An Introduction To Higgins Beach Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Higgins Beach surf offers a mellow, scenic experience in Scarborough, Maine, perfect for those looking to enjoy consistent waves without the hassle of driving. This charming beach town blends laid-back surf sessions with stunning coastal views, all just a short ride from Portland’s vibrant city scene.
At the heart of Higgins Beach surf is its friendly, approachable lineup, where gentle, rolling waves create ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. Beginners will love the forgiving swells, while more experienced riders can enjoy long, cruisy rides on clean, mellow days. The backdrop is equally inviting, with the iconic shipwreck emerging at low tide, adding a bit of local character to your sessions.
For a change of pace, Scarborough Beach is just a quick bike ride away, offering slightly bigger, more powerful waves & a wider stretch of sand to explore. Whether you’re spending the day in the water or kicking back on the beach, Higgins Beach surf is all about easy access, friendly vibes, & soaking up the natural beauty of Maine’s southern coast.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Higgins Beach
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Peak Higgins Beach Surf Season | November to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Higgins Beach surf reaches its winter peak from November through March, when North Atlantic storms send strong west & northwest swells into Maine’s coastline. Waves often range from 4 to 8 feet, offering punchy beach breaks that reward timing & commitment.
Higgins Beach surf during this season is best tackled by surfers comfortable with powerful, cold-water waves & active currents. While the lineup thins out compared to summer, the conditions deliver thrilling barrels & steep walls. Hats, booties, & a 4/3mm or thicker suit are mandatory, but those who brave the chill find some of the region’s best surf.
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Shoulder Higgins Beach Surf Season | April, May, September & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
In spring & early autumn, Higgins Beach surf mellows into more manageable conditions, with swells typically in the 2 to 5-foot range. April & May still see remnants of winter energy, while September & October kick off the fall storm season. Higgins Beach surf during these months offers a sweet balance—waves with enough push for progression but without the full winter punch.
Crowds are moderate, & tidal variation can create multiple peaks. It’s a prime window for surfers of all levels to enjoy warm spring days or colorful fall sessions without the harshest conditions.
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Low Higgins Beach Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
The summer months bring the gentlest waves to Higgins Beach surf, with breaks often producing 1 to 3-foot rollers. While it’s not the season for heavy surf, the soft, lapping waves are ideal for beginners & longboarders. Higgins Beach surf in summer benefits from quieter lineups, making it perfect for those learning paddling & pop-up techniques.
Early morning sessions can still yield small swell bumps before onshore breezes pick up. The laid-back vibe & milder weather create inviting summer surf, where the focus is on fun, consistency, & building confidence in the lineup.
Higgins Beach Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Higgins Beach Surf Temperature:
16–19°C (61–66°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is necessary even in summer, as water temps remain cool. A hood & booties might still be useful on cooler or windy days.
Rainfall:
Summers bring about 8–11 rainy days monthly, often as light rain or short-lived coastal storms.
Higgins Beach Surf Temperature:
12–16°C (54–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm full wetsuit with boots is recommended as water temperatures cool rapidly into the lower teens, especially by November.
Rainfall:
Autumn sees an increase in rainy days, with about 9–12 wet days monthly, often accompanied by blustery coastal conditions.
Higgins Beach Surf Temperature:
4–7°C (39–45°F)
What To Wear:
A 5/4 mm or 6/5 mm hooded wetsuit with gloves & booties is essential, as both water & air temps are extremely cold, making full protection a must.
Rainfall:
Winter is snowy & wet, with 10–13 days of rain monthly, often in the form of snow, sleet, or icy rain.
Higgins Beach Surf Temperature:
7–12°C (45–54°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm full wetsuit with boots is still needed in early spring, with conditions easing slightly by May.
Rainfall:
Spring continues to see around 9–12 rainy days per month, often grey & drizzly with occasional storms.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Higgins Beach
| Higgins Beach Surf Spots | Distance from Higgins Beach | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
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Higgins Beach |
In the town centre |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach breaks, ideal for beginners |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Scarborough Beach |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south |
3-7 foot |
Varied beach breaks |
Intermediate to Advanced |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Pine Point |
Approx. 19km (11.8mi) south |
4-8 foot |
Fast, powerful breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Old Orchard Beach |
Approx. 20km (12.4mi) south |
3-6 foot |
Mellow beach breaks |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Higgins Beach Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: West
- Swell Direction: Southeast or east
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Higgins Beach is a classic sand-&-cobble beach break that peaks on mid tides under southeast to east swells, with clean faces provided by offshore west winds. The wave offers waist- to chest-high peaks that peel both directions, favoring smooth turns & occasional small barrels.
On larger swells, the wave picks up speed & power, rewarding advanced surfers with rippable sections. Shorebreak can be firm, so timing is key. Summer weekends bring moderate crowds of local & traveling surfers, but plenty of room remains outside peak hours. Its reliable shape & scenic backdrop make Higgins a Maine favorite.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: Southeast
- Crowd Factor: Low
Scarborough Beach, just south of Higgins, offers a mellow beach break that works best on mid tides with southeast groundswells & northwest winds. The sandy bottom produces soft, waist- to chest-high rollers ideal for longboarding & beginner progression. Larger swells can push the wave to shoulder-high for playful carving, but it rarely barrels.
Crowds here are light, even on good days, thanks to its slightly lower profile. The wide shoreline allows surfers to spread out along multiple peaks, making it a great spot for a peaceful session when Higgins gets busy.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: Southeast
- Crowd Factor: Low
Pine Point is a wide beach break featuring sandy flats & occasional rock outcrops. It peaks at mid to high tides during southeast swells & benefits from northwest winds that groom the face. The wave offers waist-high to chest-high walls, perfect for cruising & trim lines.
The rocky sections can create unique peaks but also pose hazards at low tide. Crowds are minimal due to the spot’s remote feel & fewer amenities. Pine Point delivers consistent, user-friendly waves that suit longboarders & beginners wanting plenty of unpressured surf.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northwest
- Swell Direction: Southeast
- Crowd Factor: High
Old Orchard Beach is a popular summer beach break that lights up on mid tides with southeast swells & clean northwest winds. The sandy bottom creates waist-high rollers to chest-high peaks, ideal for all levels when conditions align. The wide beach & prominent pier can form multiple peaks, though the area nearest the pier often offers the most consistent rides.
Summer crowds are heavy, with a mix of tourists & local families. Outside peak season, waves are less crowded but also less reliable. Old Orchard’s combination of accessibility & decent surf keeps it busy when the surf is up.
Rating: 3/5
Travel Time To Higgins Beach Surf Spots
| Higgins Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Higgins Beach |
In town |
Not required |
Not required |
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Scarborough Beach |
Approx. 60 min. |
15 min. |
8 min.
(Taxi or Ride-Share)
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Pine Point |
Not advised |
50 min. |
30 min.
(Taxi or Ride-Share)
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Old Orchard Beach |
Not advised |
50 min. |
30 min.
(Taxi or Ride-Share)
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Higgins Beach Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Higgins Beach surf schools give you a chance to learn in a quiet, scenic setting on Maine’s beautiful coastline. Surf Camp Maine provides structured lessons for both children and adults, ensuring personalized guidance.
Black Point Surf Shop offers hands-on instruction in small groups, making it ideal for beginners. Corner’s Surf Company emphasizes local knowledge and a fun, supportive environment for mastering the waves.
For a calm, beginner-friendly experience, Higgins Beach surf schools deliver. It’s a peaceful spot to take your time, learn the basics, & enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe.
Higgins Beach Surf Camp
Surf Camp Maine stands out as the premier Higgins Beach surf camp, offering programs for both children and adults.
Their camps provide a balanced mix of skill-building, ocean safety, and fun, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals looking to immerse themselves in the surf lifestyle.
With professional instructors and a focus on creating a supportive learning environment, participants gain confidence in the water while forming lasting memories.
Higgins Beach Surfboard Hire
Higgins Beach surfboard hire is easy to arrange, with local surf shops & outfitters offering a range of beginner-friendly boards. Surf Camp Maine provides a wide selection of boards, ensuring surfers of all levels can find the right fit.
Black Point Surf Shop maintains a variety of rental boards, including foamies and shortboards, catering to the local surf conditions. Corner’s Surf Company also offers high-quality rentals alongside helpful advice on the area’s surf breaks.
With everything from soft-tops to longboards, Higgins Beach surfboard hire makes it simple to get in the water & enjoy the mellow waves. It’s a no-fuss setup that lets you focus on the fun part—surfing.
Higgins Beach Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Higgins Beach surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Higgins Beach surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Higgins Beach Surf
- Portland International Jetport (PWM) To Higgins Beach
Distance: 20km (12mi)
To reach Higgins Beach surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM) & then take a taxi to your destination.
Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Higgins Beach based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
From the airport, walk or take the METRO Route 2 bus to the Portland Transportation Center in downtown Portland. From there, transfer to the Greater Portland METRO Route 7 bus, which travels south along the coast into Scarborough, stopping at key locations such as Pine Point & Scarborough Beach State Park.
Buses run hourly on weekdays & less frequently on weekends. This option is the most cost-effective but requires transfers & can be slower during peak traffic hours, especially in summer.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 30-45 mins.
- Cost: Approx. $30-$55 USD per person
Details:
Private shuttle operators such as Pine State Limousine & Anywhere Limo offer on-demand transfers from PWM to Scarborough. Vehicles range from luxury SUVs to sprinter vans capable of carrying larger groups & gear.
Shared shuttles may pick up additional passengers along the route, extending travel time slightly, while private shuttles offer direct, non-stop service. Booking at least 24 hours ahead is recommended to secure availability, particularly during summer surf festivals & holiday weekends.
Accommodation In Higgins Beach
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€90 to €185 |
$100 to $200 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€250 to €460+ |
$270 to $500+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Higgins Beach, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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Discover Higgins Beach: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Scarborough there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Here are 3 recommended activities to make the most of your time.