The Surf Window

Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre, Martinique

Beach breakBeginner

The once-thriving cultural capital of Martinique, destroyed by Mount Pelée in 1902, now has eerie reef breaks over volcanic rubble and shipwrecks just offshore, creating a completely unique surf experience.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

SE

Light to E under 12 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Nov–Mar for north Atlantic swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Volcanic rock and ship debris

Shape

Long walls with lefts and rights

Length

80–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Irregular bottom from volcanic debris creates unpredictable waves

Hazards

  • •Submerged debris from the 1902 eruption
  • •Boat traffic from dive tours visiting the shipwrecks
  • •Strong currents around the volcanic rock formations

Local Tips

  • •Dive the shipwrecks before or after surfing, some of the best in the Caribbean
  • •The town's rum distillery museum is worth a visit
  • •Local surfers know the safe channels through the debris

Location

Map showing the location of Saint-Pierre in Saint-Pierre, Martinique

14.7417, -61.1764