James Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
James Point is an exposed reef break on Eleuthera with reasonably consistent surf and both left and right peeling sections. The spot is described as having good wave quality when conditions line up, with offshore wind helping groom the waves for surfing. Best performance is linked to North (or Northeast) swells, and it’s commonly noted to work best around mid tide. Hazards are significant: surfers should expect sharp coral, sea urchins, rocks, and sharks, and plan careful entry/launching and close attention at the waterline. The break is exposed, so conditions can change quickly as swell and wind build, especially on stronger days where currents may become more challenging. Access is a major practical factor. The route to James Point is described as notoriously bad and typically requires a high-clearance vehicle; the area is also characterized as completely undeveloped, so bringing sufficient supplies (water and essentials) is important. Crowds appear to be relatively low to few year-round, which helps preserve a calm lineup on suitable days, though conditions and wind quality vary—sources indicate that only a small portion of days are categorized as 'clean' versus more blown conditions.
- Exposed reef break with both left and right peeling waves
- Good overall wave quality with reliable seasonality
- Generally low crowds even during peak periods
- Exposed reef break with reasonably consistent surf
- Works with North/Northeast swells and can offer both left and right peeling waves
- Low crowd levels reported, even on good days
- Reef hazards: sharp coral, sea urchins, rocks, and sharks
- Remote/undeveloped access and limited nearby services means you must be self-sufficient
- Wind can be 'blown' on many days (few 'clean' wind conditions overall)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W, S
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 13–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southwest-to-trade flow described for James Point; offshore component helps groom waves for surfing.
- Reliability
- low (sources report only a small share of 'clean' wind days vs mostly blown conditions).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Sources describe steady conditions (and also report a low fraction of 'clean' wind days overall).
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean, Medium waves
- Beach
- Reef — Reef and mixed rocky areas around the launch/break.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Sources also describe medium-sized surf depending on conditions; reef break can range from small to more substantial surf with stronger swell.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Some sources describe chop as a defining water characteristic.
- Launch
- Small — Sharp reef with rocks; self-launch is feasible but requires care.
Through the year
Relatively few surfers year-round; lower crowds are attributed to remote access.
Hurricane season runs from June through November (peak in August and September).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with reasonably consistent surf and both left and right peeling reef waves. Works best with North (or Northeast) swells and offshore winds from the southwest.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Sources consistently indicate mid tide as the best time.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open Atlantic-facing reef exposure.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the southwest or south help groom waves; north winds can blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; stronger swells/currents can make sessions more challenging. Mid-to-high swell days can produce cleaner peeling rights.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good overall wave quality described, with reliability varying by swell strength.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides reported up to about 150 meters on good days; otherwise medium ride length typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for James Point in the full forecast view.
James Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–13 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NE49°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 26–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, James Point is forecast for daytime winds of 7–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.0–2.5 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Urchins
- Rocks
- Coral
- Sharks
- Sharp coral heads, sea urchins, and rocky outcrops
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-water rescue services indicated.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-water rescue services are indicated. Nearest medical services are described as being in James Cistern or Governor's Harbour.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism friction noted.
Rules of the spot
- Spot is remote and undeveloped; be self-sufficient with supplies.
- Take care of urchins, rocks, sharks and coral.
- Best around mid tide.
- Bring plenty of water and supplies as the spot is completely undeveloped.
- Plan for difficult access: the road to James Point is notoriously bad; use a high-clearance Jeep/truck.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Governors Harbour
- Nearest Town
- James Cistern
- Nearest Airport
- Governor's Harbour Airport (GHB)
- Parking
- Informal parking available at the end of the access track near the beach.
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent; car rentals or taxis are essential for navigating the region.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals and small guest houses are available in nearby towns.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the beach; food and water must be brought from nearby towns.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental shops at the spot; gear should be brought with you.
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 James Point?
The best overall months at James Point are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.
Which wind directions work at James Point?
James Point works with SW, W, S winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is James Point suitable for?
James Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.