The Surf Window

Pico Chico

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Reef breakAdvanced

A hollow, powerful reef break near Cabarete that fires on north swells with fast, barreling sections, the most intense surf experience on the Dominican Republic's north coast for experienced surfers seeking something beyond the beach breaks.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)

Wind

S

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

December–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right

Bottom

Reef

Shape

Hollow, fast right-hander, barreling sections with a steep take-off

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: Reef bottom with a fast, hollow wave, not the place to learn reef break etiquette

Hazards

  • •Reef, booties essential
  • •Boat access required to reach the break
  • •Strong currents near the reef

Local Tips

  • •Hire a local water taxi from Cabarete to reach the outer reef
  • •Fires on bigger north swells when Encuentro is maxed out, look for it on the largest winter swells

Location

Map showing the location of Pico Chico in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

19.7833, -70.4333