Top 5 Caribbean Destinations for Surfing and Boogie Boarding
The Caribbean is well known for outstanding surfing, and just about any destination in the region will have something to offer, but these top five destinations have some of the best to be found anywhere in the region.
- Costa Rica is in the geographical position to offer excellent conditions on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and there is no shortage of beaches to choose from. Surf schools and rental shops are in abundance, and numerous hotels, guesthouses and inns cater to the surfing crowd. Beaches with good conditions include Playa Avellana, Playa Bejuco, Playa Esterillos, Playa Hermosa and Playa Negra, to name a few.
- Barbados offers year round surfing on the island’s east coast, and holds regular international competitions in November when wave conditions are at their best. Top surfers from around the world compete in this popular 2-day event held at the Soup Bowl on the island’s rugged east coast. The Soup Bowl is the most famous place for both surfing and boogie boarding all year long. At certain times of the year, the south coast has tremendous waves pummeling the shore, anywhere from Oistins to Needhams Point, and Silver Sands, South Point and Accra are particularly popular when conditions are right, but there are numerous small bays and out-of-the-way areas where the swell is good. There are several rental shops and training schools on the island, and accommodations that offer packages with good conditions right outside.
- Martinique also boasts several beaches that offer excellent board opportunities, plus equipment rentals and lessons for surfers of all levels of proficiency, including complete novices. Anse Cafard, Anse Ceron, Anse Diamant and Anse Trabaud are the most popular beaches on the island for good year round waves.
- St Martin is another island that has been blessed with excellent waves. Baie aux Prunes, Baie de l’Embouchure, Baie Longue, Le Galion Beach and St Barthelemy are particularly popular and include boogie boarding. There are surfer schools, equipment rental shops, plus accommodations that offer packages to surfers with or without equipment and experience.
- The British Virgin Islands also make it into the top five surfing destinations in the Caribbean, with most of the good areas being on the island of Tortola. Apple Bay Beach, Cane Garden Beach and Josiah’s Bay Beach are the most popular, and there are surfer schools, equipment rentals shops and nearby accommodations to cater to the needs of visitors.
