The Surf Window

Negril

Westmoreland, Jamaica

Beach breakBeginner

Jamaica's most famous beach town delivers mellow longboard waves at the southern end of its seven-mile stretch, where the surf is as laid-back as the sunset-watching scene on the cliffs.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–W 0.5–1.5m at 8–10s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Jun–Oct for Caribbean summer swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Long, slow-peeling waves mostly rights

Length

80–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginners and longboarders
  • •Why: Gentle, slow waves are perfect for learning and nose-riding

Hazards

  • •Boat traffic from glass-bottom tourist boats
  • •Can be very crowded during peak season
  • •Rip currents near the river mouth

Local Tips

  • •Rent a longboard from vendors on the beach for a quintessential Negril session
  • •Best surfed at sunrise before the tourist boats start running
  • •The Rick's Café cliffs nearby are a must-visit for sunset

Location

Map showing the location of Negril in Westmoreland, Jamaica

18.2780, -78.3495