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GhostFingers · Central Coast · Monterey Bay

Moss Landing

Open sand beachbreak either side of the Moss Landing harbour mouth on the inner curve of Monterey Bay, above the head of the Monterey Submarine Canyon.

Monterey Bay Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

State beach day-use lots either side of the harbour entrance off Highway 1, with a posted fee.

Crowd

Light. Exposure, wind, and the harbour traffic keep numbers down.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Strong harbour-mouth currents, a steep sandbar that shifts with the canyon head, cold water, and a documented white-shark presence in this corner of the bay. Not a beginner wave.

Famous for

The harbour-mouth beachbreak at the head of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, the deepest canyon on the California coast.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak. Stay well clear of the harbour channel and its traffic.

When it’s on

West through northwest groundswell with light offshore wind from the east. Mid to low tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
36.8030, -121.7880
Shore faces
W
Region
Monterey Bay, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Moss Landing?
Moss Landing works best on a WSW to WNW swell.
How big does Moss Landing need to be?
Moss Landing is best in the 3-8ft range on a 10-16s period.
What are the best conditions at Moss Landing?
Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Moss Landing?
Moss Landing is a canyon-head beach break in Monterey Bay, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Moss Landing?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Moss Landing with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching winter 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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