Ocean / Surf
Nobadeer Beach
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureSurf · intermediate
No rating0
Surfingyoung crowdBodyboarding
Surf wavesDog-friendlySunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
- High rip-current risk. Swim near a lifeguard and ask about conditions.
- Strong rip currents; swim near lifeguards only.
Ocean / SurfFree & OpenBest in July
Cisco Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean
4.8(44 reviews)
Nantucket's surf beach — waves, lessons, and Cisco Brewers next door
Nantucket's surf beach. South-facing with consistent swells and a young, laid-back crowd. Close to Cisco Brewers, so the afternoon migration from beach to brewery is a well-worn path.
Cisco Beach is Nantucket's surf beach — south-facing, exposed to the full Atlantic, with consistent shoulder-high beach-break waves and a reliably young, mellow crowd. Local surf shops Nantucket Island Surf School and ACK Surf Camp run lessons here all summer. The afternoon migration from sand to Cisco Brewers (a 5-minute walk inland) is a Nantucket ritual. Lifeguards work the main swim zone but the waves close out hard at high tide and the rip-current risk is real — don't underestimate the south shore. Parking is a free dirt lot that fills early; bikes are easier. Bring everything — there's no concession on the beach itself.
Photo spot
Surfers lined up in the line at golden hour
Arrive
Morning for surfCrowds
HighDogs
WelcomeLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
SurfingBodyboarding
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.5 mi
- Backshore
- Bluff-backed
- Sand
- Fine tan sand, steep beach face at high tide
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: piping plover, least tern, American oystercatcher, sanderling
Things to know
- Occasional seal haul-outs nearby — a shark factor on outer-Cape waters.
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Medium
- Enforcement
- Free dirt lot; fills by 10am summer weekends.
Dirt lot, free
Getting there
- Ferry
- 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
- Cell signal
- spotty
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer; off-leash off-season.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Surf · beach break · intermediateSurf lessonsSurf rentals
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Shark patrol active Significant plover closures
Photo by debraj ghosal via Google Places
Today
Sunrise5:08 AM
Sunset8:17 PM
Conditions
WavesSurf / Strong
Water62–68°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksElevated
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.5 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsBike rack
Late June – Labor Day, 10am–5pm
Cisco Brewers ~5min walk inland
Cisco Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Cisco Beach?
Parking at Cisco Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Cisco Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Cisco Beach — Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer; off-leash off-season.
Does Cisco Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Cisco Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Cisco Beach?
Cisco Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Cisco Beach?
Cisco Beach is an open-ocean surf beach on Atlantic Ocean. Expect bigger surf and waves — better for bodyboarding and confident swimmers. Average summer water temperature is around 62–68°F (July–Aug).
What is Cisco Beach best for?
Cisco Beach is especially good for surfing and bodyboarding.
When is the best time to visit Cisco Beach?
Morning for surf; afternoon for Cisco Brewers.
