Caracol is a set of coral reef passes off the north coast of Haiti, with multiple lefts and rights breaking over live coral on both sides of the passes. It sits near Cap Haitien, the main city of northern Haiti, a busy port known for its colourful French colonial architecture, and the reefs hold clear, tropical Caribbean water close to the shipping lanes. This is an expert-level wave that rewards surfers willing to make the trip.
When It Works
Caracol draws swell from north to northeast (N-NE), with northeast (NE) swell the best match. It favours longer-period NE groundswell spinning off the eastern seaboard of the USA, which lines up best between November and March. The reef works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.5 m / 5 ft. It is somewhat inconsistent and sensitive to both tide and wind, so it takes patience and the right window to find it on.
Wind and Tide
Look for south (S) offshore wind to clean up the faces. The reef can work across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a wave for experienced surfers, breaking over live coral on both sides of the passes. Expect a quiet lineup when it works.
Access
Caracol is reachable by boat only, via taxi boat from shore.
