Sidney Ali (Herzelia) Surf Spot Guide, Israel

Nestled along Israel's Mediterranean coast, Sidney Ali in Herzelia delivers reliable beach-break waves that peel both right and left over a mix of flat rocks and sand, creating fun, approachable rides for surfers of all levels. The vibe here is relaxed and uncrowded, offering a peaceful escape from busier Tel Aviv beaches just to the south, with sessions that feel like a local secret. Expect consistent fun waves that keep you smiling from takeoff to shore.

Geography and Nature

Sidney Ali beach sits in Herzliya, about 10 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, blending urban convenience with a serene coastal landscape featuring powder-soft sand pockets amid dramatic rocky shorelines and small caves at the northern end. The beach stretches along the Mediterranean with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a gentle, natural backdrop that includes a small fishing community nearby, giving it a tranquil, less developed feel compared to city beaches. This northern Herzliya spot offers a mix of sandy stretches and rocky outcrops, making it a scenic haven right on the edge of town.

Surf Setup

This beach break fires up with rights and lefts, sometimes forming playful A-frames on the right days, delivering fun, mellow shapes rather than heavy barrels. It thrives on northwest, west, and southwest swells, with northwest, west, southwest, or south winds keeping things clean for offshore conditions. All tides work well here, as the flat rock and sand bottom adapts without major changes. On a typical session, you'll score waist-to-head-high waves that section nicely for carving turns and flowing rides, perfect for logging multiple waves in a short time.

Consistency and Best Time

Sidney Ali offers regular surf throughout the year, with peak consistency from late spring through early summer when northwest and west swells roll in steadily. Winter months from December to March bring the most powerful sessions on southwest swells, while fall and spring provide reliable in-between swells. Avoid midsummer lulls if chasing bigger surf, but even then, small fun waves pop up often enough for a quick paddle out.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see the lineup mostly empty, giving you plenty of space to surf solo or with just a handful of others. Weekends draw a few surfers, mostly locals, keeping it mellow without overwhelming numbers.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Sidney Ali shines for beginners building confidence on its forgiving beach-break waves and intermediates honing turns on the fun rights and lefts. Advanced riders will appreciate the occasional steeper faces for maneuvers, especially in bigger winter swells. Every level finds approachable waves that reward time in the water without demanding perfection.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for the flat rocks on the bottom, especially near shore during low tide or when riding waves close in—kick out safely to avoid scrapes. Strong rips can form in bigger swells, so paddle smart and respect the conditions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings warm waters between 24°C and 28°C, where boardshorts or a rash guard suffice for all-day comfort. Winter from December to March cools to 17°C to 20°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit to handle choppy sessions. Spring and fall hover around 20°C to 24°C, making a 3/2mm shorty ideal for most days.

How to Get There

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), about 25 kilometers south, then rent a car for the quick 30-minute drive north on Highway 2 toward Herzliya. From Tel Aviv's central bus station, hop on buses 7, 30, or 90 heading north and get off at the Sidna Ali stop, followed by a 5-minute walk east to the beach. Parking is available along the promenade or nearby streets, with easy beach access on foot from central Herzliya via Ben Gurion Street south to HaShunit Street and the coastal path.

Sidney Ali (Herzelia) Surf Spot Guide, Israel

Nestled along Israel's Mediterranean coast, Sidney Ali in Herzelia delivers reliable beach-break waves that peel both right and left over a mix of flat rocks and sand, creating fun, approachable rides for surfers of all levels. The vibe here is relaxed and uncrowded, offering a peaceful escape from busier Tel Aviv beaches just to the south, with sessions that feel like a local secret. Expect consistent fun waves that keep you smiling from takeoff to shore.

Geography and Nature

Sidney Ali beach sits in Herzliya, about 10 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, blending urban convenience with a serene coastal landscape featuring powder-soft sand pockets amid dramatic rocky shorelines and small caves at the northern end. The beach stretches along the Mediterranean with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a gentle, natural backdrop that includes a small fishing community nearby, giving it a tranquil, less developed feel compared to city beaches. This northern Herzliya spot offers a mix of sandy stretches and rocky outcrops, making it a scenic haven right on the edge of town.

Surf Setup

This beach break fires up with rights and lefts, sometimes forming playful A-frames on the right days, delivering fun, mellow shapes rather than heavy barrels. It thrives on northwest, west, and southwest swells, with northwest, west, southwest, or south winds keeping things clean for offshore conditions. All tides work well here, as the flat rock and sand bottom adapts without major changes. On a typical session, you'll score waist-to-head-high waves that section nicely for carving turns and flowing rides, perfect for logging multiple waves in a short time.

Consistency and Best Time

Sidney Ali offers regular surf throughout the year, with peak consistency from late spring through early summer when northwest and west swells roll in steadily. Winter months from December to March bring the most powerful sessions on southwest swells, while fall and spring provide reliable in-between swells. Avoid midsummer lulls if chasing bigger surf, but even then, small fun waves pop up often enough for a quick paddle out.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see the lineup mostly empty, giving you plenty of space to surf solo or with just a handful of others. Weekends draw a few surfers, mostly locals, keeping it mellow without overwhelming numbers.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Sidney Ali shines for beginners building confidence on its forgiving beach-break waves and intermediates honing turns on the fun rights and lefts. Advanced riders will appreciate the occasional steeper faces for maneuvers, especially in bigger winter swells. Every level finds approachable waves that reward time in the water without demanding perfection.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for the flat rocks on the bottom, especially near shore during low tide or when riding waves close in—kick out safely to avoid scrapes. Strong rips can form in bigger swells, so paddle smart and respect the conditions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings warm waters between 24°C and 28°C, where boardshorts or a rash guard suffice for all-day comfort. Winter from December to March cools to 17°C to 20°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit to handle choppy sessions. Spring and fall hover around 20°C to 24°C, making a 3/2mm shorty ideal for most days.

How to Get There

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), about 25 kilometers south, then rent a car for the quick 30-minute drive north on Highway 2 toward Herzliya. From Tel Aviv's central bus station, hop on buses 7, 30, or 90 heading north and get off at the Sidna Ali stop, followed by a 5-minute walk east to the beach. Parking is available along the promenade or nearby streets, with easy beach access on foot from central Herzliya via Ben Gurion Street south to HaShunit Street and the coastal path.