La Preciosa
La Preciosa is one of the Dominican Republic's finest waves—a powerful left that breaks over an outer reef near Rio San Juan. When solid N swells push in, the wave produces long, hollow barrels with serious consequences. Less crowded than the Cabarete area breaks, this is where serious surfers come to score quality tubes on the north coast.
La Preciosa surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 340° - 30°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 150° - 210°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: North coast DR. East of Cabarete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Preciosa?
The La Preciosa profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at La Preciosa?
The La Preciosa profile uses wind from S (180°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 150° to 210°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at La Preciosa?
The La Preciosa scoring profile favors swell from N (340° to 30°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf La Preciosa?
The main season at La Preciosa is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Oct. Winter N swells. Needs size to work.
How do I get to La Preciosa?
The spot profile lists POP as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 75 minutes. North coast DR. East of Cabarete.
What kind of wave is La Preciosa?
La Preciosa is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct
Winter N swells. Needs size to work.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Barco
🚢 Shipwreck reef • Fast hollow rights • DR's north coast power
Destroyers
💥 Name earned • Fast shallow barrels • Board breaker
La Izquierda
⬅️ Encuentro's left • Fast fun waves • Alternative to the rights
Encuentro
🇩🇴 DR's most consistent • Morning sessions • Cabarete's reef
Bobo's
🤙 Cabarete's fun option • Consistent waves • Beginner-friendly
Playa Grande
🏖️ DR's beach break option • Powerful shorebreak • Sandy bottom
Plan a trip around La Preciosa
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.