The Zoo
The Zoo is Bull Bay's heavy left—a fast, tubular wave that breaks over shallow coral when solid swells hit Jamaica's south coast. Named for the wild conditions it produces, this wave can handle serious size and delivers serious consequences. Advanced surfers only.
The Zoo 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
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Bull Bay area. Heavy left near Copa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Zoo?
The Zoo is a reef break in Bull Bay, Jamaica, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at The Zoo?
The Zoo 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 The Zoo?
A NNW wind is dead offshore at The Zoo, 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 The Zoo?
The Zoo is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf The Zoo?
The most reliable run of swell at The Zoo comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Sep to Oct too. Needs solid swell. Mellowest best when on.
How cold is the water at The Zoo?
The water at The Zoo 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 The Zoo good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Strong, fast, tubular right up to 5m over shallow coral.
How do I get to The Zoo?
The nearest airport on our list is KIN, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Bull Bay area. Heavy left near Copa.
What other surf spots are near The Zoo?
The closest breaks we track are Bull Bay - Copa (0.4 km), Lighthouse (10 km) and Makka (16 km), handy when The Zoo isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Needs solid swell. Mellowest best when on.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Bull Bay - Copa
🇯🇲 Jamaica's OG wave • Hollow reef wedges • Birthplace of JA surfing
Lighthouse
🏙️ Kingston's city surf • Consistent reef • Reef shark neighbors
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
Plan a trip around The Zoo
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.