. The spot is also tide-sensitive because the reef can be very shallow at low tide, so checking tide before entering is strongly advised. For timing, August is specifically reported as the best month in the surf-spot guide data, while September and October are also reported as among the best months. The overall scene is low-profile, with mild localism noted, and the beach is additionally known for turtle nesting—so riders should respect any marked areas.
- Quite reliable exposed beach-and-reef surf
- Best month reported as August
- Star-shaped sand grains reported on the beach
- WWII history noted for the nearby beach area
- Quite reliable surf when conditions line up
- Exposed beach-and-reef break with a mix of beach/reef characteristics
- Best month for surf reported as August
- Exposed conditions can make surf sensitive to wind and tide
- Hazardous reef/rocks with strong rip currents possible
- No dedicated on-water rescue and no lifeguards reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind pattern reported for the spot area; surf is described as best with southwest winds.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- August, September, October
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with reef elements.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop reported for the spot (can increase with onshore winds).
- Launch
- Small — Sandy launch with some rocky outcrops and WWII ruins.
Through the year
Generally quiet and uncrowded; more locals on weekends.
July to November (typhoon/rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach-and-reef break on the east side of Saipan (Nanasu Coast), known for quite reliable surf. It can be consistent but is sensitive to wind, swell, and tide because of shallow reef and sharp hazards.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed shoreline; limited natural shelter from wind.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are onshore and can make the conditions choppy; west or southwest winds can provide cleaner faces. Winds that are not aligned with this guidance may reduce surf quality.
- Bigger Swell
- On very large swells, conditions can become messy and more dangerous due to strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) in the full forecast view.
Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–15 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE66°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 27–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.1–2.3 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- sea urchins
- sharp coral reef
- strong rip currents possible, especially during large swells
- debris from WWII tanks
- sharp reef
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited regional rescue availability; no dedicated on-water rescue services specifically for the windward coast.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services via 911; hospital care referenced for Saipan in regional guidance.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
No specific local regulations found beyond standard ocean safety.
- Check the tide as the reef can be very shallow and dangerous at low tide.
- The beach is famous for its star-shaped sand grains.
- It is a popular spot for turtle nesting; please respect marked areas.
- Rocks and reef make this a hazardous area for falls and wipeouts.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Garapan
- Nearest Town
- Kagman
- Nearest Airport
- Saipan International Airport (SPN/GSN)
- Parking
- Unpaved parking area near the trailhead to the beach.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transportation; taxis and car rentals/private vehicles are the primary options.
- Access
- Accessible via a dirt road and a short walk to the beach; the path can be rough.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Chamorro
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Limited nearby; most accommodation is in central or western parts of the island.
- Food & Drink
- No food/drink available at the beach; bring supplies from nearby towns.
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 Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast)?
The best overall months at Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) are August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast)?
Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) works with W, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) suitable for?
Tank Beach (Nanasu Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.