Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a consistent reef break near Kingston—offering accessible city surf when swells are running. The classic reef setup delivers 3-6ft waves with reef sharks occasionally cruising through but posing no threat. A good option for surfers based in Jamaica's capital.
Lighthouse surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 120° - 195°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Offshore range
- 295° - 25°
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
3/10
Access: Near Kingston. Accessible city surf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lighthouse?
Lighthouse is a reef break in Kingston, Jamaica, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Lighthouse?
Lighthouse picks up swell from the ESE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.2m. 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 Lighthouse?
A NNW wind is dead offshore at Lighthouse, and anything from the WNW round to the NNE 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 Lighthouse?
Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse?
The most reliable run of swell at Lighthouse comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Sep to Oct too. Consistent 3-6ft. Classic reef. Reef shark present but friendly.
How cold is the water at Lighthouse?
The water at Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse 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. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Consistent 3-6ft. Classic reef. Reef sharks present but friendly.
How do I get to Lighthouse?
The nearest airport on our list is KIN, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Near Kingston. Accessible city surf.
What other surf spots are near Lighthouse?
The closest breaks we track are Bull Bay - Copa (10 km), The Zoo (10 km) and Makka (25 km), handy when Lighthouse isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Consistent 3-6ft. Classic reef. Reef shark present but friendly.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Bull Bay - Copa
🇯🇲 Jamaica's OG wave • Hollow reef wedges • Birthplace of JA surfing
The Zoo
🦁 Bull Bay's heavy left • Fast tubular reef • Wild conditions
Makka
🇯🇲 Jamaica's best barrel • Heavy reef right • Local crew respected
Boston Bay
🇯🇲 Jamaica's surf hub • Jerk chicken capital • All levels welcome
Long Bay - Outback
🌴 Beyond Boston Bay • Hollow tubes • Less crowded power