Spots Nearby
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Little Talbot Island:
7.1 km
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Main Beach:
7.3 km
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Neptune Beach:
9.7 km
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Jacksonville Beach Pier:
11.6 km
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Crossroads:
26.6 km
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Vilano Beach:
52.1 km
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St. Augustine Beach:
63.3 km
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Kite Beach:
73.8 km
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Eastern Beach:
83.8 km
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Goulds Inlet:
85.4 km
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General Information
Level:5-9 Season:December 1 — February 29 -
Though it might be a trek to reach, Mayport Poles has something for everyone.
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Beach
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Out of all of the northern shores of Florida, Mayport Poles is the most popular. This is primarily because surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers benefit greatly off the northern winds and northeast swells that blow in over the Pole rocks that outline the beach, which curls right up to Mayport’s South Jetty.
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Wind&Waves
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The northern winds generate huge swells, especially near the South Jetty, which create double overhead and clean waves that advanced surfers crave. These waves only get better when the tide is either low or incoming. Best season is in the winter months (December to February), as the northern winds intensify, averaging at speeds of around 20 knots (which at times can be quite cold as well). In the winter, ocean temperatures can dip below 50 F so a full wetsuit is required.
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Facilities
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To reach the Mayport Poles, drive north along A1A from Fernandina and take the ferry across the St. John’s River (which costs 2 dollars a car). Continue along A1A until reaching the Katherine Abbey Hanna Park, upon which you will need another dollar to get in. Once entering, you will immediately see the Poles beach. Hanna Park is equipped with showers, bathrooms, and camping facilities. Also be sure to take advantage of the hiking, canoeing, and bike trails. Should you want a place to eat or a need hotel, it’s best to shop around for accommodations in Fernandina.
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Safety
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Be wary of your situation in the water – for you could either run into a shark or one of the many surfers enjoying the waves around you.