When is the best time to surf Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Peak Nov–Mar · often good Apr–May, Sep–Oct · can still fire Jun–Aug.
Bull Bay works much of the year on trade-wind swell, and the most consistent, cleanest surf comes in the Northern Hemisphere winter (roughly November–March), when cold fronts and stronger trades push more south and southeast energy into the bay. Spring and September–October often serve the glassiest conditions of all — swell still arriving while the wind backs off, quiet tradey mornings worth moving for. Even midsummer, trade pulses and passing tropical systems throw fun days at a lineup that's rarely more than a handful of people. Water is warm year-round — boardshorts only. Skip the day or two after heavy rain, when river runoff fouls the bay.
What does a surf trip to Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay) look like?
A typical trip from our guide. A real alert comes with the forecast for each day and a fare from your airport.
How much does a surf trip to Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay) cost?
A five-night trip, per person, before food and rentals.
Flight ranges are typical round-trip fares for June from Google Flights price history, checked Sep 3. Stays use our guide's nightly bands; transfers use the guide's quoted rates. Real alerts price the exact dates.
Where should you stay at Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Scarlett Guesthouse By The Sea $
guesthouse · In Bull Bay — a few minutes' drive to the surf
Why this one: Small seaside guesthouse with a pool, restaurant and bar — a notch more comfort than the camp while staying in the village. A good pick for non-surfing partners or anyone wanting a private room and a kitchen-adjacent setup.
Cheaper: Jamnesia Surf Camp, Walking distance — at Eight Miles Bull Bay, steps from the breaks · Also: Three Finger Jack Hotel, Eleven Mile, just east of Bull Bay (St Thomas side) — short drive to the break
Points play: ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry (Hilton), about 40–60k points a night, ~25 min from the break.
Browse stays near the breakThe full list, with every pick and its booking link, is under where to stay below.
What is the wave like at Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Break type
Reef
Wave direction
Both
Best swell
ESE (E–SE window)
Ideal size
3–8 ft
Best tide
Mid-low to high
Low: shallow reef when small
Nearest airport
KIN · ~11 mi
Drive from airport
20–35 minutes
The wave itself is a reef setup that throws both ways: a short, ledgy, sometimes-hollow right that drops in fast over coral heads, and a longer, more forgiving left. It feeds on Caribbean windswell driven by the easterly trades, topped up by south and southeast groundswell and the cleaner pulses that arrive when winter cold fronts reach this far south — so there's rideable surf much of the year, with the chest-high-to-overhead days clustering in winter and whenever the right trade run or front lines up. It rewards surfers who appreciate warm water, an empty weekday lineup and a genuinely welcoming local crew — and who move when a clean pulse shows on the chart.
Know what you're getting into: Bull Bay is a working-class roadside community on the A4 east of Kingston, not a resort strip. There's no surf shop, the beach is rock-and-reef rather than postcard sand, and water quality dips after heavy rain when several rivers dump runoff into the bay. But you're 20–35 minutes from the airport, Jamnesia will sort lodging, boards, lessons and shuttles to nearby breaks, and you're close enough to Kingston for music, food and a real city. Come self-sufficient, lean on the local crew, and you get the most authentic surf base in the Caribbean.
Who it suits
Intermediate surfers who want a reliable reef wave, a real local scene and proximity to Kingston; adventurous beginners learning through Jamnesia. Not for travelers chasing pristine beaches or wave perfection.
Where exactly is Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
17.9274, -76.7767
What are the lineup and the town like at Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Localism
mellow
Crowd
Mostly empty on weekdays — often just a handful of locals and camp guests — and noticeably busier on weekends when Kingston surfers and beachgoers come out. Early mornings are quietest and usually cleanest before the trades fill in.
The Bull Bay crew is known for being friendly and respectful to visitors who show the same — say hello, wait your turn, and consider a lesson or rental through Jamnesia and you'll be looked after. As the cradle of Jamaican surfing it's a tight, proud community lineup; don't paddle straight to the peak and start dropping in. Respect earns waves fast here.
In the lineup: The reef throws a short, ledgy right with sharp drops over coral heads and a longer, more forgiving left — beginners should favor the left and the inside. Watch for coral heads, sea urchins and rocks in the shallows; booties are a sensible call. There's current on bigger days, and reef sharks are occasionally seen but are not considered a real threat. A local guide or the camp crew is the smart way to learn the entry, exit and where to sit.
Bull Bay is a working-class roadside community strung along the A4 east of Kingston, on the St Andrew–St Thomas border, with a strong Rastafari presence (the Bobo Ashanti community at Bobo Hill is here). It's real Jamaica, not resort Jamaica: cook shops, rum bars, music, fishing, and a surf camp that doubles as a culture hub. Friendly and unpolished, with the energy of greater Kingston a short drive away rather than a remote village feel. On safety: as of 2026 Jamaica sits at the US State Department's 'Level 2 — exercise increased caution,' and both the US and Canadian advisories note that violent crime is statistically high island-wide while tourist-frequented areas generally see less of it. Greater Kingston is widely perceived as requiring more street-smarts than the resort coasts — guests typically base at the camp or a guesthouse, lean on a trusted local driver after dark, skip the specific Kingston neighborhoods the advisories flag (Trench Town, Downtown, Mountain View and similar), and report Bull Bay itself as low-key and welcoming.
How do you get to Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Fly into Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston (KIN) — about 11 miles from the break, 20–35 minutes. Montego Bay (MBJ, Sangster International) has far more international flight options but sits ~4 hours away by road on the opposite coast — only worth it for a much cheaper fare or an island-wide trip. For Bull Bay, KIN is the obvious choice.
- private transferUS$20–40 per vehicle (often included in Jamnesia packages) · 20–35 minutes
By far the easiest option with boards: Jamnesia Surf Camp arranges airport pickup and drop-off as part of its packages and will collect you from KIN. Confirm board-bag space and the price when you book.
- taxiUS$25–45 per vehicle · 20–35 minutes
JUTA-licensed taxis wait at KIN arrivals. Agree the fare to 'Eight Miles, Bull Bay' before you get in — meters are not used. For boards over 7'0" confirm the vehicle is a wagon or van.
- rental carUS$40–70/day · 20–35 minutes self-drive
Pick up at KIN, exit the Palisadoes spit, pass through Harbour View and head east on the A4 to Bull Bay. Drive on the left; Kingston-side traffic can stretch the trip toward the upper end. Useful if you want to explore Kingston and the St Thomas coast.
- busJ$120–250 per person (route taxi / coaster) · 40–60 minutes with a transfer
Cheapest but board-unfriendly: route taxis and coaster minibuses run the A4 corridor from downtown Kingston / Harbour View out to Bull Bay. Doable with a small board and fins off; not realistic with a big board bag. From KIN you'd first taxi to Harbour View to pick up the route.
Do you need a car at Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Do you need a car?
optional
Walkability
If you stay at Jamnesia or a beachfront guesthouse in Eight/Nine Miles Bull Bay, the break, a few shops and roadside food are a short walk. Anything beyond the village — a real supermarket, Kingston, other breaks — needs wheels or a shuttle.
You can do Bull Bay carless if you base at Jamnesia and use its surf shuttle plus route taxis along the A4 (a few hundred Jamaican dollars a hop). A rental car (US$40–70/day from KIN) buys you Kingston nightlife, Cane River Falls and the St Thomas coast on flat days. There's no reliable Uber coverage this far east; your camp or guesthouse will have a trusted driver's number. Scooter rental is not an established business here.
Boards: Route taxis are sedans and won't love a board bag — shortboards with fins off squeeze in, but for anything bigger use Jamnesia's shuttle or charter a taxi (bring soft racks and tie-downs if you're picky). Rental cars are mostly sedans and small SUVs; request roof rails ahead or plan on soft racks.
Where can you stay near Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Walking distance — at Eight Miles Bull Bay, steps from the breaks · The obvious base and the heart of Jamaican surfing: simple tent and room options run by the Wilmot family, with meals, board rental, lessons, a shuttle to nearby breaks, a skate bowl and an every-other-Saturday reggae jam. Basic and authentic, not polished. Book direct and confirm current rates. (Direct (jamnesiasurf.com), Tripadvisor)
In Bull Bay — a few minutes' drive to the surf · Small seaside guesthouse with a pool, restaurant and bar — a notch more comfort than the camp while staying in the village. A good pick for non-surfing partners or anyone wanting a private room and a kitchen-adjacent setup. (Booking.com, Hotels.com, direct)
Eleven Mile, just east of Bull Bay (St Thomas side) — short drive to the break · Quiet small hotel with large clean rooms, a pool and a black-sand beach, plus free entry to the on-site Sun Coast Adventure Park (paintball, ropes course, mini golf). The most resort-like option in the immediate area and good for families splitting the trip between surf and activities. (Booking.com, Expedia, direct)
Several beachfront listings in Bull Bay within a short walk/drive of the surf · Bull Bay has a cluster of well-reviewed private Airbnb stays (a long-running beachfront hideaway listing carries 300+ reviews near 4.9). Best for groups or longer stays wanting a kitchen and privacy; check each listing's exact location and access road before booking. (Airbnb)
~9–12 mi west in Kingston — 25–40 min drive to the break · If you want a real city base with restaurants, nightlife and reliable services, stay in New Kingston and day-trip to the wave. S Hotel is the upscale option; the area has many mid-range chains. The trade-off is a drive to every session. (Booking.com, Expedia, direct)
Where do you eat at Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)?
Please confirm this information before travelling as it may be outdated.
- Jamnesia Surf Camp kitchenrestaurant · $ budget
Home-cooked Jamaican dinners, repeatedly singled out in reviews — Guests consistently rave about the food at the camp — hearty Jamaican home cooking served family-style, often the easiest and best meal in the village. Open to guests; meals are typically bundled into packages.
- Bull Bay roadside jerk & cook shopsstreet food · $ budget
Jerk chicken, fried fish, festival and roadside Jamaican plates — The A4 through Bull Bay has a string of small jerk stands and cook shops serving cheap, authentic local plates. No fixed names worth pinning — pick a busy one, confirm the price, and pay in Jamaican dollars cash.
- Cane River Falls bar & grillbar · $ budget
Jerk and cold Red Stripe at the falls — The bar-and-restaurant at Cane River Falls (near Nine Miles) does simple jerk and drinks alongside the swimming holes — a good flat-day food-and-swim combo. Cash only.
- Harbour View eateries (Three Finger / fast food)restaurant · $ mid-range
Jamaican plates, patties, fast food — Heading back toward Kingston, the Harbour View shopping centre (~10–15 min west) has restaurants and fast food, and Three Finger Jack Hotel runs a kitchen east of the village. The fuller dining scene is in Kingston proper.
- Kingston restaurants (day-trip)restaurant · $ mid-range
Everything from Devon House I-Scream to New Kingston dining — For a proper night out you're driving into Kingston (25–40 min): the city has the island's deepest food scene, from Devon House to New Kingston restaurants and live-music bars. The payoff for basing near a real capital.
Cooking for yourself
- Bull Bay village shops & farmers marketminimart
Bull Bay is a working community with small supermarkets, a farmers market and roadside shops for water, snacks, produce, rum and basics. Fine for day-to-day topping up; limited for a full self-catering stock.
- Harbour View Shopping Centre supermarketsupermarket
The nearest proper supermarket, ~10–15 minutes west toward Kingston, in the Harbour View centre alongside a pharmacy, gas stations and convenience stores. The stop for a real self-catering shop on the way out from the airport.
- Kingston supermarketssupermarket
For a big shop with full imported range, the large Kingston supermarkets (25–40 min west) are the move — worth combining with any city day-trip.
Where do you rent or fix a board?
- Jamnesia Surf Camp (rentals, repairs, lessons, shuttle)board rental · ding repair · lessons · ~US$10–20/day depending on package
There is no retail surf shop in Bull Bay. Jamnesia is your one-stop: a quiver of rental boards, basic ding repair, surf instruction for adults and kids, and a shuttle to nearby breaks (Zoo, Copa and others). Quality is functional, not boutique. Bring your own leash, spare fins, a ding kit and especially wax, which is hard to buy locally — and a board you trust if you're particular. The other Jamaican surf hub is Boston Bay in Portland, 2.5+ hours away.
What do you do when it's flat?
- Cane River Fallsnature · ~J$500 (US$3–4) entry
Waterfall and swimming holes in the hills near Nine Miles Bull Bay, famous as a spot Bob Marley frequented. The classic flat-day excursion — a few minutes from the village, with a bar and grill on site.
- Bob Marley Beach (Bull Bay)nature · free–small fee
A rocky local beach in Bull Bay long associated with Bob Marley, who liked to come here. Laid-back, untouristed swimming and a slice of the area's Rasta history.
- Sun Coast Adventure Parkadventure · US$ varies by activity (free for Three Finger Jack guests)
Jamaica's largest paintball facility plus a ropes challenge course, maze, mini golf and trails, at Three Finger Jack Hotel just east of Bull Bay. A fun rainy-day or non-surfer option.
- Kingston culture day (Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, Trench Town)culture · US$10–30 per attraction
You're 25–40 minutes from the cultural capital of reggae: the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, Trench Town Culture Yard and the National Gallery all make easy flat-day trips. The biggest reason to base near Kingston rather than a remote coast.
- Jamnesia Saturday reggae jamnightlife · free–small cover
Every other Saturday the camp hosts a live reggae/jam session with local musicians — an authentic, low-key night out right where you're staying. Check the schedule on arrival.
- Blue Mountains day-tripadventure · US$ varies (tour or self-drive)
The Blue Mountains rise just inland from Kingston — coffee tours, hikes and cool air an hour or two away. A good contrast to coast days for travelers with a car or a tour booking.
What should you know before you go?
Cash & ATMs
No surf-specific ATM at the break; Bull Bay village has basic banking access and the nearest reliable cluster of ATMs and a cambio is at the Harbour View Shopping Centre, ~10–15 minutes west toward Kingston. Carry Jamaican dollars in cash for food, fees and rentals; full banking is in Kingston.
Medical
For minor issues there's a pharmacy at Harbour View Shopping Centre (~10–15 min west) and clinics in the Kingston area. For anything serious you have the major Kingston hospitals — Kingston Public Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI, Mona) — roughly 25–40 minutes west, a real advantage over remote Jamaican surf spots. Pack a first-aid and reef-cut kit for coral scrapes.
Water safety
A reef break with real hazards: coral heads, sea urchins and sharp rocks in the shallows, plus current on bigger swells — booties and a cautious first paddle-out are wise. Reef sharks are occasionally spotted but not regarded as dangerous to surfers. The biggest practical issue is water quality: Bull Bay sits on the floodplain of several rivers, so heavy rain brings runoff and debris into the bay — avoid surfing for a day or two after big rains, and rinse cuts well. No lifeguards on the reef; surf with the local crew, not alone.
Jamaica basics: money, entry, phones, water
Currency
Jamaican dollar (JMD) — ~155–160 JMD per USD (mid-2026)
Entry (US passport)
Up to 6 months visa-free per PICA's table; immigration typically stamps the length of your trip — US State Dept frames tourist stays as up to 90 days. — No visa for tourism. Complete the free electronic C5 immigration/customs form at enterjamaica.gov.jm before arrival (allowed up to 30 days ahead).
Language
English (official), Jamaican Patois (everyday speech). English is the official language — you'll have zero language barrier anywhere, including the Portland surf coast. Locals speak Patois among themselves but switch to standard English with visitors.
Plugs
A, B · 110V / 50Hz (US-style outlets; most US gear works fine, but the 50Hz can bother some older appliances)
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants if no service charge was added (many add 10% automatically — check the bill). Small JMD tips for surf guides, drivers and housekeeping are appreciated but not rigidly expected.
Phone / data
Digicel (prepaid SIM), Digicel eSIM, Flow (prepaid SIM), Travel eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, etc.). Kingston and the north-coast resort corridor are well covered, but Portland parish is the quiet corner of the island: 4G/LTE is decent in Port Antonio and usually fine at Boston Bay itself, yet it gets patchy on the winding coast road, in the John Crow foothills and at less-developed breaks east of Boston. Digicel generally edges out Flow on the east coast — if surf alerts matter, go Digicel and download maps offline.
Tap water
Jamaican tap water is treated and generally safe to drink in most areas, including towns like Port Antonio. Many travelers still prefer bottled or filtered water at rural guesthouses, and after heavy rain (common in Portland, the island's wettest parish) bottled is the safer call.
Emergency
Police: 119. Ambulance/Fire: 110 (112 and 911 also work on mobiles). Calls to emergency numbers are free even without credit.
Other passports: entry rules differ — check the official source before booking.
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Frequently asked questions about Lighthouse 2 (Bull Bay)
Can you surf at Bull Bay in Jamaica?
Yes — Bull Bay, just east of Kingston, is the home of Jamaican surfing and one of the island's best reef breaks. The Lighthouse peak throws both a short right and a longer left, and Jamnesia Surf Camp (run by the Wilmot family) offers lodging, rentals, lessons and shuttles right at the spot.
How far is Bull Bay from Kingston airport?
Bull Bay is about 11 road miles east of Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), a 20–35 minute drive depending on Kingston-side traffic. Jamnesia Surf Camp arranges airport pickup, and JUTA taxis run the route — agree the fare to 'Eight Miles, Bull Bay' before you go.
What is Jamnesia Surf Camp?
Jamnesia is Jamaica's original surf camp, founded by the Wilmot family at Eight Miles Bull Bay in the 1970s. It offers basic tent and room lodging, home-cooked meals, board rental and repairs, lessons, a surf shuttle and an every-other-Saturday reggae jam, and is the heart of the island's surf scene.
When is the best time to surf Bull Bay?
The most consistent, cleanest surf comes in the Northern Hemisphere winter (roughly November–March) when cold fronts and stronger trades push more swell into the bay, with spring and September often the cleanest. It works much of the year on trade-wind swell; water is warm year-round.
Is Bull Bay good for beginner surfers?
Beginners are best off learning through Jamnesia on the longer, more forgiving left and the inside — the right is a short, ledgy reef wave with sharp drops over coral that suits intermediates and up. Booties are recommended because of urchins, coral and rocks.
Are there sharks at Bull Bay?
Reef sharks are occasionally spotted in the area, as around much of Jamaica, but they are not considered a real threat to surfers. The more practical hazards are coral heads, sea urchins, rocks and post-rain water quality from river runoff.
Do I need a car for a surf trip to Bull Bay?
Not necessarily — if you base at Jamnesia you can rely on its airport pickup, surf shuttle and local route taxis along the A4. A rental car (about US$40–70/day from KIN) is handy if you want to explore Kingston, Cane River Falls and the St Thomas coast on flat days.
Is there a surf shop at Bull Bay?
No retail surf shop — Jamnesia Surf Camp is the one-stop for board rentals, basic ding repair and lessons. Bring your own leash, spare fins, a ding kit and especially wax, which is hard to buy locally.
Sources for this guide
- wannasurf.comsecondary source · Lighthouse/Bull Bay wave type (right reef barrel + longer left), bottom, swell/wind/tide, hazards (urchins, coral, rocks, reef sharks), crow
- jamnesiasurf.comofficial · Jamnesia Surf Camp services (tents/rooms, meals, board rental/repair, lessons, shuttle, airport pickup, skate bowl), Wilmot family, Eight Mi
- tripadvisor.comsecondary source · Jamnesia lodging quality, praised meals, reggae jam, rental price hint, operating status and review record
- en.wikipedia.orgsecondary source · Bull Bay location (~10 mi east of Kingston, St Andrew/St Thomas border), river floodplain context, Rastafari community
- thesurfatlas.comeditorial · Bull Bay wave character (right reef, windswell), skill level, season framing, Jamnesia, nearby Zoo break
- tripadvisor.comsecondary source · Three Finger Jack Hotel (rooms, pool, black-sand beach, Sun Coast Adventure Park) just east of Bull Bay
- tripadvisor.comsecondary source · Scarlett Guesthouse By The Sea live listing (pool, restaurant, bar) in Bull Bay
- tripadvisor.comsecondary source · Cane River Falls near Nine Miles Bull Bay, Bob Marley association, entry fee, bar/grill on site
- valuesmartja.comsecondary source · Harbour View Shopping Centre services (pharmacy, supermarket, gas, ATMs) as nearest practical hub west of Bull Bay
- airbnb.comsecondary source · Bull Bay beachfront Airbnb inventory and review counts for vacation-rental lodging option
- rome2rio.comsecondary source · Road distance Kingston/KIN to Bull Bay (~11 mi / ~18 km, ~22 min) corroborating the airport distanceMi and driveTime
- travel.state.govofficial · Jamaica safety perception — US State Dept Level 2 advisory, island-wide violent-crime context, Kingston neighborhoods to avoid
- travel.gc.caofficial · Second independent corroboration of Jamaica/Kingston safety perception (Government of Canada travel advisory)
Guide researched and verified 2026-06-12. Details change; confirm bookings and entry requirements before travel.