Balaclava surf guide

Balaclava is a surf spot located near the Oberoi Hotel, offering a laid-back vibe with some decent waves. It's not overly crowded, which can be a plus for surfers looking to enjoy their time in the water. The area around Balaclava has a medium consistency for surf, so you might find it less reliable compared to some other spots, but it has its moments, especially when conditions align.

The surf at Balaclava is best when the swell is coming from the SouthWest, handling sizes around 2 feet (0.6 meters) but can work with swells from the South and West as well. You'll find both left and right waves here, which can be fun when it's small and clean. The south end of Baie de l’Arsenal has a rare left that breaks on bigger swells, nearing 180° wrap, but these conditions don’t happen often. As for the preferred wind, a NorthEast breeze tends to work best, and high tide is the time to get in the water.

This spot is more suited for intermediate surfers due to the reef breaks and the occasionally tricky currents. Just keep in mind that the vibe can feel a bit sharky at times, which might give some surfers a pause. Overall, Balaclava has its ups and downs, so it's worth checking the conditions before heading out.