Bahamas Surf Spots – Abaco Islands,
Eleuthera & Cat Island

Often overlooked, Bahamas surfing is definitely on the rise thanks to traveling US East Coast surfers looking for a consistent warm water paradise during the winter months. Surf in the Bahamas holds incredible wave potential, much of which is still being discovered. True Bahamas surf exploration will require a boat. There are many offshore reefs and ledges yet to be ridden on the right swell.

The Bahamas has great surf year-round. Typically, May–July holds smaller surf; however, once hurricane season is underway, the Bahamas can see very large, powerful surf, even by Hawaiian standards. Once fall sets in, the Caribbean surf spots come alive with consistent north swells from low-pressure systems moving off the east coast of the US. This keeps the swell consistent on north-facing beaches throughout the Out Islands of The Abacos and Eleuthera.

The islands of the Bahamas pick up swell from the north, east and south. The majority of Bahamas surfing spots are located on the Out Islands of Abaco, Eleuthera & Cat Island. Its 700+ islands hold more potential than any other unexplored area of the Caribbean.

Surfing in the Bahamas is a great option for US East Coast surfers. Located just 70 miles east of Florida, it’s a short/easy flight, and the US dollar is widely accepted.

The weather and water temps in the Bahamas differ slightly from summer to winter. Water temps will stay in the 80’s from May to November, and will hover in the low 70’s from December to March. So, a spring suit is a good option for Bahamas surfing during the winter months.

There is no shortage of adventure while surfing the Bahamas. You will need to pack your own board, as there are very few quality surfboard rentals. If the surf goes flat, no worries: each island is filled with incredible snorkeling, free diving and fishing opportunities.

Find a surf school in the Bahamas.

Surf Breaks in the Bahamas

Surfers Beach, Eleuthera
Surf Location	Northeast coast of Eleuthera
Best Swell Direction	North and Northeast
Best Tide	Any
Best Wind Direction	West and Southwest
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Most consistent surf spot in the Bahamas. Mainly a left with good form. Surfers Beach can hold some size from large north swells.
The Surfers	Can get crowded with locals and tourists
Boards	Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard
Paddle Out	Moderate to difficult
Skill Level	Intermediate to Advanced
Bottom	Reef and sand
Watch Out For…	Sharks, reef patches
Water Condition	Clean and clear

James Point, Eleuthera
Surf Location	East coast of Eleuthera, about 30 miles south of Gregory Town
Best Swell Direction	North and Northeast
Best Tide	Any
Best Wind Direction	West and Southwest
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Epic left-hand point beak wave. Best wave on the island. Totally epic when it’s on. Long lines break from the rocky headland into the cove.
The Surfers	Can get crowded with locals and tourists, =
Boards	Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard
Paddle Out	Easy, sometimes a dry hair paddle-out
Skill Level	Intermediate to Advanced
Bottom	Reef and sand
Watch Out For…	Sharks, reef patches
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Eleuthera, Bahamas - Surf Videos

 

Garbanzos, Elbow Cay – Abaco IslandS
Surf Location	East coast of Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands chain
Best Swell Direction	Very exposed, picks up swell from north to south
Best Tide	High
Best Wind Direction	West and Northwest
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Rights and lefts break over a shallow reef. Can get perfect!!
The Surfers	Can get crowded with locals and tourists
Boards	Shortboard
Paddle Out	Moderate to difficult
Skill Level	Advanced
Bottom	Shallow reef
Watch Out For…	Reef, sharks
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Indicas, Elbow Cay – Abaco Islands
Surf Location	East coast of Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands chain
Best Swell Direction	Very exposed, picks up swell from north to south
Best Tide	High
Best Wind Direction	West
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Very hollow left breaking over a rock reef. Can get very hollow and speedy.
The Surfers	Can get crowded, but mellow vibe
Boards	Shortboard, longboard
Paddle Out	Moderate to difficult
Skill Level	Advanced
Bottom	Rock reef
Watch Out For…	The reef, rocks, sharks
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Rush Reef, Elbow Cay – Abaco Islands
Surf Location	In front of the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands chain
Best Swell Direction	North and Northeast
Best Tide	High
Best Wind Direction	West
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Consistent reef break, with hollow rights and lefts
The Surfers	Rarely crowded.
Boards	Shortboard, fish, longobard
Paddle Out	Moderate to difficult
Skill Level	Advanced
Bottom	Shallow reef
Watch Out For…	The reef
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Williwaw, Great Guana Cay– Abaco Islands
Surf Location	Ferry access only
Best Swell Direction	North and Northeast
Best Tide	High
Best Wind Direction	West and Southwest
Best Surf Season	September-March
Wave Quality	Steep, speedy waves with hollow sections. Can get epic.
The Surfers	Can get crowded with locals and tourists
Boards	Shortboard, longobard
Paddle Out	Moderate to difficult
Skill Level	Advanced
Bottom	Shallow reef
Watch Out For…	Sharks
Water Condition	Clean and clear