The Surf Window

Anse Couleuvre

Le Prêcheur, Martinique

Beach breakIntermediate

Accessible only by a winding mountain road or by boat, Anse Couleuvre on Martinique's wild northwest coast rewards the committed traveler with pristine beach break and complete isolation.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

E

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Dec–Mar for north Atlantic swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Black volcanic sand

Shape

Punchy peaks, mostly lefts

Length

40–70m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Remote location and powerful waves require self-sufficiency

Hazards

  • •No infrastructure, bring water and food
  • •Strong currents in bigger swells
  • •Road to the beach is rough and narrow

Local Tips

  • •The drive takes 40 minutes from Saint-Pierre on a road that's an adventure itself
  • •Best combined with a hike through the surrounding rainforest
  • •Arrive early, afternoon winds destroy the surface

Location

Map showing the location of Anse Couleuvre in Le Prêcheur, Martinique

14.8786, -61.2169