Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth)

Longboard, Shortboard
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Swell, Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) is a sheltered Maine reef break with challenging, rocky access and a hazardous shoreline. The spot is characterized by slick, uneven rock surfaces (often with seaweed) and difficult entry/exit around jagged ledges, making it unsuitable for inexperienced surfers. Surf quality is tide- and swell-dependent. Northwest winds are the preferred setup because they tend to groom the wave faces, while the break is typically most effective around mid tide. On the right setup, waves can shape into hollow, fast-peeling walls suitable for maneuvers when the ledge connects, with ride length described as medium. Hazards are a central feature of the spot: strong currents and surges, rip currents, and reports of rogue waves/sneaker waves. The surrounding viewpoints can include 50+ foot cliff drops and areas without guardrails, so staying on designated, signed access routes is critical. Sea state and water temperature add further risk, including cold water shock. If you go, plan around access (earlier timing before low tide is described as helpful) and condition awareness (avoid wet ledges in heavy seas or ice). Safety gear is strongly emphasized, with booties and cold-water protection recommended, and lifeguard coverage noted as seasonal (mid-June to mid-August).

  • Sheltered reef break with hollow, fast-peeling right waves on the right swell/wind setup
  • Offshore northwest winds can groom the wave faces
  • Marked hazards: slick rocks, reef-limited access, rogue waves/sneaker waves, and rip currents
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Grooming offshore northwest winds can make the reef faces work well.
  • Sheltered reef break with powerful right-hand waves when conditions align.
  • Mid-tide is a key window for stronger, more usable wave energy.
Heads up
  • Extremely rocky and hazardous entry/exit with slick, uneven footing.
  • Rogue waves/sneaker waves and rip currents are reported.
  • Strong tide dependence and limited safe shoreline access/takeoff zones.
  • Cold water shock risk and very cold year-round temperatures.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Reported as frontal; northwest winds are the key setup for the break.
Reliability
average
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported; reliability described as average.
Best Months
November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
The cliffs provide some shelter from very strong westerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Swell
Beach
Rocks — Rocky shoreline with reef and ledges.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Reported as small to medium overall; described as producing strong/powerful energy when conditions align.
Launch
Small — Rocky vantage points with signed paths; limited safe shoreline access and slick/uneven rock footing.
Launch Difficulty
Expert only — Difficult entry and exit over jagged, slippery rocks.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–20 °C
Water Temperature
-6–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 6/5mm or 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Sep: 4/3mm or 6/5mm (late-summer options noted) + Boots, Gloves
Crowds by Season

Quiet in winter; summer weekends can peak between 11 AM–3 PM.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter bring the strongest storms and swells.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sheltered reef break on the Maine coast with strong wave energy at mid-rising tides. Typically works best with northwest wind and significant swell conditions (highly tide- and swell-dependent).

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SSE
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is optimal; wait for mid-tide to avoid the shallowest reef parts.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Reported as sheltered overall; cliffs provide some shelter from very strong westerly winds.
Wind Effect
Northwest winds are offshore and groom the wave faces; northwest preferred.
Bigger Swell
Handles size but becomes increasingly dangerous and heavy.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good; sheltered setup with reef-limited takeoff.
Wave Power
Powerful — Reported as powerful; becomes increasingly dangerous and heavy on larger swells.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow waves reported (right swell).
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast peeling reported.
Ride Length
Medium — A decent wall can connect for maneuvers when the ledge connects.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Reported typical ride length is medium; wall for maneuvers when the ledge connects.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) in the full forecast view.

Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
W259°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 259 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.3–1.0 m7s period
Temperature
1–18 °C

Over the next 7 days, Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–1.0 m with a period of about 7s. 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 and sharp jagged rock
  • Rock shelves
  • Slick, uneven rock and seaweed
  • Rip currents
  • Strong currents and surges
  • Rogue waves / sneaker waves
  • Barnacles
  • 50+ foot cliff drops
  • No guardrails at many viewpoints
  • Cold water shock
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmetLeashBootsGlovesHood

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards on duty mid-June to mid-August; also described as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability described as limited at the spot; Coast Guard coverage is provided nearby.
Emergency Info
Call 911. Nearest hospital: not specified; park staff available at entry booth.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Described as a small group of experienced locals; respect reef etiquette and local practice.

Rules of the spot

Swimming has right-of-way over all other water use; use only signed public access points and stay on established trails.

Restrictions
  • Pets not allowed on beaches between April 1 and September 30.
  • Floating devices, face masks, or snorkels prohibited at surf beaches.
  • Stay on designated trails.
Local Tips
  • Arrive 60–90 minutes before low tide for best shoreline access; low tide reveals more rock shelves while mid-rising tides bring stronger wave energy.
  • Wear grippy shoes/booties for slick rock; avoid wet ledges during heavy seas or ice.
  • Keep a wide margin from rogue waves and be prepared for dangerous entry/exit around the ledge.
  • Know what to do if caught in a rip current: swim parallel to shore until clear of the outward pull, then swim in.
  • Supervise children and dogs closely.
  • Wait for mid-tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef; booties are essential even in summer due to sharp rocks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cape Elizabeth
Nearest Town
Cape Elizabeth
Parking
Fee collected year-round at entry booth (staff or self-service); parking available at Two Lights State Park.
Access
Accessible through Two Lights State Park or nearby public road pull-offs; use only signed public access points and stay on established paths.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Inns and rentals are available in Cape Elizabeth and Portland.
Food & Drink
Local seafood restaurants and shacks are within a short drive.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Rugged, preserved coastal setting with historic maritime scenery and close access to Portland for dining, culture, and activities.

Best time to visit: June through September for mild weather and general tourism; spring and fall for wind sports.
Portland Head Light5 miles

Iconic lighthouse at Fort Williams Park.

Crescent Beach State Park2 miles

Sea kayaking and coastal hiking through scenic trails.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights1 mile

Seafood with panoramic rocky-coast views.

Fort Williams Park5 miles

Large park with open fields and historic ruins.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth)?

The best overall months at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) are November. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth)?

Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) suitable for?

Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.