Dondra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu.

We’re looking at a solid little run of surf at Dondra, a reef break that’s exposed and picks up plenty of SW groundswell. The water temp is sitting at 84°, a couple of degrees warmer than usual for this time of year, so it’s that nice, warm tropical bath we’re used to around here. The catch? This spot is inconsistent, so it’s not always going to be pumping, but when it lines up, it can be a treat. The forecast has a bit of a slow start, with some afternoon wind Saturday the 12th making it a little lumpy, but from Sunday morning the 13th onwards, things clean up nicely with a solid cross-off wind that’ll keep the surface tidy.

The best wave of the whole outlook hits Sunday the 13th. We’re looking at a clean 6ft of SSW groundswell with a very long 16-second period, giving that wave some real punch and shape. Combined wave energy is sitting at a strong 1697, so you'll feel the power. That wind is a cross-off at 16 mph and the conditions are clean. This is the standout session — the earlier morning and afternoon both look excellent.

Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th keep the fun going with clean 4ft to 5ft SSW swell, still with those long periods (14-18 seconds). The energy stays moderate to strong (around 1386-1755), and the wind is consistently cross-off. There’s a risk of thunderstorms, but the surf quality before those roll in will be good. The following couple of days (16th-17th) hold well with similar size and clean conditions, though the wind picks up a notch on Thursday the 17th to a fresh 19 mph breeze.

We then hit a bit of a lull on Friday the 18th with messy, cross-shore wind and dropping swell. The energy drops to around 914, and the quality goes with it — not worth paddling out for. But hold tight, because Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th bring the size back up to a chunky 6ft to 7ft SSW swell, with strong energy (1856-1899). The wind is cross-off again, but the size is getting bigger — this is getting into intermediate to expert territory, especially with that 16-second period pushing through. At 7ft, beginners might want to sit this one out.

After that, the swell stays rideable through the 21st, but the quality starts to drop off as the period shortens and some lumpy cross-chop appears on Monday the 21st. By the 22nd and 23rd, the swell direction shifts to WSW, the period drops to 7-8 seconds (short period, windswell slop), and the energy falls away to 577-977. It’s still surfable and clean, but it won’t have the shape or grunt of the days before. We get a real interesting blip on the 24th with a tiny 2ft to 2ft swell but with a very long 18 to 22-second period, so a real slow, clean groundswell — better for the reef than a beach break, but with that small size, it’s probably a longboard-only day.

The far end of the window, around Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th, gives us a final pulse of clean 5ft to 5ft SSW swell with moderate energy and cross-off winds. It’s not the standout of the period, but a solid way to finish up for those who are patient.

Best on offer: Without a doubt, Sunday the 13th is the highlight. Clean, very long-period SSW groundswell, good size, and cross-off wind. That’s the one to plan around.

Now, Dondra is inconsistent, so when it’s on, you get on it because it can go quiet again. The water’s warm, the energy is there, and if you can handle the occasional thunderstorm, there’s plenty of good, lined-up reef riding to be had.

Rusty.

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