South Tybee Sandbars

📍 Local Knowledge

South Tybee Sandbars, located near the southern end of Tybee Island, is a shifting sand-bottom beach-break shaped by strong tidal flows and sandbar movement. It performs best in late summer through fall, especially September to October, when tropical swells and nor’easter energy line up with offshore winds to produce more rideable peaks. The waves break best around mid to incoming tide, offering fun, peaky lefts and rights that can handle waist-to-chest-high surf. Crowds are moderate, often made up of locals and visitors, but the lineup spreads out along the sandbars. Surfers should remain cautious of strong rip currents and fast-moving water caused by tidal swings, which can make positioning tricky.