A surfer has died at a popular beach on the NSW mid-north coast.

Emergency services were called to Lighthouse Beach, just south of Port Macquarie, around 8.30am (AEDT) on Friday after a man in his mid-30s disappeared while surfing.

His body washed up on the sand about 40 minutes later, police say.

Lifeguards and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man but he could not be revived.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police are investigating and will prepare a report for the coroner.