Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Bunkum Bay is an exposed point break near St. Peter's, known for inconsistent surf that can still offer worthwhile rides when the swell and wind line up. It is best in the winter period, with performance tied to north swells reaching the island, and conditions most often improving around low tide. The main limitation is the physical setting: the break is rocky, with hazards including rocks and submerged rocky points/headlands. On heavier conditions it can become heavy and difficult to manage, so it demands careful entry and strong control. Winds are typically easterly trade winds, with the spot aligning best when east-southeast winds are present. Crowds are generally low—sources describe it as unlikely to be crowded even when surf is up—and the spot is presented as a quiet, low-profile option within a small local surf community. However, that remoteness also increases risk: there are no lifeguards or dedicated rescue services reported, and visitors should plan as if they may need to self-rescue. Because local facilities are limited, you should arrive prepared. There are no surf shops reported, and there are no dedicated rentals, gear storage, or repair services on-site; bringing your own equipment and planning for the rocky entry are strongly recommended.

  • Exposed point break—works with north swells
  • Best around low tide
  • Rock hazards: proceed cautiously
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Rare/quiet surf option with generally uncrowded conditions
  • Works best in winter when north swells reach the island
  • Low-tide favored for the point break
Heads up
  • Exposed, point-break conditions with inconsistent surf
  • Rock hazards (including submerged rocks/rocky headlands)
  • No lifeguards or dedicated rescue services—self-sufficiency expected
  • Limited facilities: no surf shops or rental/repair options reported
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE, E
Wind Range
15–22 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Ideal winds noted as east-southeast; regionally dominated by trade winds.
Reliability
inconsistent
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Significant wind shadow from island topography on the leeward side

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Black sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Surf window described as roughly 1.0–2.5 meters for optimal swell.
Launch
Small — Narrow black sand beach with rocky points
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky point entry can be tricky.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard (sun protection)
Crowds by Season

Generally very quiet; often the only one in the water

Storm/Rain Season

June to November (hurricane season)

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed point break with inconsistent surf. Best when a north swell lines up with east-southeast winds; typically works best at low tide. Rocky hazards make it more demanding on the water.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Both sources indicate low tide as the best tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed point break / limited protection; rocky points and headlands.
Wind Effect
Offshore in prevailing easterly trade winds
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and difficult to manage with significant rocky hazards.
Wave Quality
Average — One source rates quality as poor; another describes it as averaging/working best when aligned.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power; sources also describe inconsistent surf.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Waves can wrap around the point on a proper north swell.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Medium ride length on well-aligned north swells.
Ride Length Details
On a proper north swell, waves may wrap around the point for a decent ride length.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bunkum Bay in the full forecast view.

Bunkum Bay wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
12–18 ktsGusts 24 kts
Direction
E101°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2518 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.2 m7s period
Temperature
28–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Bunkum Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 12–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–1.2 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Submerged rocks and rocky headlands
  • Inconsistent swells
  • Sea urchins
  • Isolation
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated water-sports rescue services or lifeguards; expected to be self-sufficient.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are located in St. Peter's or Glendon Hospital in St. John's. Emergency number referenced: 999 (with local emergency services also reachable via 911).

Rules of the spot

Standard surf etiquette applies (no specific local regulations identified).

Local Tips
  • Best surf occurs during the winter months when North Atlantic swells reach the island.
  • The entry can be tricky due to the rocky nature of the point.
  • Bring all your own equipment as there are no surf shops on the island.
  • Best conditions are typically around low tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Brades
Nearest Town
St. Peter's
Nearest Airport
John A. Osborne Airport (MNI)
Parking
Limited informal parking available near the beach access
Public Transport
Limited public transport via green-plate minibuses along the main coastal road; taxis and informal vans also serve main routes.
Access
Accessible via a small track or road leading to the coast near Bunkum Bay. Limited informal parking available near the beach access.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and villas available in the St. Peter's and Woodlands areas.
Food & Drink
Local bars and small eateries are located a short drive away in St. Peter's.
Equipment Rental:
No local rentals available; surfers must bring their own gear.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Bunkum Bay?

The best overall months at Bunkum Bay are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Bunkum Bay?

Bunkum Bay works with ESE, E winds.

What skill level is Bunkum Bay suitable for?

Bunkum Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.