Crab Island
A very powerful right off Doolin, picking up more swell than anywhere else around.
Crab Island is a small islet off Doolin pier. Its right is very powerful and picks up more swell than the other local spots: waves can be double overhead in very shallow water.
You paddle across the channel from the shore; it's a wave for expert surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
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 sturdy shortboard or step-up. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Crab Island
The water is around 9 °C in winter and 15 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
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
Few surfers and a high level. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Heavy reef right.
Hazards
Shallow rock bottom, channel currents.
Map
Shapers near Crab Island
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Cliffs of Moher (Clare)
A big-wave right below the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most spectacular settings in surfing.
Lahinch (Clare)
Clare's surf town: a learning beach, schools and a base for the area's reefs.
Castlegregory (Kerry)
A huge bay on the Dingle peninsula, better known for windsurfing, with empty peaks.
Dingle (Kerry)
A 5 km sand spit on the Dingle peninsula, with long, soft waves.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.