When you think of Jamaica, reggae, beaches, and mountains come to mind, but the island is also one of the top surfing destinations. With over 1,000 kilometres of coastline and warm tropical waters, the island offers conditions that suit beginners and experienced riders. The consistent swells shaped by trade winds make it a hidden gem for surf travellers.
To explore the best surf spots in Jamaica, the most practical way is to rent a car. Driving allows you to visit the breaks scattered along the eastern, northern, and southern coasts. Many beaches are in areas where public transport is limited or irregular, so self-driving is essential. In this guide, you’ll discover where to surf in Jamaica, including the country’s most iconic bays, hidden reef breaks, and community surf hubs.
Before exploring the best surf spots in Jamaica, it’s important to understand the island’s surfing culture, history, and conditions. Jamaica has a tropical maritime climate, trade wind influence, and a surf history tied to reggae and Rastafarian roots. Surfing in Jamaica began in 1912 as a hotel promotion but truly developed in the 1960s.
Locals made homemade boards from refrigerator foam, resin, and fibreglass drapery cloth, and decorated them with black electrical tape for racing stripes. Figures like Anthony “Billy Mystic” Wilmot and his family later became central to the growth of surfing. They founded a surf camp in Bull Bay, which is still the central hub for the sport today.
Climate plays a role in the surf conditions. Jamaica has two main seasons: a rainy season from May to November and a drier season from December to April. The island is inside the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, which can bring storms and powerful swells. Average water temperatures are around 26 to 28°C, so you won’t need a wetsuit. The top surfing destinations in Jamaica usually fire from December to March and again from July to September, thanks to trade wind swells. This gives the island an eight-month surf season with only four quieter months.
Most of the best surf spots in Jamaica are located along the eastern and northern coasts, where the trade winds and swells are strongest. With a car, you can move between beaches that suit your skill level and the day’s conditions. This flexibility is important because swells and wind directions often change quickly.
Boston Bay, on the northeast coast near Port Antonio, is one of the most famous surf beaches on the island. It is often called the birthplace of Jamaican surfing and was the first internationally recognised spot. The bay has surfable waves year-round, making it a reliable choice if you’re unsure where to surf in Jamaica.
The waves here are generally gentle and beginner-friendly. However, more experienced surfers can find longer rides on both left and right breaks. Local surf schools and rental shacks are available right on the sand, so you can get lessons or hire a board. Boston Bay is not only about surfing. The beach is famous for its jerk chicken, which has become part of the surf culture. After a long session in the water, you can eat authentic Jamaican food from local vendors.
Bull Bay, located just outside Kingston, is one of the most important surf spots in Jamaica. It is known as the true birthplace of the island’s surf culture. The bay is home to a surf camp founded in the 1970s by the Wilmot family. The camp offers accommodation, surf lessons, and access to the local surf scene.
The reef break at Bull Bay produces consistent waves, often giving long rides ideal for both practising manoeuvres and enjoying smooth sessions. Local surfers, including Jamaica’s first professional surfer, call this their home break. The unique atmosphere combines surf culture with Rastafarian influences, reggae music, and a welcoming spirit.
On the southeast coast in Saint Thomas Parish, you’ll find Makka Beach, one of the island's most consistent and powerful breaks. It is often ranked among the top surfing destinations in Jamaica because of its world-class left-hand reef break. Makka Beach is famous for hosting the Makka Pro Surf Contest, the first international surf competition in Jamaica, and one of the largest events in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since 2007, surfers worldwide have travelled here to compete. You can watch the event or participate in it.
The waves here can be powerful and hollow, sometimes double overhead, making them more suitable for skilled surfers. Entry can be tricky due to coral and sea urchins near the inside section, so caution is necessary. Once you’re on the wave, though, you can enjoy long rides and clean tubes that are rare elsewhere on the island. Makka Beach is a must-stop if you’re planning a surf trip and want to witness Jamaica’s competitive surf culture.
Close to Bull Bay on the southeastern coast, you’ll find a break known as the Zoo. This spot has become legendary among locals and is sometimes called Jamaica’s pipeline. The Zoo is a reef break that produces a short but intense right-hand barrel. Before Hurricane Ivan damaged parts of the reef, it was considered the best surf location in the country. It remains a favourite for intermediate surfers who want to test their skills on faster, more challenging waves.
The ride is short, but it forces you to compress your manoeuvres and ride precisely, shaping the radical stle of many Jamaican surfers. Because of the steep take-off and the barrel forms quickly, it is not the easiest wave for beginners. However, if you are confident in reef breaks, the Zoo delivers some of the most thrilling waves on the island.
Lighthouse is one of the most accessible surf spots on the island. It is located close to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and for travellers arriving in the capital, it is often the first break they see. The reef produces consistent waves in the three-to-six-foot range, breaking left and right over rock-strewn sand. These conditions are well-suited for intermediate surfers who want reliable rides.
The lighthouse on land is a landmark that gives the beach its name. The waves can be steady, but you should know the risks. Reef sharks can sometimes be seen in the area. Because of the reef, you must also be careful when entering or leaving the water.
Runaway Bay, located on Jamaica’s scenic northern coast near Ocho Rios, is another spot worth adding to your surf itinerary. It is a versatile break that can suit surfers of different skill levels. The bay is known for its exposed point breaks, which can produce choppy but powerful waves when conditions align.
The onshore trade winds often affect wave quality, so check the wind pattern before heading. Because the waves vary depending on wind and swell direction, beginners may find smaller days manageable, while intermediate and advanced surfers can enjoy the more demanding conditions during stronger swells.
East of Boston Bay, you’ll find Long Bay and Outback, two of the most distinctive surf spots on Jamaica’s eastern coastline. Long Bay is a left-hand point break known for being consistent and beginner-friendly. It’s a good choice if you’re still learning or want a more relaxed session. The surrounding scenery has a wide sandy beach and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also less crowded compared to Boston Bay.
On the other hand, Outback is a reef break that caters to advanced surfers. The waves begin as hollow tubes before wrapping around the point, offering a long, powerful ride. Because it breaks over live coral and sea urchins, it requires skill and confidence to surf safely. Driving between these spots is easy because they are near Port Antonio and Boston Bay.
Not every surf spot in Jamaica is about heavy waves. Some beaches are equally valued for their scenery and cultural appeal. Frenchman’s Cove, near Port Antonio, is better known for its breathtaking setting than its surf. The turquoise water, lush greenery, and quiet beach make it one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The beach break here occasionally produces smaller waves for beginners. On the other hand, James Bond Beach, located near Oracabessa, is a sandy beach that occasionally offers fun reef waves.
If you want to explore beyond the well-known breaks, Rose Hill on the north coast offers a wide range of surf spots with less crowding. This area benefits from both northeast and southeast trade winds, giving it consistent year-round conditions.
Some of the standout beaches include Bullock’s Head, which works especially well during winter swells, and Copper Beach, where gentle waves create a beginner-friendly environment. For intermediate surfers, Witches Point and St. Catherine Town Breaks provide more powerful waves, while Buck’s Beach and Mule Town Beach offer manageable rides in a relaxed setting. Sister’s Beach is another highlight, with strong currents and larger waves during the winter months, making it better for experienced surfers.
You’ll also find options like Port Maria Waves, Cane Farm Breaks, and Long Bay Breaks, each with their own conditions suited to different levels. For those chasing bigger challenges, Swan Peak Breaks and Buccaneers Point provide heavier waves that are best attempted by confident riders. Meanwhile, quieter beaches such as Cockpit Bay and Loulou’s Cove give beginners the chance to practise in calm surroundings.
The surf season in Jamaica runs for about eight months, with the most consistent waves arriving between December and March, and again in July to September. Avoid the peak hurricane season between June and November, as conditions can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast before leaving your accommodation.
Board rentals and lessons are available at a few beaches, mainly Boston Bay and Bull Bay, but the number of surf shops is limited compared to bigger destinations. Bringing your own equipment can be more reliable, though hiring locally is possible. If you are new to reef breaks, take a lesson to understand safe entry and exit. Also note that reefs, sea urchins, and rip currents are common risks.
Driving between surf spots is straightforward on main roads, but some smaller coastal roads can be narrow and bumpy. Renting a compact car is usually enough, but a sturdier vehicle may help if you want to explore remote beaches such as those near Rose Hill.
Exploring the best surf spots in Jamaica by car means you can chase waves across the island with ease. From the beginner-friendly rollers at Boston Bay to the hollow barrels at Makka Beach, driving lets you time the swells, switch coasts depending on conditions, and enjoy an authentic surf road trip.
For a smooth start, rent a car in Jamaica with Final Rentals. Pick up your vehicle from locations such as Montego Bay Airport or Kingston Norman Manley Airport and choose the car that suits your trip, from compact options to spacious SUVs. With instant booking confirmation, no hidden fees, and flexible cancellation, Final Rentals makes travel across Jamaica stress-free. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
