The Guide to Surfing in Jamaica

With the sounds of large waves crashing on the shoreline like rolling thunder in the wind I grabbed my surfboard and started to paddle out. Looking in front of me as the large five-foot man-eating swells put knots in my stomach.

It is crazy to just think a few days ago I was searching top things to do in Jamaica, where to surf in Jamaica and where to stay, now I’m paddling out to see what surfing in Jamaica is all about.

Although the Caribbean island of Jamaica is best known for its calm seas, laid back atmosphere, white sand beaches and all inclusive jamaica resorts, the island of Jamaica is becoming known as one of the premier surfing locations in the Caribbean.

Jamaica has some of the best waters in the region for surfing, but yet it is not known to be a surfing hot spot. One of the top things to do in Jamaica is surfing because the wind swells from the northeast, the island’s north and south coast, along with its eastern tip, Jamaica is blessed with surprisingly good surfing spots throughout the Island.

Check out our post on the best GoPro accessories to capture your surfing adventure.

Surfing in Jamaica

Where to Surf in Jamaica

Trade winds provide Jamaica with highly consistent, year-round surf that rivals the likes of the Gold Coast of Australia and Southern California. You can go wrong with the consistent decent weather, warm water, and friendly waves to surf in. So there is no wonder why surfing is one of the top things to do in Jamaica.

There are excellent spots all over the island to surf, and below we will highlight where to surf in Jamaica so you can choose the right spot to put your board in the water.

We will also cover when is the best time to surf in Jamaica and where to stay in Jamaica for the best surfing. Want to see more of Jamaica outside of the all-Inclusive package? Book an adventure trip through Jamaica with G Adventures!

Makka Beach

This local favorite is just outside Kingston and Makka Beach is one of the best places to surf in Jamaica. Its location on the north shore of Jamaica produces one of the most consistently good waves on the Island.

This surf spot can be tricky to get in and out of because of the beachside reefs that are home to many Sea Urchins. Makka Beach is great for Intermediate and expert surfers.

Expect world-class waves with nice barrel sections and know that it is the only beach in Jamaica that has hosted a pro surfing contest. You can surf for hours alone here, sometimes there are a few locals that always enjoy meeting travelers who surf.

Makka is on the southeastern coastline of Jamaica and is approximately 32 miles southeast of the capital city of Kingston.

What to expect:

• Expect swell size’s starts working at less than 1m / 3ft and hold up to 2m+ /6ft.
• Good wind direction: Northwest, West
• Good swell Direction: South, Southeast, and East
• Level: Intermediate/Expert
• Bottom: Flat rocks with sand
• Hazard: Sea Urchins
• Crowds: Low
• Location: Yallahs Bay

DNA or TOAB Beach

A secret spot to surf in Jamaica is called DNA or TOAB beach (Take off and Die) by locals and this spot should only be attempted by experienced surfers.

This epic surfing spot in Jamaica is known to produce steep, hollow waves breaking on both left and right shoulders. DNA is located northwest of the Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica on the north-central coastline of Jamaica, it is approximately 67 miles north of the capital city of Kingston.

This secret spot needs to be added to your Jamaica surfing bucket list.

Copa (Bull Bay)

This is one of the surf spots that is putting surfing on the map in Jamaica. If you’re into surfing or want to learn, this is the place for you in Jamaica. Copa Bay has a great surf camp located in Bulls Bay that is owned by a family who is pioneers of surfing on the island.

Jamnesia camp is a must for any surfing traveler traveling who is visiting Jamaica. If you are a surfer this is the place you need to hang out at. Copa Bay is known by local surfers for its fairly consistent surf throughout the year.

This is one of the best surfing spots that boasts long rides and big waves on the right reef break. Copa Bay is arguably one of the best places to go surfing in Jamaica and should be on the top of your things-to-do list when visiting Jamaica.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Good wind direction: Northwest, West
• Good swell Direction: North, Northwest
• Type of wave: Reef Break
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: Coral Heads
• Crowds: Mild
• Location: In-between Bull Bay and Sugar Loaf Bay

Zoo

Found just a short ride down the road from Copa Bay is a local surf spot called Zoo. The Zoo is a reef break producing a short ride on a barreling right for intermediate riders.

Just like most of the surfing spots in Jamaica, it is hit or miss for waves. From July to September, tropical storms and hurricanes can create big swells in this area.

This was the former top spot for surfing in Jamaica. Hurricane Ivan destroyed the reef but it is on the mend and has begun to break again. Hopefully, in a few years, it will be on the top of the where to surf in Jamaica list.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Type of wave: Reef Break
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: Coral Heads
• Crowds: Mild
• Location: Found right off Harbour View in Bull Bay

Lighthouse

The Lighthouse located near the Norman Manley International Airport, is a classic-shaped reef breaking producing three to six foot right waves that break over rock-strewn sand.

This is a great spot for surfers of all levels. To some surfers, it is a little remote and can be spooky at times out in the water. This is where to surf in Jamaica with Reef Sharks. Yes, Reef sharks are sometimes spotted here.

This surf spot in Jamaica has been surfed since the late ’60s and have had no issues with the local Reef sharks.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Type of wave: Reef Break
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Crowds: Mild, This is a good place to surf with a local
• Hazard: Urchins
• Location: Next to Norman Manley International Airport and Plum Point Lighthouse

Guanna Reef

On the southeast tip of Jamaica is a decent breaking beach called Guanna Reef that creates right breaking hollow tubes over a shallow reef covered with sea urchins. This is a lesser-known surf spot in Jamaica and is not as popular as others but that is what makes this spot a surfing gem.

What to expect:

• Type of wave: Reef Break
• Level: Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: Shallow Reef and Sea Urchins
• Crowds: Low
• Location: Southeast tip of Jamaica

Boston Bay

Boston Bay should make everyone’s list for top beaches in Jamaica but for us, it is where to go for surfing. This is a great place for newbies and is also a great place to meet local surfers.

Many surfers in Jamaica call Boston Bay home. The water is clean, with easy waves, picturesque settings, and a great supportive local crowd. Its beach break provides fairly long rides on both left and right breaking waves.

This is one of the most popular spots for beach lovers, so expect boats anchored on shore coming and going at all times. Boston Bay’s time-doesn’t-matter vibe and sublime setting make this a great place to surf in Jamaica.

Located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, it is approximately 68 miles northeast of the capital city of Kingston.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Good wind direction: South
• Good swell Direction: Northeast
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: People, Kayaks, Canoes, Windsurfers, and Boats.
• Level: Good for all types
• Crowds: Mild
• Located in Long Bay

Outback

Just a couple of miles west of Long Bay is another great place to get your board in the water called Outback. The powerful waves at the Outback begin as hollow tubes before wrapping around the point for a long ride into the bay. Entry can be difficult due to the large amounts of sea urchins.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Type of Wave: Pointbreak
• Level: Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazards: Urchins and live coral
• Crowds: Low
• Located in Long Bay

Ranch

The Ranch is situated north of Manchioneal, and you can find four unique breaks that’ll show up regardless of the swell direction. The Ranch in Jamaica is an explored reef break that has reasonably consistent surf and is popular among locals and travelers.

What to expect:

• Type of Wave: Reef
• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Good wind direction: Northwest
• Good swell Direction: Northeast
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: People, Kayaks, Canoes, Windsurfers, and Boats.
• Level: Intermediate
• Crowds: Mild
• Located north of Manchioneal

Navy Island

Navy Island in Jamaica is an explored reef break that has great reliable surf. Navy Island is a beach break with a wave that brakes both rights and left, this surf spot is for surfers of all levels. Due to its location, Navy Island never gets crowded with surfers.

What to expect:

• Type of Wave: Reef
• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/5ft
• Good wind direction: Southwest
• Good swell Direction: East, Northeast
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: Urchins, Rips, and Rocks
• Level: Good for all types
• Crowds: Mild
• Located: Off the coast of Port Antonio in Portland Parish, Jamaica.

Peenie Wally

If you are looking for a great spot to put your board in the water near Montego Bay, Peenie Wally is the place for you. Peenie Wally rates up there as one of the most popular spots to surf in Jamacia. Peenie Wally is an exposed point break that has reasonably consistent surf.

Jamaican surf contest and NSA surfing games used to happen here but have moved on to better surf spots. Peenie Wally is a reef break with a right-breaking wave and is a spot for surfers of all levels.

Peenie Wally is located at Buff Bay on the northeast coastline of Jamaica and is approximately 37 miles northeast of the capital city of Kingston.

What to expect:

• Type of Wave: Reef
• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/8ft
• Good wind direction: Northwest
• Good swell Direction: Northeast
• Bottom: Coral
• Hazard: Urchins
• Level: Good for all types
• Crowds: Mild
• Located near Buff Bay

Canon Cave

Looking for uncrowded epic waves to surf in Jamaica? Have you experienced it? Then Canon Cave needs to be on your surfing list. Canon Cave is a reef break with a right breaking wave that is for the experienced surfer.

This is a fun place to surf with hollow rights wrapping around a point into a sheltered bay. Also, known as Rozelle Beach, Jelly’s, Little’s, Graveyard or Winterfield.

Canon Cave is located near Runaway Bay Beach on the north-central coastline of Jamaica, it is approximately 65 miles north of the capital city of Kingston.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 3ft/8ft
• Type of wave: Reef
• Good swell direction: Southeast, East, Northeast
• Good wind direction: Northwest, West, Southwest
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Crowds: Low
• Hazard: Urchins and Rocks
• Location: Between Morant Bay and Port Morant

Discovery Bay

If the surfing gods are looking down on you, it may be a good time to check out surfing in Discover Bay. This explored point break does not work very often but when it does it makes for some of the best surfing in Jamaica.

This is a good surf spot to keep an eye on but don’t expect it to hit. You are better loading up the surfboards and heading down the road to a surf spot that is more reliable like Runaway Bay or Peenie Willy.

Discovery Bay is on the north-central coastline of Jamaica, it is approximately 71 miles north of the capital city of Kingston.

What to expect:

• Type of wave: Point
• Reliability: Inconsistent
• Good wind direction: South/Southeast
• Good swell direction: Northeast/East
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Crowds: Low
• Hazard: Urchins and rocks
• Location: in-between Rio Bueno and St. Ann’s Bay

Port Royal

Tourists flock to Port Royal for its historical value with, partially sunken historic buildings, cannons, and delicious local restaurants. But Port Royal is also a great place to get your surfboard in the water.

It is one of the least popular spots to surf in Jamaica since there are better spots just a few miles away like the Lighthouse but if you’re up for exploring the options, it’s possible to surf here.

What to expect:

• Expect swell sizes: 2ft/3ft
• Type of wave: Point
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Bottom: Coral
• Crowds: Low
• Hazard: Urchins
• Location: Port Royal

Runaways

The whole north coast up to Montego Bay has some epic waves, however, the quality of those waves is the problem. With constant onshore northeast trade winds, it often wrecks the surfing quality.

Runaways is great for small waves. It is a hit or miss surf spot due to its low consistency. The quality of the waves is weak compared to other great surfing spots in Jamaica.

What to expect:

• Type of Wave: Beachbreak
• Expect swell sizes: 1ft/4ft
• Good wind direction: South
• Good swell direction: Northeast/East
• Bottom: Sand
• Hazard: People, Kayaks, Canoes, Windsurfers, and Boats.
• Level: Good for all types
• Crowds: High
• Located near St. Anns Bay

When is the best time to surf in Jamaica?

You may think since Jamaica has nice weather throughout the year it should be a surfer’s paradise, but weather seasons play a big factor in the best time to surf in Jamaica.

The best surf season in Jamaica is from December through March and then again from July through September. It is considered a very easy environment to surf in and is great for all skill levels. There is very little traffic and most of it is limited to the local enthusiast on the weekend. Let’s break it down per season.

Spring

Spring in Jamaica is considered to be a calm season for surfing. In spring you will see 3-4 week flat spells that can drive the locals crazy and often finds them praying for a hurricane to strike.

Summer

Summer is the second-best time to surf in Jamaica. This is the most consistent surf season with continuous trade winds fanning a thousand miles of Caribbean Sea and non-stop swells straight to Jamaica. Summer mornings consist of a couple of hours of glass, then it can turn up to double overhead at least 6 or 7 times in the season.

Fall

If you are looking to surf in Jamaica in the fall you will be out of luck. This is Jamaica’s worst time to go surfing. With inconsistent swells that usually run between waist and chest high for only a day or two.

Fall is the Jamaican surfer’s most depressing time of the year. The only golden lining for surfers in the Fall is if hurricanes start to swirl, creating some epic waves.

However, hurricanes are highly overrated as too many variables must line up for them to send good surf to Jamaica.

Winter

This is the season you really want to visit Jamaica if you are into surfing. Winter is the best time to go surfing in Jamaica, hands down.

As a surfer, you can expect all-day glass with week-long swells up to 4’ overhead on both the north and south coast.

The winter weather creates surges through the gaps around Cuba and Haiti, as well as between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico that get pushed into the west by northeast trade winds and with all of that added together it heads right to Jamaica. This makes winter the best time of the year to go surfing in Jamaica.

Where to stay in Jamaica for surfing

Jamaica may seem like a small island but if you are planning to surf you should base yourself somewhere close to the action. We are going to break the island down into three sections to show you were to say in Jamaica for surfing. This will help you plan your Jamaica surfing vacation and ensure you are where you need to be when the waves are cranking.

West and Southwest Jamaica

If you are looking for surfing, do not base yourself on the West or Southwest side of Jamaica. Surfing is pretty much non-existent here no matter the season.

There are plenty of other adventures to do in this area but surfing is not one of them. If you want to surf while staying in the Southwest or West side of Jamaica, you will have a drive to reach some of the decent surfing spots.

North and Northeast Jamaica

The Northside of Jamaica is one of the top places to stay in Jamaica for surfing. This is a great place to base yourself if you are an intermediate or advanced surfer. For a beginner, you should look elsewhere.

This is home to iconic surfing beaches in Jamaica like Boston Beach, Makka Beach, DNA, TOAD Beach, Runaways, Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay Beach and much more.

The north side of Jamaica produces one of the most consistently good waves on the island for surfing and there is no wonder why many surfers base themselves out of the north.

South and East Jamaica

The South and East side of Jamaica is also a top place to stay in Jamaica for surfing. Staying in the South gives you lots of top things to do in Jamaica besides surfing as well.

There are a few decent breaks where you can catch some good waves but nothing as large as up North. The South and East side of Jamaica has great surfing spots like Zoo, The Lighthouse, Guanna Beach, Copa Bay, and Boston Bay. The iconic surf camp Jamnesia is based out of Bull Bay. This is a great place to stay and meet fellow surfers.

With all of those great surfing spots, it is no wonder it is a top thing to do in Jamaica. Have you ever surfed in Jamaica before?

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