La Chapelle
La Chapelle (also known as Plombier) is Guadeloupe's pit machine—a reef break that produces slot-like tubes makeable for intermediate surfers when winter swells arrive. The wave offers a step up in intensity from nearby breaks while remaining accessible to competent surfers.
La Chapelle surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- 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 to high
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.8m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Northern Grande-Terre. Near Anse Bertrand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Chapelle?
La Chapelle is a reef break in Anse Bertrand, Guadeloupe, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at La Chapelle?
La Chapelle picks up swell from the NNE round to the E, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NE. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at La Chapelle?
A S wind is dead offshore at La Chapelle, and anything from the SSE round to the SSW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at La Chapelle?
La Chapelle is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.6m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf La Chapelle?
The most reliable run of swell at La Chapelle comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Sep to Oct too. Winter swells. Pit machine in winter.
How cold is the water at La Chapelle?
The water at La Chapelle averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Chapelle good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Slot-tube makeables for intermediates.
How do I get to La Chapelle?
The nearest airport on our list is PTP, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive. Northern Grande-Terre. Near Anse Bertrand.
What other surf spots are near La Chapelle?
The closest breaks we track are Anse Bertrand (2.0 km), Port Louis (6.7 km) and Damencourt (25 km), handy when La Chapelle isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Winter swells. Pit machine in winter.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Anse Bertrand
🇬🇵 Guadeloupe's premier left • Local favorite • Winter perfection
Port Louis
🎲 Fickle but rewarding • Long connecting waves • N swell dependent
Damencourt
🏄 Guadeloupe's busiest • Most consistent • Le Moule hub
La Bouëlle
🇬🇵 Guadeloupe's best • Punchy right reef • French Caribbean quality
Petit Havre
🌊 Guadeloupe's best-known reef • Southern option • Consistent E swells
Bananler
🌋 Black sand beach break • Basse-Terre gem • Volcanic vibes