Makka
- Advanced riders, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet on weekdays, but busier on weekends and during the Makka Pro competition.
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Makka is an exposed reef surf spot on Jamaica’s southeast coast near South Haven/Yallahs, built around a rocky reef bottom. It’s widely described as producing world-class, heavy barreling surf, with waves bowling off the main point and handling significant size well. Swell direction and tide timing are central to getting the wave to “hold.” Several sources emphasize SE swell (with an overall working range around roughly 1.2–3 meters) and preference for mid tide—ideally about 0.6m to 1.5m on the local tide chart. Wave quality is described as excellent, and the break can shift from peeling behavior into more hollow, powerful barrels when conditions line up. Wind is most favorable when offshore from the north (N/NW). Typical wind strength is described in the trade-wind band (around 10–20 knots) with moderate reliability, and conditions may be lighter early before later changes during the day. Safety demands special attention: the reef and sea urchins are explicitly called out as hazards, and submerged rocks are part of the risk profile. For anyone unfamiliar with rocky entries, reef footwear is strongly recommended. Rescue and lifeguard coverage are indicated as none, so plan accordingly and keep a conservative approach if you’re not already comfortable with reef hazards.
- Exposed reef break known for heavy, barreling waves
- Preferred SE swell window and mid-tide timing
- Hosts the Makka Pro competition
- Offshore winds from the north produce cleaner conditions
- World-class/premier reef break with powerful, heavy wave quality.
- Works on SE swell with a preferred mid-tide window (about 0.6m–1.5m on the local tide chart).
- Strong reputation tied to the Makka Pro event.
- Reef hazards: sharp reef/coral and sea urchins; rocky entries increase injury risk.
- Conditions are exposed and can get blown out depending on swell and timing.
- No dedicated rescue services indicated on-site.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind influence; offshore winds are from the north.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, July, August
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef bottom; also described as mixed coastal composition.
- Waves
- Working swell roughly 1.2–3 meters depending on swell direction and conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow beach area with rocky sections and reef in the shallows.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky, reef-exposed entry areas.
- Shore Break
- Small — Shore break described as small.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; busier on weekends and during the Makka Pro competition.
Hurricane season from June to November can produce large swells but also brings stormy weather.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break known for heavy, hollow barreling right-handers (and also described as a left-hand reef break). Waves bowl over the reef; handles significant size well.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE
- Swell Height
- 1.2–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Sources also describe preference for mid tide, ideally about 0.6m–1.5m on the local tide chart.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open reef/point exposure.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with North or North-West offshore winds; cross-shore trade winds are common.
- Bigger Swell
- Becomes more powerful and hollow on larger swell days.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Also rated as world-class.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as peeling depending on swell direction.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Can deliver medium-to-long rides when conditions line up.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long, peeling walls when the swell direction is right; ride length can be long when the wave holds.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Makka in the full forecast view.
Makka wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ESE123°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 247 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Makka is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.4–1.0 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Sharp reef / sharp coral reef
- Sea urchins
- Submerged rocks
- Strong currents on larger swell days
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue services indicated for the coast; emergency services depend on regional support.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Kingston.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism indicated as mild.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers during crowded sessions.
- Be careful with the reef and sea urchins, especially if you’re not used to rocky entries.
- Booties are recommended for beginners or anyone unfamiliar with the reef to reduce urchin risk.
- Early morning sessions often have the lightest winds before conditions change with later afternoon winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kingston
- Nearest Town
- Yallahs
- Nearest Airport
- Norman Manley International Airport (KIN)
- Parking
- Informal parking available near the beach access.
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via private car or local route taxis along the A4 highway.
- Access
- Yallahs area, east of Kingston, Saint Thomas Parish on the southeast coast (about 32 miles southeast of Kingston).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is primarily local guesthouses, surf camps, and small-scale apartments in the South Haven and Bull Bay areas.
- Food & Drink
- Basic local stalls and shops in the nearby town of Yallahs.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and SUP equipment are available at regional surf hubs; specialized kitesurfing or wingfoiling gear is limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged coastal scenery near Kingston, with an informal surf-and-reggae community atmosphere.
Famous for coffee and hiking, with cooler climates and panoramic island views.
The former home and studio of the reggae icon in Kingston.
Local waterfalls and swimming holes popular with residents and surf travelers.
Local roadside eateries known for jerk chicken and fresh fried fish.
Large public gardens suitable for family picnics in Kingston.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Makka?
The best overall months at Makka are April, May, September. The best wind months are December, January, February, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Makka?
Makka works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Makka suitable for?
Makka suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.