(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“VERY VERY SHARKY! This area is a seal breeding ground that attracts the largest Great White Sharks in the world, especially during the winter months. It's a 40-minute walk to the Estero mouth, and there are rarely any waves worth the time and effort it takes to get there. If any serious injuries occur, you'll most likely not live; save your time and go somewhere else if you are looking to surf.”
Jay from UNITED STATES - 12 Aug 2024
Drakes Estero Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 3 votes and 7 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 1.7(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: 1.7(1: Drakes Estero is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 1.5(1: Drakes Estero is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Marin County. 5: the best break in Marin County). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Drakes Estero can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 1.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Drakes Estero, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Drakes Estero are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Drakes Estero is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 2.7(1: Getting to Drakes Estero 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: 4.0(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: 2.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Drakes Estero for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.0(1: Camping at Drakes Estero is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Drakes Estero 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: 1.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Drakes Estero, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Drakes Estero where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Visited this spot five times over the past year and can assure you it’s not worth the mile plus hike from the trail head. The waves are relatively inconsistent and mostly close out. On top of that there are dangerous currents which suck you down and out the bay. This wouldn’t be as big a concern if it weren’t for how remote this spot is. Beyond the currents and poor waves the icing on the cake is the territorial sea lions which breed on this beach. Twice I’ve had them charge me and had to flee the water. There’s much better bang for your buck elsewhere.”
Robert Cardgood from UNITED STATES - 10 Nov 2020
“I went drakes Estero and it was the worst experience ever...a shark bit my foot! The water was colder than I’ve ever felt and it takes so long to get to the destination from the city. Before the shark experience, my local was horrifying. This guy with long blond hair, told me and my girlfriend to “beat it kooks””
Bo Leno from UNITED STATES - 11 Mar 2018
“I came here to bodyboard. I mainly go to Stinson beach, yet I had hung out at the close by Limontour beach last summer and wanted to check out Drakes. Let's just say that my kids dubbed the day "best beach day ever". The waves formed beautiful tubes and we stayed in the water all day. Ample parking even on Labor day weekend. Love Drakes!”
Milo Kovet from UNITED STATES - 06 Sep 2017
“A long walk from the parking lot. I saw a left on the south side of the opening. If only it was bigger it might have been fun, just maybe. Remember the water is alive, you never know what might or could happen. You're alone and a long way from home, and or your car.”
Mike's surf shorts from UNITED STATES - 30 May 2016
“Thanks for freaking me out Jane.”
Rony from UNITED STATES - 12 Feb 2015
“This is a Great White Shark breeding area -- no joke. Surfers should be extremely attentive to the possibility of sharks in the area.”
Jane from UNITED STATES - 28 Mar 2010
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