Dog Island is a private island that's not easy to access, as it’s only available to property owners. To surf here, you'll need a boat since there are no bridges connecting to the mainland. This spot can be worth a look if you’re in the area, but don’t plan on making a special trip for it; the surf doesn’t really show up again until you hit Clearwater.

This spot works best with south to south-southwest swells, handling sizes between 4 and 6 feet (about 1.2 to 1.8 meters). The waves break over sand, offering both lefts and rights. The best conditions usually come with light outgoing tides, and you might find nice waves with winds from the west-northwest to northeast. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you can find something to ride here, and it’s suitable for shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards alike. Just keep it in mind that it’s a pretty average spot overall; no one’s raving about it, and it's not a destination for surf trips.

With easy paddling through the emerald coast waters, you won't have to struggle much to get out. The overall crowd factor is nice since it’s generally quiet, and there’s not a strong local vibe to worry about. Just keep an eye out for normal sea life like sharks and jellyfish while you're in the water. The best surf season here runs from fall to spring, particularly during hurricane season.