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.
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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
- 2.1m
- 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 tide is best at The Zoo?
The Zoo works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at The Zoo?
Offshore wind at The Zoo blows from the NNW (340°). Anything in the 295° to 25° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at The Zoo?
The Zoo wants SSE swell (120° to 195°) between 1.2m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf The Zoo?
The main season at The Zoo is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Oct. Needs solid swell. Mellowest best when on.
How do I get to The Zoo?
Fly into KIN, then allow about 30 minutes by road. Bull Bay area. Heavy left near Copa.
What kind of wave is The Zoo?
The Zoo is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
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