Map
Palplanche
Today's Surf Conditions at Palplanche
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Tucked off the tip of Mandji Island near Port-Gentil, Gabon, Palplanche is a rare gem in West Africa—a deep-water point that offers a slice of consistent surf in an otherwise fickle region. This left-hander unloads over a sandy bottom, peeling for up to 200 meters when conditions align. Though it only fires about 25 to 30 days a year, catching it on the right day can reward you with fast, hollow sections and wrap-around tubes that make the wait worthwhile. Palplanche is at its best with a southwest swell, handling waves as small as 1 foot. It’s a spot that favors intermediate surfers, offering playful walls that demand a bit of timing and positioning. For the cleanest lines, aim for low to mid tide and keep the wind out of the south—onshore breezes will quickly chop up the surface. Because the swell has to wrap around the island, consistency is a challenge; check the forecast religiously before committing. But when everything clicks, this secluded point delivers a distinct, rewarding ride that stands out on Gabon’s coastline.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (May - October)
During the austral winter, the South Atlantic storm track becomes more active, sending pulses of long-period swell towards the Gulf of Guinea. While the dominant swell direction at Palplanche is predominantly from the SW and SSW—far from the ideal NW window—the combination of slightly elevated wave heights and a higher frequency of offshore winds from the SE and SSE makes this the most reliable period. The average wave height sits between 0.5-0.6m, and with periods often exceeding 12s, the small but clean lines can offer fun-sized waves for those willing to position correctly. The trade winds strengthen, and the percentage of ideal wind conditions peaks near 30% in May, meaning more clean, glassy mornings before the sea breeze kicks in.
Fair Surf Season (March - April & November)
The transitional months bring a mix of leftover winter swell and fading summer patterns. March sees ideal wind only 12% of the time, but the average period stretches to 12.3s, hinting at occasional long-period groundswells that can wrap in. April improves with 18% ideal wind and a bump in wave heights to 0.5m, though the swell direction remains locked in the SW quadrant. November mirrors April with 17% offshore wind and a similar swell profile, but the wind patterns become more variable as the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts. These months require patience and a keen eye on the forecast to catch the short windows of clean, rideable conditions.
Low Surf Season (December - February)
The height of austral summer is the toughest time for surf at Palplanche. The ITCZ sits close to the equator, keeping winds light and variable but predominantly onshore from the SW and W. Ideal offshore wind occurs less than 10% of the time, and wave heights average a meager 0.4m. The swell direction is almost exclusively from the SW and SSW, which offers little to no direct exposure for this NW-facing beach. Long-period swells (11.9s) do arrive, but they are too small and poorly aligned to generate anything more than tiny, choppy waves. This is the season to focus on other activities or travel to more exposed breaks.
Detailed Surf Information for Palplanche
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Palplanche with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.