Surfing in the Caribbean isn’t quite the scene you’ll find over on the Pacific side of Central America. But there are a surprising number of solid waves, from point breaks and slabs, to reef breaks and solid beginner waves. These breaks are often less crowded than some of the more popular breaks in Latin America, and offer solid waves in the winter season.

Another plus is the simple beauty of the Caribbean. Yes, the same can be said for many surf spots, but the Caribbean is home to beautiful crystalline lagoons, palapa-lined soft sand beaches, and chilled out vibes.

Soup Bowl, Barbados

Soup Bowl is perhaps the best spot to surf in the Caribbean when it’s firing. The world-famous Kelly Slater has surfed here, as have many other top surfers. In the winter months, this surf spot gets pumping with the Atlantic swells. It’s a unique wave that breaks in a horseshoe, giving some fun space for airs and tight snaps.

When the north swells come in from the Atlantic, you'll find some heavy right hand barrels. Even in the summer months (July-October), you will often find head high waves. With warm water, low wind in the mornings, and multiple take-off points, it’s a must-visit for any surfer in Barbados.

Soup Bowl is in Bathsheba, around the middle of the east coast of Barbados. If you’re headed to this island, you’re likely to land in Bridgetown. From there, it’s about a half-hour drive across the island. You should bring your own shortboard as there aren’t too many board rental options here.

Rincón, Puerto Rico

There’s actually plenty of surf spots in Puerto Rico, and some are growing in popularity. The classic surf spot in the Caribbean is Rincón. The great thing about Rincón is that there are many different types of breaks you can hit. You can find beefy slabs, solid barrels, and some smaller waves for beginners.

The most popular waves in the area are probably Tres Palmas and Dogman’s. Fierce waves with hollow lines, these are more advanced waves. You’ll also find intermediate-friendly waves in Domes or Marias. I have never surfed Marias to be honest, but I have surfed Domes. It’s a beautiful A-frame reef break that can be quick. Toward the end of the season (spring), it’s a longboarders paradise with smaller, mushier waves.

Although there’s an international airport nearby (Rafael Hernández Marín), there aren’t a ton of flights coming in. You’ll likely end up arriving in the capital of San Juan. From there, it’s about a three hour drive to the very west end of this beautiful island.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro is absolutely stunning. You may not find consitent big waves for advanced surfers, but they do appear. During the dry season, you can find waves for all levels most days. It’s a solid place to learn how to start surfing, there’s plenty of adventure to be had, and these six islands are home to some of the clearest water I’ve personally ever surfed.

The waves are largely windswell, but they come from over 400 miles out in the North American winter. The south and southeastern swells hit best in Islan Colon, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Carenero. There are a lot of sharp reefs underneath, and it’s not the easiest place to get to. But the fast waves, unparalleled beauty, and fun and inviting culture make it a solid choice when you’re planning a surf trip.

When I surfed there back in 2016, the breaks were largely empty. Well, not empty, but not nearly as crowded as other spots I’ve been to in Central America. Let’s just say I didn’t get dropped in on once. There are plenty of places to rent boards and find beginner waves and classes, and they’re a good distance away from the pumping breaks more intermediate surfers will be looking for.

Playa Encuentro, Dominican Republic

To be honest, I’ve never been to Encuentro. However, I’ve seen enough video and had enough friends go to recommend it. It’s actually on my list of places to go. We’ll get there soon! Anyway, the winter months see north and northeast swells come in from the North Atlantic storm season. Encuentro is a reef break in Cabarete.

One of the cool things about surfing the Dominican Republic is you can adventure out and find so many different breaks. This northern coast of the DR is full of little points, coves, and places to surf. The waves here are pretty consistent during the winter season, and there’s several breaks right at Encuentro Beach.

You’ll find the Left, a relatively fast wave that can either barrel or close out. After that first section, there’s a mellower section that several people have told me offered the perfect place to learn cutbacks and deeper turns. There’s also the Main Break, a reef break with several peaks. You can find a right at the western end. It’s also supposedly a really easy place to paddle back out, with a nice little calm channel.

Boston Bay, Jamaica

Finally, we have Boston Bay. Similar to the DR, Boston Bay takes in the NE swells from deep in the Atlantic. This place made our list mainly as a beginner-friendly spot, although there are bigger and more powerful reef breaks nearby in Makkas and Bull Bay. It works best when the swell comes between Cuba and Hispaniola from the NE, which is a relatively narrow window.

This happens in the winter, where you’ll find a solid A-frame. The right here is beginner and beginner/intermediate friendly, while the left is a bit stronger. It’s still not a big barelling wave on the left often, but it’s fun nonetheless.

It’s a bit deep from the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, but the vibe here is awesome. About three hours from the airport, you’ll find yourself in a relatively quiet little area with crystal clear waters. There is a lot of reef below, so be careful, and don’t forget to get out and snorkel while you’re there!