Strike Mission Surf Spots
type: ItemList
description: Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
number of items: 1
item list element: Cristo Rei
provider: Strike Mission
  type: Organization
  description: Surf forecast intelligence platform
date published: 2026-01-20
date modified: 2026-08-05T00:36:12.870Z

Cristo Rei
type: TouristAttraction
description: Cristo Rei sits in the shadow of Timor-Leste's most iconic landmark—a large statue of Christ overlooking Dili Bay, reminiscent of Rio's famous monument. The north-facing reef break catches monsoon season swells during the wet season, offering a surprisingly legitimate wave in Southeast Asia's youngest nation. The setting combines Portuguese colonial history, tropical warmth, and a surfing community that has grown since independence. For travelers exploring Timor-Leste, Cristo Rei provides accessible waves with meaningful cultural context.
disambiguating description: ✝️ Cristo Rei statue • Timor-Leste's wave • Youngest nation's surf
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: -8.5261
  longitude: 125.6325
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Dili
  address country: Timor-Leste
  address region: Southeast Asia
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Reef
  description: This is a reef break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 350°
  description: Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 310°-30°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 0.8m - 2m
  description: Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 8s - 12s
  description: Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 180° (S)
  description: Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 140°-220°. Best window: morning.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: mid-high
  description: Works best between 0.4m and 1.3m tide.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
  description: NW monsoon season. North coast receives wind swells.
tourist type: All skill levels
warning: Warning
  text: 🪸 Sharp reef, 🌀 Strong rips
  description: Coral reef. Near iconic Cristo Rei statue.
accessibility API: Nearest airport: DIL
  type: Place
  description: 15 minutes drive from DIL airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: Surf-forecast, local expat reports
llm context:
  difficulty: 4
  crowd level: 2
  water temp c: 29
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 350
    workable range min: 310
    workable range max: 30
    sweet spot size m: 1.4
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 180
    offshore range min: 140
    offshore range max: 220
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: DIL
    drive time minutes: 15
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: East of Dili. Near famous statue.
  best season:
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months: 3
    primary months names: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
    secondary months: 11
    secondary months: 4
    secondary months names: Nov, Apr
    season explanation: NW monsoon season. North coast receives wind swells.