The 7 BEST Beaches For Surfing in Jamaica

Are you planning to do some surfing in Jamaica?

It is one of the most culturally diverse and beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

Many surfing beaches attract adventure seekers with different challenges and unique features.

From the famous Boston Bay to the tranquil Long Bay, this island has plenty to offer!

Surfing enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to beachfront hotels and all-inclusive resorts to choose from.

Time to catch those waves with our guide to the best surfing beaches in Jamaica!

The 7 Best Surfing Beaches In Jamaica:

7. Boston Bay Beach, Portland – The Surfer’s Playground

Portland’s Boston Bay Beach is Jamaica’s most popular surfing spot due to its consistent waves and lively atmosphere.

It is a perfect place for every surfer, including newbies, as there are shops selling surfboards and schools teaching surfing to tourists.

Consistent waves and an energetic group of local surfers make it an ideal location for beginners and the start of your Jamaican surfing experience.

There is always the option of getting a room in a guest house or a local inn in Portland and getting valuable tips on surfing directly from the locals.

6. Makka Beach, Yallahs – The Competitive Edge

Makka Beach is located in Yallahs, St. Thomas, and is popular mostly among the more experienced surfers.

It has strong currents and is home to the Makka Pro surf competition, often participated in by international professional surfers.

With fewer people than at Boston Bay, Makka Beach is also a good place to catch some waves with an amazing view.

It is advisable to carry water as there are not many stalls around this relatively less crowded beach.

Interact with other locals who surf or get into a surf camp to get to know more about the tide and the secret spots at Makka Beach.

5. Long Bay Beach, Portland – The One-Mile Stretch of Surfing Heaven

The longest beach in Jamaica, Long Bay is a one-mile stretch with sandy beaches and suitable waves.

Being situated relatively farther from the city, you’ll find fewer people and thus more waves for yourself.

The wind conditions here are also good, hence the best place for windsurfing and surfing as well.

Think of the possibility of having one day where you can surf in the morning and windsurf in the afternoon.

There are nearby convenient food stores and restaurants where you can taste famous Jamaican dishes to get energized.

For those who wish to spend more time in the area, there are several places to stay, from cheap guesthouses to luxurious resorts, all located near the beach.

4. Copacabana Beach, Kingston – Urban Waves

Situated near the city of Kingston, Copacabana Beach is easily accessible and attracts many locals and tourists who love surfing.

It is ideal for intermediate surfers, and the fact that it is close to the city means that it is perfect for those in Kingston who want to surf but do not want to travel too far.

After surfing, go further into the heart of Kingston to discover the culture and can’t-miss music spots of the island.

All in all, there are several shops to acquire a board from!

Be sure to compare prices and check on the condition of the board before renting one.

3. Treasure Beach on the South Coast – The Relaxed Rhythm

Located on the south coast of Jamaica, Treasure Beach is a serene and less crowded area perfect for beginner surfers because of the moderate waves.

The six miles of beaches give everyone enough room to have their ideal spot, whether it is on the sand or in the water.

This is a perfect place to learn surfing for beginners because the water is not very rough or aggressive.

The atmosphere of the area, including its hotels and restaurants, is perfect for budget-savvy travelers!

For cheap accommodations, try to find hostels or Airbnb options that include a kitchen where you can cook your meals.

This is because the local fishermen are mostly seen selling fresh fish on the beach, which if taken, offers a good and cheap meal of seafood.

2. Jamnesia Surf Camp at Bull Bay – Surfing and Culture Entwined

Located in Bull Bay near Kingston, Jamnesia is an ideal place that provides daily surfing, classes, music performances, and even yoga. There are honestly so many exciting activities in Jamaica to choose from.

It is not only a great location to surf, but it is also the meeting point for the true surfers’ community.

This is the best place to get an insight into the local surfing culture and also sharpen your surfing skills.

It has cheap accommodation facilities and the surfing boards and lessons are also provided at a reasonable fee.

The Bob Marley Museum is another popular attraction that is only 30 minutes away from Bull Bay and costs about 25 USD for a tour.

There is also a Blue Mountain trip that is beautiful for the sights and famous for its coffee!

1. Frenchman’s Cove in Portland – A Place of Privacy and Yet Easy to Get to

Frenchman’s Cove is a beautiful beach that has the feel of a private resort but is open to the public.

The entrance fee for this cove is owned by a private company and the price is quite affordable, the view and the facilities are simply beautiful!

People can get the feel of this beautiful place and at the same time save their pennies as they do not have to spend the night here.

If you want to avoid spending money on food, pack a picnic and spend some time surrounded by the beautiful views of Frenchman’s Cove!

When is the best time for Surfing in Jamaica?

The best time to surf in Jamaica is between the months of November to April, which is the dry season.

The water stays fairly warm at about 80 degrees, giving the surfers a chance to spend longer amounts of time in the water.

Before you go out, pay attention to the information about the current wave conditions and weather forecast.

Make sure to use a leash and you may want to wear a surf helmet, especially on days with bigger waves!

In Jamaica, one can also try jet skiing, banana boat riding, and other fun watersports whether for thrill or leisure.

Other water activities include sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing, which are other amazing ways of discovering the coastlines of the island and the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean.