Madeira Beach Surf Spot & Cam Guide

How It Breaks

Madeira Beach is a soft sand beach break on the Pinellas Gulf coast that perks up near John's Pass when a solid west wind or front comes through. It is fun and forgiving for beginner-intermediate surfers whenever there is anything to ride, but honestly, like the rest of the Gulf, it sleeps far more than it works, so do not expect a session on a normal day.

Best Conditions

Best on a strong W/SW wind, cold front, or tropical system for swell, light E/NE offshore wind, and a mid tide. Winter fronts and hurricane season are the windows to watch. Expect rip currents, shallow sandbars, boat traffic near John's Pass, and stingrays, and treat any session here as small and brief.

Cam and Know Before You Go

We run the John's Pass Camera from Hubbard's Marina on this page, it looks out over the pass and the dock rather than the sand, so use it to gauge boat traffic and pair it with a forecast for the beach itself. Know the flags and rip currents before paddling out, watch the inlet current and boat traffic near the pass, shuffle for stingrays, and note that the John's Pass jetty is hurricane-damaged and closed, so stay off it.

Parking and Local Tips

Parking is paid, in lots near John's Pass, and it gets busy. The local read: surf only on winter fronts or a tropical W swell, John's Pass itself catches a bit more energy than the open beach, but sessions run small and brief, so check the forecast rather than banking on a swell.

Gear and the Shop

Madeira Beach is well off the map from any Island Water Sports store, so check our locations page first, or order what you need online ahead of the trip. Soft-tops, surfboards, winter wetsuits, leashes, wax and traction, fins, ding repair, and board bags are all at islandwatersports.com.