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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed point break with reliable surf
  • Offshore East winds can groom the wave face
  • Rarely crowded when conditions line up
Heads 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
23–28 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 2mm shorty or rash guardJun–Nov: 3/2mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded due to the specific conditions required and significant safety concerns

Storm/Rain Season

Cyclone season runs from January to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed point break with reliable surf; advanced, rocky-water conditions with strong currents.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Sharks
  • Sharp rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Strong rip currents
  • Tidal pull possible
  • Rocks
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • No surfing outside secured zones due to shark risk.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
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 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.