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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard / 1mm neoprene top
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet and uncrowded; more locals on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

July to November (typhoon/rainy season).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef breakBeach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • sea urchins
  • sharp coral reef
  • strong rip currents possible, especially during large swells
  • debris from WWII tanks
  • sharp reef
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBootsWetsuit

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
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 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.