Sandy Beach - Chekka Surf Spot Guide, Lebanon

Nestled along Lebanon's rugged coastline, Sandy Beach in Chekka delivers a powerful right-hand breakwater wave over a forgiving sandy bottom, offering rare but rewarding sessions for surfers chasing uncrowded lines. Protected by the Point of Chekka, this spot fires up during big southwest swells, creating fast rides that peel along the jetty with a punchy vibe. It's the kind of hidden gem where you can score empty waves and connect with the raw energy of the Mediterranean.

Geography and Nature

Sandy Beach lies in the coastal town of Chekka, north of Batroun and between Tam Tam and Tripoli, just after the Chekka tunnel along the main coastal road. The area features a long sandy stretch backed by low cliffs and rocky outcroppings, with the prominent Point of Chekka providing natural shelter from southern swells. This semi-remote setup blends quiet coastal vibes with nearby urban access, keeping the beach feeling untouched yet reachable.

Surf Setup

This breakwater and jetty spot primarily unleashes consistent right-handers, though lefts can appear on bigger days, forming punchy waves up to 150 meters on good swells. Southwest swells are ideal, fueling the powerful lines, while southwest winds keep it offshore and clean. It handles all tides well, with sessions firing best at mid to high tide for longer walls. Expect short, intense rides that demand quick maneuvers, especially when caught inside the powerful break where climbing the pier offers a smart escape back out.

Consistency and Best Time

Sandy Beach breaks rarely, about five days a year, typically during major winter storms when swells exceed 2 meters at nearby spots like Tam Tam or Batroun. The prime window falls between December and March, when southwest storms deliver the biggest energy—check forecasts closely for those fleeting windows. Avoid summer months, as flat conditions dominate, and steer clear of choppy onshore winds outside southwest offshore days.

Crowd Levels

The spot stays empty on both weekdays and weekends, with minimal local or tourist presence due to its infrequency. You'll often have the lineup to yourself.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Sandy Beach welcomes beginners on smaller days with its sandy bottom and manageable rights, while intermediates and advanced riders thrive on the power during swells. Newcomers can build confidence on forgiving sections, and experienced surfers will chase the faster lines and occasional barrels near the rocks. Everyone appreciates the low-key sessions that let you focus purely on the wave.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for strong rips inside the break, especially on powerful days, and rocky sections near the jetty—use the pier to bypass if needed. Pollution can occasionally affect water quality after storms.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings warm water between 22°C and 26°C, so boardshorts or a shorty suffice for comfort. Winter from December to March drops to 16°C to 19°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit to handle the chill and chop. Spring and fall see temperatures from 19°C to 23°C, where a 3/2mm suit works well for longer sessions.

How to Get There

Fly into Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), about 80 kilometers south, then drive north on the coastal highway through Batroun. From Tripoli International Airport (KYE), it's just 20 kilometers south. No trains serve the area, so rent a car or use taxis—public buses run sporadically along the highway. After the Chekka tunnel, take the first main exit, head toward the beach, and drive south 1 kilometer to spot the small "Sandy Beach" sign on a narrow road leading right to the spot. Free roadside parking is plentiful, with under 100 meters walk to the break near the rocks on the right.

Sandy Beach - Chekka Surf Spot Guide, Lebanon

Nestled along Lebanon's rugged coastline, Sandy Beach in Chekka delivers a powerful right-hand breakwater wave over a forgiving sandy bottom, offering rare but rewarding sessions for surfers chasing uncrowded lines. Protected by the Point of Chekka, this spot fires up during big southwest swells, creating fast rides that peel along the jetty with a punchy vibe. It's the kind of hidden gem where you can score empty waves and connect with the raw energy of the Mediterranean.

Geography and Nature

Sandy Beach lies in the coastal town of Chekka, north of Batroun and between Tam Tam and Tripoli, just after the Chekka tunnel along the main coastal road. The area features a long sandy stretch backed by low cliffs and rocky outcroppings, with the prominent Point of Chekka providing natural shelter from southern swells. This semi-remote setup blends quiet coastal vibes with nearby urban access, keeping the beach feeling untouched yet reachable.

Surf Setup

This breakwater and jetty spot primarily unleashes consistent right-handers, though lefts can appear on bigger days, forming punchy waves up to 150 meters on good swells. Southwest swells are ideal, fueling the powerful lines, while southwest winds keep it offshore and clean. It handles all tides well, with sessions firing best at mid to high tide for longer walls. Expect short, intense rides that demand quick maneuvers, especially when caught inside the powerful break where climbing the pier offers a smart escape back out.

Consistency and Best Time

Sandy Beach breaks rarely, about five days a year, typically during major winter storms when swells exceed 2 meters at nearby spots like Tam Tam or Batroun. The prime window falls between December and March, when southwest storms deliver the biggest energy—check forecasts closely for those fleeting windows. Avoid summer months, as flat conditions dominate, and steer clear of choppy onshore winds outside southwest offshore days.

Crowd Levels

The spot stays empty on both weekdays and weekends, with minimal local or tourist presence due to its infrequency. You'll often have the lineup to yourself.

Who It's For

Suited for all surfers, Sandy Beach welcomes beginners on smaller days with its sandy bottom and manageable rights, while intermediates and advanced riders thrive on the power during swells. Newcomers can build confidence on forgiving sections, and experienced surfers will chase the faster lines and occasional barrels near the rocks. Everyone appreciates the low-key sessions that let you focus purely on the wave.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for strong rips inside the break, especially on powerful days, and rocky sections near the jetty—use the pier to bypass if needed. Pollution can occasionally affect water quality after storms.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings warm water between 22°C and 26°C, so boardshorts or a shorty suffice for comfort. Winter from December to March drops to 16°C to 19°C, calling for a full 4/3mm wetsuit to handle the chill and chop. Spring and fall see temperatures from 19°C to 23°C, where a 3/2mm suit works well for longer sessions.

How to Get There

Fly into Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), about 80 kilometers south, then drive north on the coastal highway through Batroun. From Tripoli International Airport (KYE), it's just 20 kilometers south. No trains serve the area, so rent a car or use taxis—public buses run sporadically along the highway. After the Chekka tunnel, take the first main exit, head toward the beach, and drive south 1 kilometer to spot the small "Sandy Beach" sign on a narrow road leading right to the spot. Free roadside parking is plentiful, with under 100 meters walk to the break near the rocks on the right.