You’d Never Guess These Caribbean Islands Are Great for Surfing
You don’t usually think Caribbean when you think surfboard — but maybe you should.
It’s out there, just beyond the rum punches and beach loungers — a different side of the Caribbean, where the Atlantic delivers real swell, where the wind pushes into long bays and hidden beaches, and where surfers, both local and wandering, chase waves across the islands.
Here are six Caribbean surf spots where you can paddle out — whether you’re just finding your feet or chasing barrels. And if you’re not a surfer, you can enjoy some of the coolest beach towns anywhere in the Caribbean.
Barbados
On the east coast of Barbados, the Atlantic crashes hard. Silver Sands — or “De Action Beach” — is a favorite, but the real legend is Soup Bowl. It’s a wave that draws pros and purists, with power and shape that can rival breaks anywhere in the world. When Soup Bowl is firing, there’s nowhere else you want to be. De Action gets its name from the legendary surfer who runs the Caribbean’s greatest surf shop here — Brian Talma, who runs the De Action Beach Shop and will make sure you have everything ready to hang ten.
Rincon, Puerto Rico
This is where it all begins. Rincon is the Caribbean’s surf capital — a town where boards ride on roofs and the lineup fills by sunrise. It’s equal parts tropical escape and laid-back surf town, with waves like Domes and Maria’s that attract a serious community. Think Biarritz vibes, with palm trees.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete’s always had an edge — a little gritty, a little soulful. It’s a bohemian basecamp where the beach is busy with kites, boards, and barefoot travelers. The surf is real here, from Playa Encuentro in the early morning to Camino del Sol when the wind shifts. And the nights? They’re just as lively as the waves. I’ve been visiting Cabarete for decades, and trust me – it’s as perfect a Caribbean beach town as there is. I just love the vibe.
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Tucked away on Jamaica’s raw northeast coast, Port Antonio feels untouched — and so do its waves. Boston Beach is where you go to learn, to watch locals carve into beach breaks with calm confidence. Further down, Long Bay’s wide-open stretch has the room — and the mood — for longer rides and longer days.
Martinique
Surfers head north here — to the Atlantic coast, where Anse Bonville, better known as “Surfers Beach,” delivers consistent swell in a setting that feels more Pacific than Caribbean.
This part of Martinique is quieter, greener, and a little more wild — a perfect fit for its small but growing surf scene. Another good spot? Le Diamant on the southern coast.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
You’d never expect it, but Tortola holds its own. Josiah’s Bay is the standout — a long stretch where the waves roll in slow and easy, or fast and furious, depending on the day. It’s one of the BVI’s best-kept secrets, a place in the Caribbean where you can surf in peace and still grab a cold Carib afterward.
