St. Joe's Island Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE
Wind
N, NW or W with a swell pushing in, or strong S, SW will work
Surf Height
Chest high to a couple feet overhead
Tide
Medium
St. Joe's Island Surf Guide
On the north end of Port Aransas are the Port Aransas Jetties. The jetties protect the Port Aransas Ship Channel, and across from that is St. Joe's (San Jose) Island, an uninhabited isle that runs from Port Aransas north to Matagorda Island. On large, out-of-control, wind-driven S swells, St. Joe's can be a good option for catching clean walls that break on the sandbars just north of the north jetty. Though the waves can sometimes border on being a bit mushy, the jetty offers considerable protection from howling southerly winds, and can afford surfers their only chance for clean surf when every other beach is blown out.
Local Vibe
Positive.
Crowd Factor
Sparse.
Spot Rating
On select swells it is the place to go, but usually not worth the effort.
Shoulder Burn
More if you're paddling the channel.
Water Quality
Relatively clean.
Hazards
Large vessels (if paddling).
Access
Can be dangerous, if you paddle across the channel. Easiest/safest is by boat or ferry.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Late summer/fall; late winter to mid-spring
Do you have local knowledge about St. Joe's Island?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]