Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SE, NE

Wind

NW

Surf Height

Head high-double overhead

Tide

Low to mid tide

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Surf Guide

There are three groins here -- southernmost is the First and the northernmost is the Third. On a solid south or southeast swell, the Third can produce some heavy sweeping rights, while between the groins several peaks produce more short-lived thrills. But the First is the major draw for its consistently heavy, sometimes long, barreling lefts when northeast swells march down the coast. NW and even NNW winds are doable here, which is a good thing as they often coincide with those northeast swells. The local crew is pretty heavy, and when it is on people drive from afar, so you won’t be alone. That said, on good days the current is usually pouring southward, so there is a conveyor belt effect in the lineup which spreads waves -- and the crowd -- around a bit.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Main peaks at First and Third more for advanced surfers while further into the cove better for beginners.

Local Vibe

Intimidating

WelcomingIntimidating

A tight group live and surf here. A little humility and respect will go a long way.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Can get packed when it is working.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

If the sand and swell are right this is the best wave on the Outer Banks, especially if you are a goofy-foot.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Can be very hard to stay up on the peak during bigger northeast swells.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Previously some significant issues thanks to contamination from the Navy base but a portion of that was cleaned up in 2024-2025.

Hazards

Submerged pieces of the old jetties.

Bring Your

Shortboard

Access

The historical Lighthouse location offers several packed parking lots.

Bottom

Sand, rock and pieces of the groins.

Best Season

Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.

Do you have local knowledge about Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]