Jacmel
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Jacmel is an exposed point break on Haiti’s South Coast that is known for very consistent surf, with waves offering both left and right options. The spot is fundamentally rock-based, so wave choice and line selection matter—especially because the break can feel heavy close to the point on bigger sets. Surf quality is typically best when the wind is offshore from the north. Early sessions are often cleaner, while afternoon sea-breeze effects can add chop. Conditions are generally reported to work across all tides, though a preferred tide is also cited in provider notes—so checking the latest local conditions before you paddle out is important. Water safety is the headline issue here. Rocks and some submerged reef patches are present, and occasional sea urchins are reported. There are no lifeguards, and rescue availability for the spot is not guaranteed; after heavy rains, water quality can also worsen due to urban runoff. Helmets and protective gear are strongly recommended, and it’s wise to keep sessions focused on your comfort level around the hazard zone. As a seasonal destination, November is consistently highlighted as a best month, aligning with reliable swell and wind tendencies. Regional context also points to a broader winter-season window where conditions tend to improve, while hurricane/rain risk increases from June to November.
- Very consistent exposed point-break surf
- Offshore north wind often grooms the waves
- Warm water year-round (tropical conditions)
- Rock and submerged-reef hazards at the point
- Exposed point break with very consistent surf
- Can offer both lefts and rights
- Warm water year-round (tropical temperatures)
- Often best with north wind conditions and the correct swell direction
- Rock hazards at the point
- Rescue and lifeguard support not available
- Water clarity can be affected by urban runoff after heavy rains
- Wind reliability is reported as low
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Predominantly East/Northeast trade winds, with localized thermal effects from nearby mountains.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported for the spot conditions.
- Best Months
- November
- Shadow Zones
- The point can provide some shelter from easterly trade winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks reported; also described as mixed beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported; regional swell behavior can vary with swell sets.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Afternoon sea breezes can create chop.
- Launch
- Small — Beach launch from sandy patches between rocky sections.
Through the year
Low crowd levels year-round, with small groups of locals and occasional travelers at weekends.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with higher rainfall and potential for storm surges.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break with consistent surf that can produce both lefts and rights; works best when the wind is offshore and the correct swell direction arrives.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Good surf reported at all stages of the tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the north groom the waves; afternoon sea breezes can create chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but can become heavy near the rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to 150 meters on a good swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride lengths reported around 50–100 meters, with up to ~150 meters on a good swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jacmel in the full forecast view.
Jacmel wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SE129°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.2 m5s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jacmel is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.3–1.2 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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 reef patches
- Occasional sea urchins
- Potential for water pollution after heavy rains near the town
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue availability reported for the spot; regional baseline indicates limited rescue.
- Emergency Info
- Basic medical facilities are available in Jacmel town; main medical facility is Hôpital Saint-Michel. National police emergency number is 114.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
General surf etiquette applies; respect the local community and surfing students.
- Take care of the rocks at the point.
- Best conditions are typically early in the morning when the wind is offshore.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port-au-Prince
- Nearest Town
- Jacmel
- Nearest Airport
- Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beaches and town waterfront.
- Public Transport
- Mainly serviced by communal tap-taps and private taxis; travel from the capital is via Route Nationale 2 and 4.
- Access
- Follow the rivermouth to the coast; the spot is just east of nearby Marigot on the South Coast.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- French, Haitian Creole
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various guesthouses and hotels in Jacmel and Cyvadier.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and street food vendors are common in the town and near popular beaches.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic surfing and SUP rental is available through local NGOs; specialized kite or windsurf rental is extremely limited.
- Gear Storage
- Limited gear storage; mostly provided by specific accommodations or the local surf community.
- Gear Repair
- Limited basic board repair may be possible through local surfers.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Jacmel is known for an off-the-beaten-path mix of art, history, and coastal nature, alongside a growing surfing and SUP community.
A series of three deep-blue pools and waterfalls hidden in the hills.
Famous for its coffee-era architecture and vibrant papier-mâché art scene.
Mountain trails offering views of the Caribbean coast.
A historic bar known for its local atmosphere and architecture.
A sheltered cove ideal for swimming and family outings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jacmel?
The best overall months at Jacmel are November.
Which wind directions work at Jacmel?
Jacmel works with N winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE.
What skill level is Jacmel suitable for?
Jacmel suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.