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GhostFingers · San Diego County · Encinitas / Cardiff

Swamis

Reef-point right at Swami's Seaside Park in Encinitas, North San Diego County. Long-period winter NW groundswell magnet that also picks up south energy off the cobble reef.

Encinitas / Cardiff Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Free lot at Swami's Seaside Park off the 101, about 30 spaces. Steep stair access down the bluff to the cobble beach. Free street parking on the 101 fills early on swell days.

Crowd

Thick. Longboard and shortboard mix runs generational. Locals run the lineup, and the takeoff zone is tight.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Cobble-reef right with a tight priority hierarchy, fast walls on size, and a long stair-access return that punishes a lost board. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

Swami's in Encinitas. A long right-hand reef in front of the Self-Realization Fellowship hermitage, immortalized in the Beach Boys' "Surfin' U.S.A." and an early icon of North County San Diego surfing.

Lineup etiquette

Priority on a point goes to the deepest rider. Paddling inside an active takeoff is the standard call-out.

When it's on

West through northwest groundswell as the primary season, with south through southwest energy occasionally reaching the reef. Light offshore wind from the northeast through east. Mid-tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
33.0321, -117.2994
Shore faces
WSW
Region
Encinitas / Cardiff, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Swamis?
Swamis works best on a SW to WNW swell.
How big does Swamis need to be?
Swamis is best in the 3-8ft range on a 12-18s period.
What are the best conditions at Swamis?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 2-4ft.
Where is Swamis?
Swamis is a long right point reef in Encinitas / Cardiff, California. The beach faces WSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Swamis?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Swamis with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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