Dawn patrol surfing in Coronado

Coronado, California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Coronado means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:41 AM
First Light: 6:11 AM

Day length: 12h 26m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:41 AM

First light: 6:11 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Last light: 7:37 PM

Data from Shipwrecks · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

Day Length

12h 26m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:08 PM

Day Length

12h 28m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:39 AM

Sunset

7:08 PM

Day Length

12h 30m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:37 AM

Sunset

7:09 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:36 AM

Sunset

7:10 PM

Day Length

12h 34m

Best dawn patrol spots in Coronado

Dawn patrol access guide for Coronado

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Shipwrecks
beach
intermediate

Shipwrecks is the stretch of Coronado Beach near the visible remains of the SS Monte Carlo. This exposed beach break can deliver peaky lefts and rights during south-west swells and is generally more mellow than neighboring peaks. Be aware of deep holes and strong currents around the wreck, and avoid climbing on the slippery, rusting metal.

Early access

Walk along the beach to the shipwreck area. At low tide, parts of the wreck are exposed; at high tide, currents swirl around it.

Parking

Park along Ocean Boulevard or in the nearby residential area; walk down beach access points toward the visible shipwreck.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Coronado

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Coronado

Dawn patrol in Coronado typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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