Teba Shima (Mugi)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Teba Shima is an exposed reef break reached by ferry from Mugi Port. It is described as a sensitive, occasionally working spot: the best waves are reported when an east swell lines up with northwest winds that blow offshore, helping create cleaner conditions and right-hand waves. Because the break is a reef and the coastline is rocky, the spot carries serious hazards. Sources highlight submerged/sharp rocks, shallow reef sections, and the risk of strong currents during larger swells. The island setting is also remote and car-free, so planning around ferry schedules and on-site access is essential. Best reported surf timing is in autumn, with November specifically called out as the top month. Conditions are described as rarely crowded, largely due to the combination of limited ferry access and the specific swell/wind requirements. Overall, Teba Shima suits surfers comfortable with reef hazards and more advanced, conditions-dependent sessions rather than casual beach-break surfing.
- Exposed reef break with right-hand waves when conditions align
- Offshore northwest wind reported as ideal for clean surf
- Rarely crowded due to ferry access and specific swell requirements
- November is the best-reported month
- Offshore northwest wind can provide clean surf conditions
- Rarely crowded reef break with a quiet island setting
- Produces quality right-hand waves when east swell aligns with northwest wind
- Surf is inconsistent and works only occasionally
- Exposed reef hazards (sharp/submerged rocks and shallow reef sections)
- Wind reliability is reported as low
- Remote island access with limited ferry times
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Reported as frontal winds (with northwest offshore wind described as ideal for clean surf).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- November
- Shadow Zones
- Likely on the leeward side of the island during strong southerlies.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported.
- Launch
- Small — Ferry-access island with surf from the shoreline around the island; described more as rocky shoreline/narrow entry points depending on tide rather than a formal launch.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty reported.
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to ferry access and specific swell requirements.
Typhoon season from August to October brings the largest swells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break that only works occasionally. Best setup is an east swell combining with northwest offshore wind; produces right-hand waves when conditions align.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break with little protection.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest winds are reported as offshore and ideal for producing cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- On significant east swells it can become powerful and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality reported as good when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Can become powerful and challenging on significant east swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Right-hand wave known to provide quality when swell and wind align.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Can offer decent peeling sections along the reef edge.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer decent sections along the reef edge; described as a medium ride.
- Ride Length Details
- Decent peeling sections can form along the reef edge.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Teba Shima (Mugi) in the full forecast view.
Teba Shima (Mugi) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- NW324°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2714 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–2.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 10–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Teba Shima (Mugi) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.5–2.3 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
- Submerged rocks
- Sharp rocks
- Shallow reef sections
- Remote location
- Strong currents possible during large swells
- No cars allowed on the island (ferry access only)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local wind/water sports rescue base on Tebajima; maritime rescue is handled by national services.
- Emergency Info
- Japan Coast Guard maritime rescue is available (118). General ambulance/fire emergency number is 119.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local fishing community and the island's protected status.
- No cars allowed on the island
- Sensitive access due to historic preservation district status
- Teba Shima is exposed and only works occasionally—aim for the specific east swell + northwest offshore wind combination.
- Be mindful of ferry scheduling because island access is limited.
- Use reef protection such as boots for entry/exit around rocky and shallow reef areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mugi
- Nearest Town
- Mugi
- Parking
- Parking is available at Mugi Port before taking the ferry; a free parking lot for about 10 cars was reported right before entering Mugi Port.
- Public Transport
- Access is provided via JR to Mugi Station, followed by a local ferry from Mugi Port.
- Access
- Access to Tebajima is by ferry from Mugi Port (about a 15-minute ride). Once on the island, travel is by foot.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses (minshuku) and small inns are available; sources also mention traditional guest houses on/near the island.
- Food & Drink
- Small local shops reported for snacks; no restaurants were reported on the island.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited local rental reported; most visitors bring their own gear or arrange rentals in larger areas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A small, traditional car-free island setting centered on preserved fisherman architecture and foot-access exploration, with opportunities to pair visits with marine activities nearby.
A preservation district featuring traditional fisherman architecture and car-free stone-paved streets.
Known for coral reefs and diverse marine life, particularly around the Tebajima coast.
Small, family-run eateries serving freshly caught local fish and Shikoku specialties.
The island is small enough to explore on foot, offering quiet beaches and nature trails.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Teba Shima (Mugi)?
The best overall months at Teba Shima (Mugi) are November.
Which wind directions work at Teba Shima (Mugi)?
Teba Shima (Mugi) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Teba Shima (Mugi) suitable for?
Teba Shima (Mugi) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.