PENGUIN SHIT (Herzliya) Surf Spot Guide, Israel

Tucked away in the suburban vibes of Herzliya, Penguin Shit delivers a classic sandbar beach break with rights and lefts that pack hollow, fun power over a sandy bottom peppered with rocks. This hidden gem offers regular sessions where you can score empty lineups on weekdays, soaking in the laid-back coastal energy just north of Tel Aviv's buzz. It's the kind of spot that rewards patient surfers with punchy waves perfect for carving turns or tucking into quick barrels.

Geography and Nature

Penguin Shit sits along Herzliya's Mediterranean coastline, about 15 kilometers north of Tel Aviv in a semi-urban setting with easy beach access amid residential areas and marinas. The beach features wide sandy stretches mixed with rocky outcrops, backed by low dunes and promenades lined with cafes, creating a relaxed suburban surf vibe rather than a remote wilderness. Notable features include nearby jetties that shelter some sections, while the open exposure catches consistent windswells rolling in from the west across the Med.

Surf Setup

This sandbar beach break fires up with both rights and lefts, often forming A-frames that stand up hollow and fun, especially on northwest or west swells between 1 and 2 meters. Offshore winds from the east-southeast clean it up best, turning choppy seas into glassy peelers, and it handles light onshore breezes without falling apart. All tide stages work, though mid to high tide smooths out the rocks for longer rides. On a typical session, expect 6 to 10 waves per set with speedy sections that let you link maneuvers from takeoff to shore.

Consistency and Best Time

Surf at Penguin Shit is regular thanks to Israel's 190-kilometer Mediterranean exposure, pulling in windswells year-round with winter (December to March) delivering the most consistent 1.5 to 3-meter faces from European storms. Fall and spring offer reliable smaller days around 1 meter, while summer can go flat but scores fun longboard waves every couple weeks. Avoid post-rain sessions due to potential runoff, and target early mornings for the cleanest conditions.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays keep the lineup empty, giving plenty of space to roam. Weekends draw a few surfers, mostly locals mixing with occasional visitors.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Penguin Shit shines for beginners building confidence on forgiving sandbars and intermediates chasing hollow speed. Advanced riders will find barrels and carvable walls on bigger swells, while everyone enjoys the fun, powerful vibe without overwhelming commitment.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks on the bottom that sharpen up at low tide, and occasional rips pulling out from the sandbars. Stay aware but paddle smart to keep sessions safe.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer (June to October) brings warm water from 24 to 29°C, so boardshorts or a rash guard suffice for all-day comfort. Winter (December to March) drops to 15 to 18°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit with booties on chillier days. Spring and Fall hover at 19 to 23°C, where a 3/2mm shorty or springsuit keeps you toasty.

How to Get There

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), just 25 kilometers south, for a 30-minute drive north on Highway 2. From Tel Aviv's central train station, hop a 20-minute train to Herzliya station then a 10-minute taxi or bus to the coast. Driving is straightforward—exit Highway 2 at Herzliya Pituah, head west to the marina area, and park in free public lots within 200 meters of the beach. Public buses from Tel Aviv run frequently along the coastal road, dropping you a short 5-minute walk to the sand.

PENGUIN SHIT (Herzliya) Surf Spot Guide, Israel

Tucked away in the suburban vibes of Herzliya, Penguin Shit delivers a classic sandbar beach break with rights and lefts that pack hollow, fun power over a sandy bottom peppered with rocks. This hidden gem offers regular sessions where you can score empty lineups on weekdays, soaking in the laid-back coastal energy just north of Tel Aviv's buzz. It's the kind of spot that rewards patient surfers with punchy waves perfect for carving turns or tucking into quick barrels.

Geography and Nature

Penguin Shit sits along Herzliya's Mediterranean coastline, about 15 kilometers north of Tel Aviv in a semi-urban setting with easy beach access amid residential areas and marinas. The beach features wide sandy stretches mixed with rocky outcrops, backed by low dunes and promenades lined with cafes, creating a relaxed suburban surf vibe rather than a remote wilderness. Notable features include nearby jetties that shelter some sections, while the open exposure catches consistent windswells rolling in from the west across the Med.

Surf Setup

This sandbar beach break fires up with both rights and lefts, often forming A-frames that stand up hollow and fun, especially on northwest or west swells between 1 and 2 meters. Offshore winds from the east-southeast clean it up best, turning choppy seas into glassy peelers, and it handles light onshore breezes without falling apart. All tide stages work, though mid to high tide smooths out the rocks for longer rides. On a typical session, expect 6 to 10 waves per set with speedy sections that let you link maneuvers from takeoff to shore.

Consistency and Best Time

Surf at Penguin Shit is regular thanks to Israel's 190-kilometer Mediterranean exposure, pulling in windswells year-round with winter (December to March) delivering the most consistent 1.5 to 3-meter faces from European storms. Fall and spring offer reliable smaller days around 1 meter, while summer can go flat but scores fun longboard waves every couple weeks. Avoid post-rain sessions due to potential runoff, and target early mornings for the cleanest conditions.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays keep the lineup empty, giving plenty of space to roam. Weekends draw a few surfers, mostly locals mixing with occasional visitors.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Penguin Shit shines for beginners building confidence on forgiving sandbars and intermediates chasing hollow speed. Advanced riders will find barrels and carvable walls on bigger swells, while everyone enjoys the fun, powerful vibe without overwhelming commitment.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks on the bottom that sharpen up at low tide, and occasional rips pulling out from the sandbars. Stay aware but paddle smart to keep sessions safe.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer (June to October) brings warm water from 24 to 29°C, so boardshorts or a rash guard suffice for all-day comfort. Winter (December to March) drops to 15 to 18°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit with booties on chillier days. Spring and Fall hover at 19 to 23°C, where a 3/2mm shorty or springsuit keeps you toasty.

How to Get There

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), just 25 kilometers south, for a 30-minute drive north on Highway 2. From Tel Aviv's central train station, hop a 20-minute train to Herzliya station then a 10-minute taxi or bus to the coast. Driving is straightforward—exit Highway 2 at Herzliya Pituah, head west to the marina area, and park in free public lots within 200 meters of the beach. Public buses from Tel Aviv run frequently along the coastal road, dropping you a short 5-minute walk to the sand.