Cabretta Island is a small, stunning island fronting Sapelo Island, with a sand-bottom beachbreak out in front of the campground and a long sandspit point alongside it. The beachbreak takes all swells, while the sandspit throws longer-than-average lefts when an east swell lines up. It can be a fun little wave on its day, but it sits below average overall and isn't really a surf destination.
When It Works
The break draws swell from east to southeast (E-SE) and is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, giving both rights and lefts over sand. Autumn is the prime window, running through late summer, early fall, and into early spring. Expect anything from knee to head high when it turns on.
Wind and Tide
Look for west-northwest (WNW) offshore wind, with a workable window stretching from west to northwest (W-NW). It breaks on mid and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. The beachbreak comes into its own at high tide, while the sandspit favors the lower end of that window.
Local Tips
Cabretta suits just about everyone, from beginners finding their feet to experts, and it takes a wide range of boards, whether that's a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or SUP. The lineup stays quiet and can feel a little reserved.
Access
Getting here is by water only, so you'll need a boat or kayak to reach the lineup.
