Surfing Nai Yang Beach

A beach to keep an eye on, as great little banks and peaks appear out of nowhere. During low tide surfing can be good on the beach. A large coral reef island, which is approximately an 800 metre paddle offshore, can offer quality waves in the right conditions. The paddle can be further than it looks though.

The reef is basically square in shape and has many different take-off points, depending on swell direction and size.

Accessing the reef can be difficult as when there is swell the longtail boats won’t go out. On its day the paddle is definitely worth the trouble.

The reef usually works best on a mid to rising tide, as the tide pushes water over the reef. If you are there at the lower end of the tide you can walk on the reef to get out there, but it can be tough on your feet though.

Nai Yang reef surf is subject to winds as it is a little offshore, but early morning on smaller days can produce small, glassy, clean waves which break for long distances.

The left and right peak in the middle and a right hander to the far left are the best spots for surfing here.

Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches make up part of Sirinat National Park on Phuket and cover over 10 miles of coast on the north end of the island. Most planes fly over the park when they land at Phuket’s airport.

Something to keep in mind as you walk across the beach to go surfing at Nai Yang is that between November and February each year sea turtles may come ashore to lay their eggs at night. Leatherback and hawksbill turtles are among the species associated with the Sirinat National Park coastline.

You may be allowed to watch from a safe distance if authorities are present, but please do not disturb the turtles, nests or eggs. Protected nests may be fenced off, guarded, or moved under conservation programs.

On the north end of Nai Yang Beach is the Nai Yang Park Visitor Centre. Camping is allowed in the national park area and the park has a few bungalows near the Visitor Centre. There are also hotels located close to the national park, including The Slate, Nai Yang Park Resort and other hotels.

Nai Yang can have small beach-break waves on the right day, but the outer reef is not a beginner surf spot. If you want to learn to surf in Phuket, Bang Tao Beach is usually the more protected option, especially around the southern end. There are also surf lessons available at Kata Beach during the surf season.