Montauk point - Turtles

Montauk Point – “Turtles” (Long Island, New York)

Montauk Point is one of the most iconic surf zones in the Northeast, and Turtles is a well-known break in the area for experienced East Coast surfers. It sits near the tip of Long Island in Montauk, NY, where the Atlantic meets stronger swell exposure than much of the surrounding coastline.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Typically a powerful beach/reef setup depending on sand and conditions
• Best swell: Works best with E–SE to S swell and a clean W–NW wind
• Wave quality: Can offer fast, punchy, hollow waves when it lines up well
• Skill level: Generally intermediate to advanced, especially on bigger days
• Crowds: Can be crowded when the forecast is good, especially in summer and fall

Conditions and hazards

• Can get heavy and closeout-prone when swell is too large
• Strong currents, shifting sandbars, and rocky features in the Montauk area can make it challenging
• Water is cold much of the year, so a wetsuit is often needed outside peak summer
• Conditions can change quickly with tide, wind, and swell angle

Best season

• Late summer through fall is usually the prime surf season
• Hurricane swells can create memorable sessions
• Winter can be powerful but is much colder and more demanding

Vibe

Turtles has a more serious, local East Coast feel compared with beginner-friendly spots. When it’s working, it can be one of the better waves on Long Island, drawing surfers who are looking for quality and know how to handle the conditions.