The Surf Window

Playa Sosua

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Reef breakIntermediate

A sheltered bay with a reef break near the expat town of Sosua, Playa Sosua works on N and NW swells and is one of the more consistent spots on the Dominican Republic's north coast, protected enough for intermediates but with real wave quality.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

November–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right (primary)

Bottom

Reef

Shape

Peeling right wall, more forgiving than Pico Chico, good length

Length

80–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The reef is more manageable than the outer breaks and the bay provides some shelter

Hazards

  • •Reef bottom, booties recommended
  • •Tourist boat traffic from Sosua's dive operations
  • •Crowded on prime swell days

Local Tips

  • •Sosua Bay is a well-established dive destination, good for combining surf and underwater activities
  • •The town of Sosua has a lively restaurant and bar scene, good base for exploring the north coast

Location

Map showing the location of Playa Sosua in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

19.7567, -70.5258