Sebastian Inlet

About This Spot

A two-faced spot at the Brevard/Indian River county line, split by the inlet inside Sebastian Inlet State Park. The OCEAN side is the draw for wave riders: the south jetty's 'Monster Hole' sandbar break throws long, sometimes glassy walls, occasionally large and hollow. This side is intermediate-to-expert only — shore break, deep water, and strong inlet rip currents punish mistakes, and it's a sharky spot best avoided at dawn/dusk. It's also a long-established surf break, so surfers have right of way; respect the lineup. The LAGOON side (Indian River, St. Sebastian River, and nearby Grant) offers shallow, flat-to-chop water that's genuinely beginner-friendly when the wind cooperates. Wind is frontal and seasonal: best Oct–Apr when cold fronts deliver N/NE flow, with SE sea breezes also working in the warmer months. Working directions are NNW, N, NE, SE, SSE — side/side-on at the beach, which keeps you safe. AVOID west wind: it's offshore and gusty here, dangerous on the ocean and unreliable on the river. On the ocean, experts sometimes ride a slight side-off for cleaner faces, but offshore is otherwise a no-go. Wind reliability is moderate (avg ~10 kt ENE annually; no working onsite station, so check Melbourne Beach/Sebastian gauges) — you ride the frontal windows, not daily thermals. Launch: big sandy beach on the south end of the inlet, short walk from parking. Access via A1A from Orchid (south) or Melbourne Beach (north); state park entry ~$5–10. Amenities include pavilions, picnic areas, campgrounds and a boat ramp. Hazards: strong inlet current, jetties/long north mole, boat traffic near the cut, posted bird-conservation zones to avoid, sharks, and surfer crowds. Water is warm year-round; a shorty/wetsuit helps during winter fronts. Pick your side by skill and wind, and stay clear of the inlet mouth.