Swell Intel

Chatarra Surf Forecast, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Chatarra surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
11.55s
Wind
9mph
ESE / Gusts 15mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.8ft @ 5sENE
Secondary
1.5ft @ 12sNE
Tertiary
1.4ft @ 7sENE

Chatarra 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Chatarra, Puerto Rico. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sat, May 16: 12ft, 12s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with calm winds. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Sun, May 17: 12ft, 11s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 9mph ESE winds. Expect the wind to bump up to around 14mph by PM.

Mon, May 18: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 10mph ESE winds.

Tue, May 19: 23ft, 9s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on ENE swell at 9s with 10mph from the ESE. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

Wed, May 20: 12ft, 8s period, rated Poor - Fair. Dawn patrol is the move — 2-3ft on ENE swell at 8s with 9mph from the ESE. The E wind kicks in by afternoon — 14mph and poor by then.

Daily Forecast

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Forecast Charts

Chatarra Surf Spot Guide

Break
Reef
Bottom
Reef
Level
Advanced
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
N
Best Wind
S
Season
Winter

Chatarra is a raw reef break tucked along the eastern coast of Puerto Rico near coordinates 18.4553, -65.9667, facing SSW toward the open Caribbean and Atlantic swell windows. The spot picks up groundswells that wrap around the island's eastern tip, delivering punchy, powerful waves over a shallow reef that rewards experienced surfers with hollow, fast-breaking barrels. Its relative remoteness keeps crowds thin, making it a rewarding find for those willing to seek it out.

Shallow reefSharp coralStrong currentsRemote locationSea urchins

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Chatarra Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Chatarra?

The current wave height at Chatarra is 1-2ft with a 11.55s swell period. Wind is ESE at 9mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Chatarra?

The current breaking wave height at Chatarra is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.8ft ENE primary swell at 5s, a 1.5ft NE secondary swell at 12s, a 1.4ft ENE tertiary swell at 7s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf Chatarra?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Chatarra is Tuesday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 2ft waves, a 8.45s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Chatarra?

Chatarra works best with a N swell and S winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at Chatarra?

Tide plays a big role at Chatarra. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is Chatarra and who is it for?

Chatarra is a reef with a reef bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Chatarra is a raw reef break tucked along the eastern coast of Puerto Rico near coordinates 18.4553, -65.9667, facing SSW toward the open Caribbean and Atlantic swell windows. The spot picks up groundswells that wrap around the island's eastern tip, delivering punchy, powerful waves over a shallow reef that rewards experienced surfers with hollow, fast-breaking barrels. Its relative remoteness keeps crowds thin, making it a rewarding find for those willing to seek it out.

When is the best season to surf Chatarra?

The prime season at Chatarra is winter, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at Chatarra?

Common hazards at Chatarra include shallow reef, sharp coral, strong currents, remote location, sea urchins. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Chatarra surf forecast?

Our Chatarra forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.