Cap Ferret
The ocean beaches of the Cap Ferret peninsula, facing the Arcachon Bay.
On the ocean side of the Cap Ferret peninsula there are several access points to open beaches, with sandbanks that work with a west swell. On the other side is the Arcachon Bay, with its oyster-farming villages.
Near the tip, the bay's tidal currents are very strong: don't surf near the channel.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 0.8–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish; a funboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Cap Ferret
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe outside summer.
Surfing style
Atlantic beach break.
Hazards
Very strong currents near the tip and the bay channel.
Map
Shapers near Cap Ferret
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Lège-Cap-Ferret
Powerful sandbanks in the middle of nature, with hollow rights at low tide.
Lège-Cap-Ferret
A dune beach that's busy in summer and almost empty in winter, with banks by the bunkers.
Le Porge
A wild beach between Lacanau and Cap Ferret, with far fewer people.
Lacanau
The southern end of Lacanau: the same banks with fewer people.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.