Kalim
Also known as: Kalim Reef
Phuket's premier reef break - a punchy, shallow right (occasional left) for experienced surfers; holds swell when the beaches close out.
Best time to surf
SW monsoon ~May-October; local peak with bigger swells ~Jul-Aug
Shoulder season: Marginal at season edges; flat/small in the NE monsoon (Dec-Apr)
The wave
Break type: Reef break (right)
Bottom: Coral reef / rock (shallow)
Wave direction: Right-hand reef with occasional left
Typical wave length: ~50-100m; gets very shallow at the end of the ride
Ideal swell: SW swell; ~0.5-3m; a good option when other breaks are too big (semi-protected)
Ideal wind: SE to NE; offshore from the E; protected from northerlies
Working tide: Mid to high (rising mid best); rocks exposed at low
Difficulty & skill
Difficulty (1-5): 4 (shallow reef, experienced surfers only)
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Options for a mixed group: Limited - not a learner wave; keep beginners at Kata/Kamala-north or Bang Tao and send only competent surfers to Kalim
Safety & hazards
Shallow coral reef and rocks (especially at low tide and the ride's end), crowded takeoff, monsoon currents; not for beginners
Seasonal lifeguards (flag system - obey red flags); hospitals Bangkok Hospital Phuket / Patong; tourist police; 1669
Crowd, access & conditions
Crowd & localism: A favourite of local shortboarders; can get crowded but friendly; small scene
Access & parking: Just north of Patong past the White Box Restaurant; roadside access
Surf schools & rental: No teaching at the break; guiding/rental via Patong-area shops and Saltwater Dreaming; nearest lessons at Kata
Water temp & wetsuit: Tropical ~28-30 C; boardshorts/rashguard, no wetsuit
Crowds, access and local conditions change - confirm locally before you paddle out.
Around the break
Facilities: Limited at the break (restaurants nearby on Kalim road); full amenities in adjacent Patong
For non-surfers: Swimming (flagged), beach clubs and dining, Big Buddha, Kata viewpoint, spas, island day trips
Location
Nearest hub: Phuket (Thailand)
7.9117, 98.2903 (approximate)
Live conditions
Today's swell, wind and tide are a runtime layer - check the live sources: Surf-Forecast Kalim; Stormrider; Time Out Phuket
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand surf report. Coordinates are approximate.