Boston Bay
Boston Bay is Jamaica's most popular surf spot—a reef break in Portland parish that offers both gentle waves for learners and hollow sections for more experienced surfers. The nearby jerk centers add to the authentic Jamaican experience.
Boston Bay 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
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- 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
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Portland parish. Jamaica's surf hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Boston Bay?
The Boston Bay 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 Boston Bay?
The Boston Bay 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 Boston Bay?
The Boston Bay scoring profile favors swell from NE (20° to 80°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, 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 Boston Bay?
The main season at Boston Bay is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Oct. Jamaica's most popular. Gentle waves, hollow tubes before long ride.
How do I get to Boston Bay?
The spot profile lists KIN as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 150 minutes. Portland parish. Jamaica's surf hub.
What kind of wave is Boston Bay?
Boston Bay is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Jamaica's most popular. Gentle waves, hollow tubes before long ride.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Long Bay - Outback
🌴 Beyond Boston Bay • Hollow tubes • Less crowded power
Makka
🇯🇲 Jamaica's best barrel • Heavy reef right • Local crew respected
The Zoo
🦁 Bull Bay's heavy left • Fast tubular reef • Wild conditions
Bull Bay - Copa
🇯🇲 Jamaica's OG wave • Hollow reef wedges • Birthplace of JA surfing
Lighthouse
🏙️ Kingston's city surf • Consistent reef • Reef shark neighbors