Bunkum Bay
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Generally very quiet; often the only one in the water
June to November (hurricane season)
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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).
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.