Shatby Surf Spot Guide, Egypt

Shatby in Alexandria delivers a powerful yet fun beach break that fires rights and lefts over a sandy bottom dotted with rocks, creating punchy waves perfect for drawn-out rides. This spot captures the essence of uncrowded Mediterranean surf, where local surfers chase consistent swells in a welcoming urban coastal vibe. It's the kind of place where you score session after session without the hassle of heavy lineups.

Geography and Nature

Shatby sits in the heart of Alexandria, Egypt's vibrant second-largest city along the Mediterranean coast, blending urban energy with direct beach access. The coastline here features a sandy beach transitioning to rocky sections, backed by the iconic corniche road and near historic sites like the ancient library area. This accessible stretch offers a lively yet surf-focused atmosphere right by the sea, with the open water expanse providing classic north-facing exposure for reliable waves.

Surf Setup

Shatby is a classic beach break offering both rights and lefts, often forming A-frames that peel fast and powerfully with fun, hollow sections on bigger days. It thrives on north and northwest swells, paired with north to northwest offshore winds that groom the faces perfectly. The spot handles all tides well, keeping waves rideable from low to high without major shape changes. On a typical session, expect 1 to 2 meter faces that deliver powerful walls for carves and the occasional barrel, making for rewarding paddles in clean conditions.

Consistency and Best Time

Shatby boasts regular consistency thanks to its north-facing position, with winter from December to March delivering the most reliable north and northwest swells during the peak Mediterranean surf season. Summer months from June to October bring steadier winds but smaller waves, while spring and fall offer transitional swells worth checking. Avoid stormy periods when waves can turn hazardous, and prioritize weekdays for the calmest sessions.

Crowd Levels

Shatby stays remarkably empty, even on weekends, attracting mostly local surfers who share waves amicably. Weekdays are virtually uncrowded, giving plenty of space for uninterrupted surfing.

Who It's For

This spot suits all levels, from beginners honing basics on softer days to intermediates and advanced surfers tackling the power on bigger swells. Newcomers appreciate the sandy bottom and forgiving wave shapes at smaller sizes, while experienced riders chase the fast lines and punchy sections. Everyone finds something here, with the all-tides versatility keeping sessions accessible.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for the eastward current that can pull you along the rocky shoreline, and mind the scattered rocks on the bottom during low tides. Always scout the lineup and respect conditions to stay safe.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October sees water temperatures around 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, so boardshorts or a shorty suffice for most sessions. Winter from December to March drops to about 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, calling for a full 3/2 wetsuit to handle the chill. Spring and fall hover between 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, where a spring suit or 2/2 wetsuit keeps you comfortable.

How to Get There

Fly into Alexandria's Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), about 50 kilometers southwest of Shatby, or Cairo International (CAI), roughly 220 kilometers southeast. From HBE, rent a car or take a taxi for a 45-minute drive northeast along the desert road into the city, then follow the corniche eastward past the Sheraton Hotel. Parking is available nearby but can be tight, so arrive early; the beach is a quick 5-minute walk from spots along the sea road. Public microbuses and trams run along the corniche for easy access from central Alexandria, dropping you right near the lineup.

Shatby Surf Spot Guide, Egypt

Shatby in Alexandria delivers a powerful yet fun beach break that fires rights and lefts over a sandy bottom dotted with rocks, creating punchy waves perfect for drawn-out rides. This spot captures the essence of uncrowded Mediterranean surf, where local surfers chase consistent swells in a welcoming urban coastal vibe. It's the kind of place where you score session after session without the hassle of heavy lineups.

Geography and Nature

Shatby sits in the heart of Alexandria, Egypt's vibrant second-largest city along the Mediterranean coast, blending urban energy with direct beach access. The coastline here features a sandy beach transitioning to rocky sections, backed by the iconic corniche road and near historic sites like the ancient library area. This accessible stretch offers a lively yet surf-focused atmosphere right by the sea, with the open water expanse providing classic north-facing exposure for reliable waves.

Surf Setup

Shatby is a classic beach break offering both rights and lefts, often forming A-frames that peel fast and powerfully with fun, hollow sections on bigger days. It thrives on north and northwest swells, paired with north to northwest offshore winds that groom the faces perfectly. The spot handles all tides well, keeping waves rideable from low to high without major shape changes. On a typical session, expect 1 to 2 meter faces that deliver powerful walls for carves and the occasional barrel, making for rewarding paddles in clean conditions.

Consistency and Best Time

Shatby boasts regular consistency thanks to its north-facing position, with winter from December to March delivering the most reliable north and northwest swells during the peak Mediterranean surf season. Summer months from June to October bring steadier winds but smaller waves, while spring and fall offer transitional swells worth checking. Avoid stormy periods when waves can turn hazardous, and prioritize weekdays for the calmest sessions.

Crowd Levels

Shatby stays remarkably empty, even on weekends, attracting mostly local surfers who share waves amicably. Weekdays are virtually uncrowded, giving plenty of space for uninterrupted surfing.

Who It's For

This spot suits all levels, from beginners honing basics on softer days to intermediates and advanced surfers tackling the power on bigger swells. Newcomers appreciate the sandy bottom and forgiving wave shapes at smaller sizes, while experienced riders chase the fast lines and punchy sections. Everyone finds something here, with the all-tides versatility keeping sessions accessible.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for the eastward current that can pull you along the rocky shoreline, and mind the scattered rocks on the bottom during low tides. Always scout the lineup and respect conditions to stay safe.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October sees water temperatures around 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, so boardshorts or a shorty suffice for most sessions. Winter from December to March drops to about 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, calling for a full 3/2 wetsuit to handle the chill. Spring and fall hover between 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, where a spring suit or 2/2 wetsuit keeps you comfortable.

How to Get There

Fly into Alexandria's Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), about 50 kilometers southwest of Shatby, or Cairo International (CAI), roughly 220 kilometers southeast. From HBE, rent a car or take a taxi for a 45-minute drive northeast along the desert road into the city, then follow the corniche eastward past the Sheraton Hotel. Parking is available nearby but can be tight, so arrive early; the beach is a quick 5-minute walk from spots along the sea road. Public microbuses and trams run along the corniche for easy access from central Alexandria, dropping you right near the lineup.