Bo'a Channel
IntermediateSurf report
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.5 m | 1.3m 13s SW | 20 km/h off | 1.4m |
| 9 AM | 1.5 m | 1.3m 13s SW | 24 km/h off | 1.1m |
| 12 PM | 1.5 m | 1.2m 13s SW | 22 km/h off | -0.1m |
| 3 PM | 1.5 m | 1.2m 13s SW | 26 km/h off | -0.4m |
| 6 PM | 1.5 m | 1.2m 13s SW | 22 km/h cross | 0.6m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.3 m | 1.0m 12s SW | 18 km/h off | 1.4m |
| 9 AM | 1.3 m | 1.0m 12s SW | 25 km/h cross | 1.6m |
| 12 PM | 1.2 m | 1.0m 12s SW | 24 km/h cross | 0.2m |
| 3 PM | 1.2 m | 0.9m 12s SW | 23 km/h cross | -0.8m |
| 6 PM | 1.2 m | 0.9m 12s SW | 23 km/h cross | 0.2m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.1 m | 0.9m 12s SW | 16 km/h off | 1.1m |
| 9 AM | 1.1 m | 0.8m 12s SW | 21 km/h off | 1.9m |
| 12 PM | 1.2 m | 0.8m 12s SW | 25 km/h off | 0.6m |
| 3 PM | 1.2 m | 0.8m 11s SW | 24 km/h off | -0.9m |
| 6 PM | 1.1 m | 0.8m 11s SW | 22 km/h off | -0.3m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.1 m | 0.7m 9s SW | 18 km/h off | 0.7m |
| 9 AM | 1.1 m | 0.7m 11s SW | 21 km/h off | 2.1m |
| 12 PM | 1.1 m | 0.7m 11s SW | 24 km/h off | 1.2m |
| 3 PM | 1.0 m | 0.6m 11s SW | 23 km/h off | -0.8m |
| 6 PM | 1.0 m | 0.6m 10s SW | 23 km/h off | -0.7m |
Next 24 hours
Wind
Tide
7-day outlook
Best days Hourly detail
Show next 24h Hide
| Time | Wave | Swell | Period | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | 1.6m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 22 E off | 0.0m |
| 1 AM | 1.6m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 21 E off | 0.0m |
| 2 AM | 1.6m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 22 E off | 0.2m |
| 3 AM | 1.6m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 22 E off | 0.5m |
| 4 AM | 1.6m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 20 E off | 0.8m |
| 5 AM | 1.5m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 19 E off | 1.2m |
| 6 AM | 1.5m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 20 E off | 1.4m |
| 7 AM | 1.5m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 20 E off | 1.5m |
| 8 AM | 1.5m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 24 E off | 1.4m |
| 9 AM | 1.5m | 1.3m SW | 13s | 24 E off | 1.1m |
| 10 AM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 23 ESE off | 0.7m |
| 11 AM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 22 ESE off | 0.3m |
| 12 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 22 ESE off | -0.1m |
| 1 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 26 ESE off | -0.4m |
| 2 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 26 ESE off | -0.5m |
| 3 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 26 ESE off | -0.4m |
| 4 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 26 ESE off | -0.1m |
| 5 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 25 ESE off | 0.3m |
| 6 PM | 1.5m | 1.2m SW | 13s | 22 ESE off | 0.6m |
| 7 PM | 1.4m | 1.1m SW | 12s | 22 ESE off | 0.9m |
| 8 PM | 1.4m | 1.1m SW | 12s | 22 ESE off | 1.0m |
| 9 PM | 1.4m | 1.1m SW | 12s | 22 ESE off | 0.9m |
| 10 PM | 1.4m | 1.1m SW | 12s | 21 ESE off | 0.7m |
| 11 PM | 1.4m | 1.1m SW | 12s | 21 ESE off | 0.5m |
About Bo'a Channel
Bo'a Channel is an intermediate reef break on Rote that benefits from the channel's natural deep-water paddle-out, making access straightforward. The wave offers punchy, workable sections that reward good timing and positioning. It's a versatile spot that performs across a decent swell range, suiting surfers looking to push their skills. The channel also provides a safe exit if things get lively.
Local knowledge
The reef along the wave's edge is shallow, sharp, and lined with live coral — a wipeout on the inside section can result in serious lacerations, and sea urchins lurk in the shallower sections near the reef shelf. A moderate rip runs through the channel, which helps the paddle-out but can drag you off position if you're not actively holding your line. Watch for occasional fishing boat and inter-island vessel traffic cutting through the channel, particularly in the early morning.
Rote's main hub is Ba'a town; from there it's a straightforward drive or ojek ride to the beach closest to the break — look for the channel markers and any local warungs near the shoreline as your landmark. Paddle out via the deep-water channel, keeping to the dark water and away from the reef lip — the current will do most of the work for you. Exit back through the same channel; avoid trying to exit directly over the reef, especially at lower tides.
A versatile shortboard in the 6'2"–6'6" range covers most conditions here — something with a bit of volume handles the punchier, faster sections well. Step up to a stiffer, narrower performance shortboard when solid swell pushes through, and consider a fish or fun shape on smaller, weaker days to make the most of the workable sections.
mellow — relaxed vibe.
Where to go now
Bo'a Channel vs. nearby, live| Spot | Surf | Swell | Wind | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo'a Channel Best now this spot | 1.6m | 1.2m 13s | 22 off | Good |
| 1 km away | 1.6m | 1.2m 13s | 22 off | Good |
| 1 km away | 1.8m | 1.4m 13s | 22 off | Good |
| 1 km away | 1.6m | 1.2m 13s | 22 off | Good |
Community photos
Shots from surfers at Bo'a Channel. Got one? Share it below.
Nearest spots
Closest breaks to Bo'a ChannelSurf schools & local guides near Bo'a Channel
Learn or level up with established local instructors.
Nemberala Beach Surf School
★ 5.0Rt. 01/Rw. 01 Desa Sedeoen, Nemberala, Rote Barat, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 85982, Indonesia
32 Google reviews
Surf camps & retreats
Stay at a surf camp near Bo'a Channel
All-inclusive surf camps, coaching weeks and retreats — meals, lessons and accommodation sorted. Compare 1,500+ verified camps with reviews and instant booking.
- ✓ Free cancellation options
- ✓ Best price guarantee
- ✓ All levels, beginner to pro
We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Surfing in Rote
Full Rote surf guide →Rote is Indonesia's southernmost inhabited island, a low, dry, sun-bleached slip of land hanging off the bottom of Timor in East Nusa Tenggara. It's about as far from the Bali crowds as you can get and still find world-class surf — which is exactly the point. The scene revolves around the village of Nemberala (Nembrala) on the west coast, where a string of guesthouses, surf camps and warungs line up behind the reef.
✈️Getting there
Reaching Rote is half the adventure. First fly to Kupang (Timor) — El Tari Airport (KOE) — via Bali (Denpasar) or Jakarta, usually with a connection. From Kupang's Bolok harbour you take the fast ferry across to Rote's port at Ba'a, a crossing of roughly 1.5–2 hours; a slower car ferry also runs but takes longer.
🛵Getting around
Once you're in Nemberala, most of the popular waves are close — T-Land, Boa and the beach breaks are within easy reach, and several spots are walkable or a short paddle from the main strip.
🌤️Climate & season
Rote has a pronounced dry, savanna-like climate — drier than Bali and noticeably so. The dry season runs roughly May to October and is the surf season: this is when consistent groundswell arrives and the dependable southeast trade winds groom the west-coast lefts, holding most of the season's offshore conditions.