La Ocho, also known as Stop Eight, is the eighth stop on the bus line from downtown San Juan. It's situated in Parque del Escambron, just east of Old San Juan. The area is pretty spacious, making it a good spot for longboarders, families, and those just looking to chill out. You’ll find a bunch of pop-up reef peaks scattered around, and there's also an island reef that offers some decent, rolly right-handers. This place is a nice option for a laid-back day at the beach with friends or family.
The surf here can get head high to overhead+ (about 1 to 2.5 meters), with wave directions breaking both right and left. The best time to catch a wave is typically in the morning, before those trade winds kick in. Swell comes from the Northwest, North, and some Northeastern angles. La Ocho can handle swells from about 3ft (1 meter) to 8ft (2.4 meters), but be prepared to paddle out as the break is a bit far from the shore. You'll be surfing over a rocky bottom, so keep that in mind while you’re out there. This spot is suitable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
Access is pretty straightforward since you can park right there. The crowd factor can get a bit busy, but the area is usually spread out enough to find your own space. It's best during late summer and fall for tropical cyclone swells, but you'll find more consistent waves from late fall through early spring. You may want to check the wind conditions too, as southeast to southwest winds tend to be more favorable. Just remember to bring your longboard or funboard for those relaxed rides!