Overview
Chouchou Bay is a left that breaks over live coral beneath steep mountains, with a small village, a rivermouth, and a mangrove swamp framing the setting. The bay sits beside the Baie d'Acul, where Columbus sheltered on his first voyage, and the reef here is alive with urchins.
When It Works
The bay draws swell from the north-to-east window, with northeast (NE) the best match. It takes a big NE swell to break clear into the channel, and when it does you get a short, critical barrel section followed by a wrapping face. The wave works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.5 m / 5 ft, though it can be somewhat inconsistent.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southwest (SW) offshore wind. It breaks on mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Chouchou Bay is one for experts, given the critical barrel and the live coral bottom. The lineup stays quiet even when it's working.
Access
A new coast road linking La Borgne and Cap-Haïtien gives a handy lookout over the bay. Park at the village or on the roadside, then walk along the mangrove and paddle out to the left.
