Davenport Landing Reviews and Ratings
(Santa Cruz, USA)
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Visitor reviews of Davenport Landing surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“This place sucks and gets blown out early everytime Ive ever tried to surf it.I think its a better wind-surf spot than surfing spot. The locals are sketch. Its shark creepy as well with seals dead on the beach .............seen 2 on one day one time ............one was missing head. I think in town is way better if you get out before the crowds. Dont waste your gas or time on this spot IMO.”
Kay from UNITED STATES - 01 Sep 2013
Davenport Landing Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 5 votes and 4 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.0(1: Davenport Landing is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Davenport Landing is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Santa Cruz. 5: the best break in Santa Cruz). |
Difficulty Level: 2.8(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Davenport Landing can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.8(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Davenport Landing, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Davenport Landing are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Davenport Landing is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.8(1: Getting to Davenport Landing requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 2.5(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 1.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Davenport Landing for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.5(1: Camping at Davenport Landing is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Davenport Landing is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.2(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Davenport Landing, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Davenport Landing where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“D-port has always been one of my favorite surf spots. Lots of variety and take off spots. Several right slides on the North side of the bay and one really fun screaming left on the inside. The left on the south side of the bay is the real "quality" break at Davenport. Here too it is often broken up by a couple sections so you can sit down the line and pick up waves. At times it will roll all the way from outside to the beach which is a LONG ride! Big walls, bowls,flat spots, bumpy sections...you can get it all on a single ride. To the south of the lefts is another break which consists of soft rights that usually does not have lots of power. But like most spots, it too has it prime time. And even just slightly to the south of the rights I just described is an is a super fast and steep left.
Except for the best days you will not have much competition for the waves which is the best thing about Davenport. Even on so-so days you can have fun because there is not anyone yelling. The bad thing about D-Port is that it is 10 miles out of town and a long drive to find out that the conditions suck again. It is always worth a look if you are looking for a more remote spot to surf.
I also kayak surf- sorry- The rights on the north side of the bay are idea for kayaking and usually board surfer don't surf this part of the bay so few if any conflicts.”
Tom Tankersley from UNITED STATES - 29 Jan 2012
“There are always dead seals on the beach. This place has TONS of sea life and never gets as good as other spots nearby.”
Gnosh from UNITED STATES - 02 Sep 2010
“Don't go to this spot, I was yelled at and run over by a big caveman looking guy. He was drunk and could barely surf but he can yell, I think the sharks are even scared of this guy. All I could make out was NERD!! Flashback to the 80's. There were plenty of people all witnessing the horrid affair but all they did was laugh. I'm going back to the Hook!”
pauly smalls from UNITED STATES - 17 Jun 2010

