Port Mary

Nestled within the sprawling embrace of Shelikof Bay, Port Mary is a mellow, sandy beachbreak that serves as an ideal training ground for surfers finding their sea legs. The wave peels over a forgiving sand bottom, offering both left and right options, though the lineup consistently leans toward a longer, more playful right-hander. Best approached on gentle swell windows, this spot comes alive with clean, crumbly faces that hold shape on a moderate tide. Light offshore winds from the northeast groom the peaks, while the shelter of the bay helps filter out the bigger, unruly swells. It's a low-key, accessible session for those building confidence or seeking a cruisy, crowd-free ride.

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Port Mary is a southwest-facing stretch of the North American coastline that lives for the Atlantic storm track. From October through March, recurring extratropical cyclones rolling up the coast pump a steady diet of S, SSW, SW and WSW swell into the beach. Average surf heights sit in the 8.2-9.8ft (2.5-3.0m) range, periods push 10.4-11.8s, and ideal N/NE/ENE offshore winds blow between 28 and 37 percent of the time. The NAO is a useful guide here: negative phases often favor colder, more active storm tracks near the East Coast, while positive phases can shift the action farther north. It is cold, difficult and raw, but this is when Port Mary produces its heaviest, most powerful waves.