Port-Louis, located on the west coast of Grande Terre, is a surf spot that’s tucked behind a headland. It’s not the most consistent spot, but it has its moments, especially during winter when the north swells come rolling in. The view from the shoreline, near the pretty Souffleur Plage, adds a nice backdrop while you wait for the waves to kick in. Just be prepared for a good crowd on the prime days.

When conditions align, Port-Louis can serve up some long, point-style right-handers along with shorter, faster lefts. The waves work best with a moderate-sized north to northeast groundswell, and they can handle swell sizes around 3ft (about 0.9 meters). The uneven reef and sandy bottom create soft, forgiving walls that taper off nicely, giving you a ride that feels pretty great, especially when those bigger swells link up with the Pointe de Antigues further north. The wind usually blows offshore thanks to the location, but an east wind is what you’ll want to look for to really enjoy the surf.

If you're planning to surf here, be aware that it can get crowded, especially when the forecast is looking good. On days like that, you’ll be sharing the lineup with a lot of other surfers, so be ready for some paddling. It’s a spot that works for intermediate surfers, and while you might have to deal with some spiky urchins lurking around, the experience can be well worth it when the waves are on point.