To evaluate the wave energy conditions along the coastal waters of Beibu Gulf, China, the SWAN (Simulated WAve Nearshore) model is used to estimate the wave field using 20 years of wind field data. The results show that (1) the wave field conditions are promising, for example, in the coastal waters off Guangxi, where the annually averaged significant wave height and peak wave period are approximately 0.45 m and 3.0 s, respectively, and especially along the coast of Hainan Island, where the annually averaged significant wave height and peak wave period are approximately 0.60 m and 3.7 s, respectively; (2) The major direction of wave energy is west or southwest of Guangxi and northeast or northeast by north of Hainan Island; and (3) The wave energy conditions show clear seasonal variations. The maximum storages are approximately 4.48 x 10(3) kWh/m off Guangxi and approximately 8.02 x 10(3) kWh/m off Hainan Island. In addition, the wave energy is more stable in the coastal waters off Guangxi than off Hainan Island. Finally, Weizhou Island and the southern coast of Hainan Island are suggested as potential wave power sites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.