Cayes Jacmel surf guide

Cayes Jacmel is a surf spot located in Haiti, known for its shallow left reef breaks. This is the first notable left break you’ll see when driving west from Jacmel. It’s a pretty chill place to hit the waves and is easily accessible, making it a decent option for surfers looking for a spot that isn't too crowded. When driving past the scrapyard carpark just before Cayes Jacmel, you’ll find your way to the beach with ease. You can also walk east from the roadside to get there.

The surf at Cayes Jacmel can work well at all tides, offering good peaky takeoffs and fast walls. It breaks mostly to the left over an uneven reef, which can be a bit tricky but rewarding for those with some experience. The optimal swell direction here is southeast, but it can also handle swells coming from the east and south. The spot generally works best when the swell sizes are around 1ft (about 0.3 meters), and it’s suitable for intermediate surfers. When there's a bit more chaos in the water at the start of a 7-second period, you may want to wait it out; the waves tend to clean up better by day two. At that point, you might want to consider heading to the neighboring reefs to the east and west for a more organized setup.

If you're planning to surf here, keep an eye on the wind; north winds are preferred. The waves can be fun, but they do vary in quality and can be a bit hit or miss. Just remember that while it can offer some decent rides, it may not always deliver the kind of epic surf experience you might be after. Make sure to explore the other shallow reefs nearby, as they can break in those beautiful cobalt and indigo waters and offer different challenges and fun opportunities.