The Best Places to Surf in the Caribbean

Surf’s up! Some of the best places in the world for surfing can be found in the Caribbean. Yes, we know that Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, but it’s not the only country with fantastic giant waves to “hang ten” on. Here are some Caribbean countries where you can catch some waves…

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s north coast is the perfect place to catch some monstrous waves. You could call it the surfing “mecca” of the Caribbean. Because some of the deepest ocean waters in the world can be found not far from the island’s Atlantic coast, giant swells are commonplace.

In fact, Puerto Rico has been the site of two World Championships in the past. The first occurred in 1968 at Rincón, involving participants from 15 countries. The other took place in Aguadilla in 1988, this time with 26 countries. As surfing evolved over the years, the cumbersome, heavy long boards prevalent in the 1968 competition were replaced by lighter, more colorful boards in 1988.

Today, there are thousands of dedicated professional surfers in Puerto Rico, and many more surfing enthusiasts. You can find big waves at sites like Tres Palmas, Gas Chambers, and Table Rock.

According to surfing-waves.com, you can find 15 great surfing spots in Puerto Rico. Click here to see a map and get key information like wave type, wave direction, and crowd level.

Surfing in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. (Image source: surfline.com)

Barbados

Barbados is another great place to surf in the Caribbean. A place called Bathsheba on the island’s east coast has incredibly large waves rolling in off rocky reefs. This area has often been referred to as the “Soup Bowl” because of the peculiar shape of these gigantic swells. Over the years, Bathsheba has hosted numerous international longboard competitions.

Today, Barbados hosts surfing enthusiasts from all over the world in contests and competitions. A beach called “Duppies” on the northwest coast has been a haven for surfers and a favorite among the locals.

Below the island, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet to form some fabulous waves. Brian Talma, also known as “Action Man” has set up a surfing school on Silver Sands Beach there, in case you’re looking to learn. You can also try out windsurfing or kitesurfing if you’re up for a real thrill!

According to surfing-waves.com, you can find 13 great surfing spots in Barbados. Click here to see a map and get key information before you go.

Surfing students in Barbados. (Source: surfholidays.com)

Dominican Republic

Since the Dominican Republic is located on one of the largest islands in the Caribbean (Hispaniola), it has the most beach mileage of any island. And that means more access to surfing! In addition, the island touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Plenty of destination surfing sites to choose from means fewer crowds and more options. Some locations are best for traditional long boarding, while others are apt for short boarding.

Check out Puerto Plata and Cabarete on the north part of the island during winter and fall. In summer and spring, the island’s southern coast reportedly has the best waves.

Surfing-waves.com has noted 8 fabulous surfing locations in the Dominican Republic. Click here to see a map and get key information.

Jamaica

Perhaps surfing isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you think of Jamaica, but the Kingston area is known for some pretty big waves, namely Makka and the Lighthouse. Boston Bay is also a popular surfing site that’s been around for years. Reportedly, it’s the oldest surfing beach in Jamaica.

If you’re looking to break in on the surfing scene, Jamaica is a good place to start. You’ll find plenty of surfing camps and beaches with smaller waves to begin your training.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica isn’t an island, but it has access to the Caribbean Sea. Some of the best waves are found at Puerto Viejo, which you’ll find near the town of Limon on the country’s southern coast.

Surfer’s Beach in Eleuthera, Bahamas. (Source: discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com)

The Bahamas

With so many islands belonging to the Bahamas, there are plenty of interesting places to surf. You can find reef break type waves at French Bay, Great Guana Bay, and Surfer’s Beach. Surfer’s Beach is reportedly the best, but that also means that it’s the most popular. If you’re looking for less crowds, try French Bay, which is normally uncrowded even in high season.

Get more information about surfing in the Bahamas here. For information about other activities to experience in the Bahamas, check out Top 10 Things to Do in the Bahamas.

Trinidad and Tobago

Another great place to surf in the Caribbean is Trinidad and Tobago. The smaller island, Tobago, is home to a wonderful surfing beach called Mt Irvine. The site is known for great reef break waves, but can get busy at times.

Getting ready to surf in the Caribbean

If you live in the US, a trip to the Caribbean will most likely be your easiest access to great surf waves. Bringing your own board might be a challenge, but there are plenty of places to rent equipment on Caribbean beaches.

Looking for accomodations? Try this rental villa search engine to find something close to your chosen surfing location. Key Caribe is ready to take the work out of your vacation so you can focus on surfing. Our top-knotch concierge services are just what you need to provide the finishing touches to your dream Caribbean vacation.

We’ll arrange private transportation for you (and your boards!) pre-stock your villa’s kitchen with groceries, and even provide private chef service so that you can enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of your villa after a long day riding the waves.

If you’re new to surfing, there’s no better way to learn than to take classes at a surf school in the Caribbean. Check out the top 10 caribbean surfing lessons here.