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.
No lifeguards; rip currents and occasional shark sightings.

Ocean / SurfFree & OpenBest in July

Nobadeer Beach

Nantucket, Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean

Nantucket's south-shore surf-and-party beach, with airplanes

Next to the airport, so you get the surreal experience of planes coming in low overhead while you surf. Big waves and a college-age crowd. Unofficial party beach of Nantucket.

Nobadeer is Nantucket's unofficial party beach — south-facing surf, a young crowd, and the surreal added bonus of jets landing at Nantucket Memorial Airport directly over the waves. Locals call it 'NOBA' and it has its own subculture: 4th of July tailgates that have become legendary (and now require ID and ordinance enforcement), surfboards lined up in pickup beds, and a free dirt lot that fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. There are no lifeguards, no restrooms, no shade. The surf is consistent and the rip-current risk is real. Sharks have been seen here in recent summers; the town's shark-patrol drone is active in season. Bring everything.

Photo spot

A JetBlue 320 on final approach over the surfers

Arrive

Morning for surf

Crowds

High

Dogs

Welcome

Sunsets

Great spot

Best for

SurfingBodyboarding

The beach

Lay of the land

Orientation: South-facing
Length: ~0.5 mi
Backshore: Dune / flat
Sand: Fine tan sand with steep beach face
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; town ordinance enforced on July 4th.

Near airport, free lot

Getting there

Ferry: 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
Cell signal: good

Accessibility

Beach wheelchair: Not available
Mobi Mat: No
Path from parking: short walk

Dogs

Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.

Rules & activities

What’s allowed

UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcohol · restrictedGrillsFiresDronesSmoking

Activities

Surf · beach break · intermediate

Safety & stewardship

Shark patrol active Significant plover closures

Today

Sunrise5:08 AM

Sunset8:16 PM

Conditions

WavesSurf / Strong

Water62–68°F (July–Aug)

TidesModerate

SharksElevated

Jellyfishlow

Length~0.5 mi

Open in Google Maps Official town page

Ratings updated 2 days ago

Nobadeer Beach — good to know

How much does parking cost at Nobadeer Beach?

Parking at Nobadeer 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 Nobadeer Beach?

Dogs are allowed at Nobadeer Beach — Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.

Does Nobadeer Beach have lifeguards?

No — Nobadeer Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.

Are there restrooms at Nobadeer Beach?

Nobadeer Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.

What is the water like at Nobadeer Beach?

Nobadeer 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 Nobadeer Beach best for?

Nobadeer Beach is especially good for surfing and bodyboarding.

When is the best time to visit Nobadeer Beach?

Morning for surf; afternoon if you don't mind plane noise.