Three Rocks
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Three Rocks is a challenging exposed right-hand point break on Réunion’s west coast near Saint-Paul, known for consistently usable surf when conditions align. The wave is promoted as groomed by offshore East trades, helping produce clean, reliable faces for an advanced setup. The spot is described as rarely crowded, but that typically reflects how demanding the conditions are. Water and access conditions are hazardous. The shoreline is rocky with limited entry points, and sources highlight sharp volcanic rock and sea urchins, alongside the risk of sharks. Currents can be strong, with rip currents and possible tidal pull, so even when the surf looks good on the face, getting in and out safely remains the core challenge. Local and legal constraints are part of the risk picture: surfing and water activities are regulated due to the shark crisis, with surfing generally limited to specifically secured areas using nets or specialized surveillance. Sunset and sunrise are strongly discouraged, and entry should be preceded by checking the latest safety updates for the shark-safety program. When everything works, the surfing windows are most favorable in the southern winter period (May through October reported) with summer also described as offering the best overall conditions. Reported wind is typically in the east to east-northeast range (with trades), and the wave performance is described as moderate power and peeling shape with a rocky-bottom finish. On larger swells, the spot can hold size but becomes increasingly difficult to paddle and manage in the current.
- Exposed point-break surf with reported reliability
- Offshore East winds can groom the wave face
- Low crowding compared with more accessible reef/shore breaks
- Exposed point break with reliable surf
- Offshore East winds can groom the wave face
- Rarely crowded when conditions line up
- Significant shark risk with strict regulations and limited/none rescue support
- Sharp volcanic rocks and sea urchins make entry and fall risk high
- Strong rip currents and tidal pull possible
- Advanced-level conditions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ENE
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — East to east-northeast trade winds; offshore effect on the wave face reported.
- Reliability
- consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The spot is sheltered from prevailing easterly trades by the island’s high volcanic interior, creating offshore conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with limited entry points
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to the specific conditions required and significant safety concerns
Cyclone season runs from January to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break with reliable surf; advanced, rocky-water conditions with strong currents.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point break with no meaningful shelter reported; ocean-facing exposure.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the East groom the wave face effectively.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size, but paddle and current management become increasingly challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as reliable with consistently usable conditions.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer a decent wall for maneuvers before finishing over the rocky bottom.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as 50–150 meters; wall builds for maneuvers before the wave finishes over rocks.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Three Rocks in the full forecast view.
Three Rocks wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- NNW332°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2912 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.1 m9s period
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Three Rocks is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.7–2.1 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Sharks
- Sharp rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong rip currents
- Tidal pull possible
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services can be reached via 112; the nearest medical facilities are in Saint-Paul.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Low visibility outside local advanced surfing circles; significant safety concerns can limit who goes.
Rules of the spot
Surfing and water activities in Réunion are strictly regulated due to shark risk; surfing is generally prohibited outside specifically secured areas with nets or specialized surveillance.
- No surfing outside secured zones due to shark risk.
- Always check the latest local safety updates regarding the shark-safety program before entering the water.
- Wear booties to protect against sea urchins and sharp volcanic rocks.
- Sunset and sunrise surfing is strongly discouraged.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Saint-Paul
- Nearest Town
- Boucan Canot
- Parking
- Limited parking available at nearby pull-offs or public lots near Boucan Canot
- Access
- Access is via coastal paths near the Cap Homard area; the entry to the water requires navigating a rocky shore
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Dense lodging around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Boucan Canot areas.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and beach bars are located in the nearby resort towns of Boucan Canot and Saint-Gilles.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offer rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated public gear storage facilities are limited; some hotels offer storage and rental shops often provide daily storage for clients.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services are available in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
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 Three Rocks?
The best overall months at Three Rocks are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Three Rocks?
Three Rocks works with E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Three Rocks suitable for?
Three Rocks suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.