Shaped like a shallow satellite dish, expectantly listening for the next broadcast of North Atlantic waves, the Bahamas occupy an enviable position facing the longest fetch to the NE. During the 70s, Puerto Rican surfers expanded their horizons and the Bahamas became a hot surfing destination but during the 80s its popularity began to fade as places such as Costa Rica became known for being cheaper and more consistent. All the eastern “out islands” have good surfing potential but only Abaco and Eleuthera receive traveling surfers on a regular basis from Florida and the US East Coast, plundering the offshore cays and reefs at Indica’s, Garbanzo and Surfer’s Beach, where a second generation of local riders are now ripping.
When to Go
Between October and April, North Atlantic lows and fronts deliver numerous NE swells from 3-10ft. Summer is flat most of the time before August to October brings the possibility of small but clean hurricane swells between days of SE windchop. Moderate onshore easterlies blow more from the NE (Oct-April) then SE (May-Sept). Offshores arrive as soon as a cold front leaves the US East Coast, but winds remain unpredictable. Tidal range (1.5m) affects the shallower spots and mid tides are best.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
N -E |
NE -E |
NE -SE |
E -SE |
NE -E |
N -E |
swell size (ft) |
4-5 |
4 |
2-3 |
1-2 |
3 |
4 |
consistency (%) |
80 |
60 |
40 |
20 |
50 |
60 |
dominant wind |
E -SE |
E -SE |
E -SW |
E -SW |
NE -SE |
NE -E |
average force |
F4-F5 |
F4 |
F3-F4 |
F3 |
F4 |
F4 |
consistency (%) |
57 |
49 |
57 |
74 |
49 |
55 |
water temp (C) |
22 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
26 |
24 |
wetsuit |
springsuit |
springsuit |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
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Travel Information
Weather
The winter temperatures are commonly 5¡C (9¼F) warmer than Florida and the summer highs are generally lower, moderated by the surrounding waters. Rainfall is low during the winter surf season but heavy squalls or thundershowers occur during the hurricane months of June through October. Water temps stay well above 21¼C (70¼F) year-round, but a neoprene vest/shortie will protect against winter windchill.
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Lodging and Food
Expensive destination, winter is peak tourism season. On Elbow Cay, the Abaco Inn is the place to be ($125/dbl). Bahamas Out-Island Adventures offers guided camping surfaris on Eleuthera. Other lodging options include The Cove Eleuthera in Gregory Town ($245/dbl). Surfers Haven Guesthouse from $40/n/dbl camping.
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Nature and Culture
Fishing, snorkelling and diving are great, live coral, tropical fish and dolphins are abundant. The Abacos are known as the ÔSailing Capital of the WorldÕ. In Hopetown, take photos from the lighthouse.
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