Summary

Surfing in Colombia is a unique and exciting experience for surfers of all skill levels. Colombia has exposure to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, providing a wide range of surf spots and waves, from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging spots for experienced surfers.

One of the best surf spots in Colombia is Juanchaco, located on the Pacific coast, in front of a surfing village of the same name. The wave is awesome but requires a boat to access it.

On the Caribbean coast, the town of Santa Marta is known for its excellent surf spots, including Playa Blanca, which is a great spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. La Boquilla is another popular surf spot in Santa Marta, offering a consistent break and fun waves.

Colombia offers a diverse range of waves and surf spots, making it a great destination for surfers of all levels. With its warm water, consistent swell, and friendly local surf community, Colombia is a must-visit destination for surfers looking to experience the thrill of riding the waves in a new and exotic location.

When to go

The best time to surf in Colombia is from May to October for the Pacific coast and from November to March for the Caribbean side. Therefore, at any given moment throughout the year, you should be able to find a wave to surf in Colombia.

Where to stay

The Pacific coastline of Colombia is still a pretty rugged area with a lot of nature and parks. Therefore, there aren’t that many hotels on the coast. Nuqui is a great place to stay on a surf trip to Colombia with many surf spots around the area and some vacation rentals as well as hotels to chose from in the likes of Pacific Lodge Nuqui or Hotel Piedra Piedra Lodge

You can also find a surf camp in Colombia, which provides accommodation and access to surf spots.

Surf spots in Colombia

El Valle

El Valle is a remote surf spot located on Colombia’s Pacific coast, known for its powerful beach breaks and uncrowded waves. The waves break both left and right over a sandy bottom, offering solid rides for intermediate and advanced surfers. When south swells combine with light northeast winds, El Valle can produce some of the best waves in the area.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Playa Guachalito

Playa Guachalito is a more accessible and forgiving surf spot, making it a great option for surfers of all levels. The sandy beach break offers both left and right waves that work best on southwest swells with easterly winds. The beautiful, lush jungle backdrop and mellow vibes make it an excellent destination for a relaxed surf session.

• Wave Direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Any
• Skill Level: All levels
• Optimal Swell Direction: Southwest
• Optimal Wind Direction: East

Juan Tornillo

Juan Tornillo is a consistent beach break suited for intermediate and advanced surfers looking for punchy, fast waves. It offers peaks with both left and right rides that can get heavy on solid southwest swells. The sandy bottom keeps it approachable, but the wave power and shape are best suited for surfers with some experience.

• Wave Direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Any
• Skill Level: Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal Swell Direction: Southwest
• Optimal Wind Direction: Northeast

Juanchaco

Juanchaco is a powerful, secluded right-hand reef break that’s best reserved for advanced surfers. When north swells meet favorable southeast winds, Juanchaco can deliver long, hollow waves that challenge even experienced riders. Its isolation and intensity make it one of Colombia’s most rewarding yet demanding surf spots.

• Wave Direction: Right
• Bottom: Reef
• Best Tide: Any
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Optimal Swell Direction: North
• Optimal Wind Direction: Southeast

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Summary

A big part of Brazilian culture comes from the ocean, beaches and of course, surfing. They represent a place of gathering and celebration for all Brazilians.

This is all even more accurate in Rio, where surfing is very popular with a huge amount of surf spots up and down the coast.

Rio has no restrictions when it comes to surfing skills as there are many surf schools to help beginners get into the sport, while experts will be able to get challenged by some heavy beach breaks surrounding the city.

Most surf spots in Rio will suffer from massive crowds. However, some people prefer surfing at night when spotlights from the beach will light up the ocean. It is an ideal destination for a good all around surf trip with good vibes, food and cultural discoveries.

When to go

Surfing is good and consistent all year in Rio. However, the Atlantic lights up and sends bigger waves over the winter months, from April to October.

For beginners, the most enjoyable period would probably be over summer with smaller waves and slightly warmer weather.

Where to stay in Rio 

Rio is massive and as a surfer, you will want to be as close to the beach as possible. Two good options are Saquarema, which is a bit further outside of Rio to the north, or Arpoador, just on the other side of Copacabana.

Surf spots in Rio de Janeiro

Arpoador

South of Copacabana, Arpoador is a beach break offering some nice lefts for surfers of all skill levels. Much more consistent in winter, waves can reach up to 10 feet! Like most surf spots around Rio, crowds are a factor.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Itacoatiara

A powerful and hollow beach break north of Rio located in a small bay. Left point break and right point break. Both are more suitable for experienced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : N

Saquarema

Very popular beach break located north of Rio, Saquarema is home of the World Surf League once a year for a WCT event. This surf spot should suit surfers of all levels. Beginners can catch the rollers on the inside while advanced surfers can have a go at a few barrels at the point.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Grumari

Next to Prainha is this consistent beach break offering lefts and rights on a beautiful sandbar. It is a very nuce option for poeple looking to get away from the Rio crowds as it usually isn’t as crowded as the other beaches closer to the big city. Breaks better on a SSW swell and a north wind.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Prainha

A very consistent beach break located further down the coast near Praia de Grumari. Works on the south swell and offers good conditions throughout the year. Summer will be smaller and more fickle.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NW

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Summary

Huanchaco is Peru’s top surfing destination due to its insanely consistent conditions and increasing amount of other activities to do. Once you get into this little beach town it is very easy to see how people end up staying much longer than anticipated. The bars, restaurants and cafes all add up to create a very nice atmosphere and laid-back vibe that everyone is looking for on a surf trip.

Surfers from all skill levels will be able to enjoy Huanchaco as the waves remain pretty soft and there are many surf schools willing to introduce beginners to the spot. 

The wave itself is a left-hand point break that works day in, day out. Rarely will you find a day without surf in Huanchaco. If it is the case or if the conditions don’t suit you, you can still find many other things to do like going sand boarding on hiking a volcano. 

On bigger days, make sure to make the trip to Chicama, the longest wave in the world, located just about an hour drive away from Huanchaco.

When to go

Although waves are good all year, the best time to surf Huanchaco, Peru is probably during the winter months from May to October for slightly bigger waves and better weather. November to April will obviously be warmer, but  much rainier as well as having smaller waves.

Where to stay in Huanchaco

Getting there

Huanchaco is less than half an hour drive away from Trujillo, Peru’s third largest city and 8 hours away from Lima. There are buses and flights that connect both cities.

Surf spots in Huanchaco

Punta Huanchaco

A long and accessible left-hander peeling nicely on a S-SW swell. Huanchaco is good for surfers of all skill levels as waves never become too hollow or dumpy.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : E

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Summary

The Galapagos Islands are amongst the most rewarding, yet, under discovered surfing destinations in the world. For a long time, the Galapagos Islands were mostly known as a wildlife sanctuary, popularized by the studies of Charles Darwin. While this remains totally correct, another aspect of this archipelago is slowly becoming more and more popular which is the surfing potential.

The Galapagos islands have many empty world-class surf breaks only waiting to be discovered by the surfing community. It offers waves throughout the year, with south swells from April to October and occasional north swells from November to March. On a surf trip to the Galapagos, the best place to settle is probably the island of San Cristobal as it allows the best access to surf breaks, without demanding a permit. It also is exposed to both north and south swells.

The Galapagos islands have a lot of regulations put into place in order to protect both land and marine wildlife. Consequently, some of the surf spots are harder to access.

When to go

The best time to surf the Galapagos Islands is from December to April which provides big and consistent north swells as well as warm temperatures. From May to November, south swells are pushing in with full force but the weather is not a clement.

Where to stay in Galapagos

The best place to stay on a surf trip in the Galapagos is Puerto Baquerizo, on the island of San Cristobal. You will have the best access to nearby surf spots like La Loberia, Punta Carole, El Canon and Tongo Reef.

Getting there

The difficult access to the Galapagos islands is what makes it a special and uncrowded place. The only way to get into the archipelago is by plane from Guayaquil. Some flights also leave from Quito, but will transit in Guayaquil. Upon entry, you will need to pay $200 in National Park entrance fee.

Safety/things to know

• Many waves are difficult to access due to park restrictions or military activity.
• Mostly powerful reef breaks, suitable for experienced surfers.

Surf spots in Galapagos

La Loberia

A playful, yet sometimes powerful A-framing reef break with sea lions often sharing the lineup. Works best on a mid to high tide and can provide fun walls for intermediate to advanced surfers.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

Punta Carola

One of the best and most consistent surf spots in the Galapagos. Punta Carola is a powerful right-hand point break that can handle solid swells and deliver long rides.

• Wave direction: Right

• Bottom: Rock and reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

Tongo reef

A less crowded reef break that offers probably the longest waves in Galapagos. It’s a good option for intermediate surfers looking for a quieter session as it is a bit harder to access.

• Wave direction: Left and occasional right

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

Tortuga Bay

Famous for its stunning scenery and marine iguanas on the beach, Tortuga Bay also offers a surfable beach break. The waves here are more exposed to wind, but on the right day can deliver fun, rippable peaks.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

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Summary

Mar del Plata is Argentina’s most popular coastal destination and a buzzing hub for both tourists and surfers. Located about 400 km south of Buenos Aires, it’s often called the country’s surf capital. Despite being one of Argentina’s busiest cities, the surf lineups remain relatively mellow, even in peak summer, because surfing isn’t as mainstream here as in places like Brazil.

The surf itself is often small and wind-affected, but with a little patience, you can score good sessions, especially in the winter months. If you’re chasing waves on Argentina’s Atlantic coast, Mar del Plata is your best bet.

On flat days, the city offers plenty to do: restaurants, nightlife, beaches, casinos, museums, and more.

When to go

The best time to surf Mar del Plata is during winter from April to October. However, conditions remain not as consistent as they would be on the west coast of South America or in Brazil.

Where to stay in Mar del Plata

Getting there

Mar del Plata is 400km from Buenos Aires. There is an airport allowing you to fly from the capital in less than an hour. Otherwise, you will have to catch a bus or a train.

Safety/things to know

• Always check local surf reports—conditions can change fast.
• Lineups are friendly, but basic surf etiquette is key.
• For more information, read the official website of the Argentinian government.

Surf spots in Mar del Plata

Estrada

Consistent beach break with both lefts and rights. Good on most days, works well with small to medium swells and ideal for all levels.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: SE-S

• Optimal wind direction: NW

La Perla

A versatile city beach break with playful waves. Less crowded than Playa Grande and a great option for beginners to intermediates.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: SE-S

• Optimal wind direction: NW

La Pepita

A smaller, more forgiving beach break. Perfect for beginners and mellow sessions when other spots are too busy or too punchy.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Any

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

• Optimal swell direction: SE-S

• Optimal wind direction: NW

Playa Varese

A sheltered beach break with soft, rolling waves. Ideal for longboarders, beginners, and families.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Low to mid

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: SE

• Optimal wind direction: NW

Playa Grande

The most popular surf spot in Mar del Plata with punchy, peaky waves. Works best on a solid swell and can get crowded on good days.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: SE-S

• Optimal wind direction: NW

  
  

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Summary

Welcome to Chicama, home of the longest wave in the world. In the northern Peruvian desert, a bit more than 50 miles away from Trujillo, is the small surf town of Chicama. Its reputation is uncontested and attracts surfers from around the world ever since it was discovered a few decades ago.

This gentle wave is very accessible even for beginners as it never really gets too heavy. It stays a long, smooth peeling wave that’s very pleasant to ride. There are a few sections that only connect on bigger swells but even when they don’t, the rides remain very long.

The big downside to surfing Chicama is having to paddle all the way back to the peak as well as fighting currents. Locals didn’t take long to figure out there was a demand for boat-lifts taking you from the end of the wave back to the take-off zone. It is up to you  to decide if you enjoy that kind of surfing or if you rather stick to paddling.

When to go

The best time to surf Chicama, Peru is from May to October which is when those strong south swells push in and create great waves for Chicama.

Where to stay in Chicama

Delfines de Chicama and Chicama Boutique Hotel are two great hotels very well located in Chicama.

Getting there

The big international airport is in Lima from where you can transfer by bus or plane to Trujillo. Chicama is about an hour drive away from Trujillo.

Safety/things to know

• For more information, visit the tourism department official website.
• This part of Peru is one of the driest place on Earth. Do not expect much rain 🙂

Surf spots in Chicama

Chicama (Puerto Malabrigo)

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

El Hombre

Located further up the point from Chicama’s main take-off zone, El Hombre is the more powerful and critical section of the wave.

• Wave direction: Left
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Mid to high
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Optimal swell: SW
• Optimal wind: E

La Punta

The most consistent take-off zone and usually the starting point of most Chicama rides. When the swell is big enough, you can link from La Punta all the way through the next three sections.

• Wave direction: Left
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: All levels
• Optimal swell: SW
• Optimal wind: E

El Point

On the biggest days, you can ride all the way to El Point, the most inside section of Chicama. The wave here softens out, offering cruisy walls perfect for cutbacks.

• Wave direction: Left
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: All levels
• Optimal swell: SW
• Optimal wind: E

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Summary

Fernando de Noronha is Brazil’s most exclusive surfing destination. It is a breathtaking volcanic archipelago located about 350 kilometers (220 miles) off the northeastern coast of Brazil. Known for its crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and postcard-perfect beaches, it is often considered Brazil’s most beautiful destination even for non surfers.

What makes this island chain a true surfer’s dream is the rare combination of powerful North Atlantic swells, pristine barrels, and limited crowds. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with daily tourist limits, Fernando de Noronha offers a unique blend of untouched nature and world-class surf.

Why Surf Fernando de Noronha?

• Hollow, fast, world-class barrels.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site with restricted visitor access.

• Exceptional marine life, perfect for diving on flat days.

• Tropical weather year-round.

• Secluded, uncrowded lineups (compared to mainland Brazil).

When the north swells arrive, Fernando de Noronha lights up with some of Brazil’s best waves, rivaling top surf destinations around the world.

When to go

The best and only time to surf Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is from November to April. During austral winter, the North Atlantic goes pretty quiet and even if it produces small storms, they do not have enough power to go all the way down to the archipelago.

The rainiest time of the year is from March to June.

Where to stay in Fernando de Noronha

Getting there

The best way to get to Fernando de Noronha is to take a domestic flight from one of the following Brazilian cities : Rio, Sao Paulo, Recife, Natal, Belo Horizonte, Aracaju, Salvador and Maceio.

Safety/things to know

• It’s expensive: Daily tourist fees, environmental taxes, and limited accommodations make this a premium destination.

• Visitor restrictions: Daily entry caps apply. Book well in advance.

• UNESCO-protected: Strict environmental rules and entry conditions.

• Remote location: Medical facilities are basic, and surf shops are limited. Bring spare equipment.

Surf spots in Fernando de Noronha

Bode

A picturesque beach offering shorter but punchy waves. Works well on the same north swells as Cacimba but with fewer people in the lineup.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand and reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Intermediate

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Abras

Another solid option on the north-facing coast. Typically smaller and less consistent but can offer fun sessions when the main spots are crowded.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Meio & Boboca

Both offer smaller, user-friendly waves suitable for beginners or less experienced surfers. Perfect for mellow days or surf lessons.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand and reef

• Best tide: Any

• Skill level: All levels

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S

Baia da Rata

A more remote wave that offers a unique surf experience when conditions align. Less crowded due to its challenging access.

• Wave direction: Left

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Advanced

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: SE

Cacimba do Padre

The most famous wave on the island and arguably the best beach break in Brazil. Heavy, hollow, and fast with world-class barrels.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell: N

• Optimal wind: S-SE

  
  

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Pichilemu is often called the surf capital of Chile, and for good reason. This charming coastal town is home to some of the best left-hand point breaks in South America, the iconic Punta de Lobos, considered one of the world’s best waves.

As one of the most consistent surfing destinations on the continent, Pichilemu is a paradise for goofy-footers, offering near-endless walls of water, powered by long-period southern swells from the South Pacific.

In winter, waves can reach more than 20 feet on a regular basis. With a coastline as long as 2,600 miles, many surf spots are still to discover, even more so in the southern part of the country which is still very raw and untouched. Most of the crowd and friendly surf towns are located from the center of Chile, around Santiago, all the way to the north.

When to go

The best time to surf Pichilemu, Chile is from December to February for warm weather and smaller waves. Rest of the year will be way bigger, peaking in June-July where tow-in is sometimes the only option.

Where to stay in Pichilemu

You can stay in Pichilemu if you want a better access to Infiernillo or La Puntilla while having a good balance of social life. Pichilemu is a charming little town with walking distance to great surf spots!

You can also stay in Punta de Lobos at places like Alaia (higher-end) or at Sirena Insolente (budget). Staying on this side of the bay will give you better access to Punta de Lobos. Either way, taxis run all the time from Pichilemu to Punta de Lobos and cost around $3.

Best surf hotels in Pichilemu

Hotel Mar y Vino 

Cuarzo Lodge

Getting there

The best way to get to Pichilemu is to take the bus from Santiago. It is about 3 or 4 hours from Chile’s capital city. You can also rent a car which will be helpful to hit some surf spots a bit outside of town.

Safety/things to know

• Water ranges between 13 and 17 degrees Celcius. Wetsuits are necessary all year round.
• Big swells push through the Chilean coastline over the winter months.

Surf spots in Pichilemu

Punta de Lobos

Nothing less than one of the best lefts in the world, Punta de Lobos is Pichilemu’s main attraction. Whether it is on a big winter day or on a smooth summer swell, this point is extremely consistent and produces some of the continent’s best waves.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Infiernillo

Not as long as Punta de Lobos, Infiernillo is another nice option for a left-hand wave in Pichilemu. It is also much closer to town. This fast and hollow wave is very challenging and should not be attacked by novice surfers. 

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

La Puntilla

Chile’s longest wave, La Puntilla is a fairly inconsistent break as the sandbar is unpredictable and very “shifty”. However, it offers a nice and accessible break for surfers of all skill levels.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

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Summary

Montañita is Ecuador’s most famous surfing destination and this little town has some of the most consistent in South America. In Montañita, you will find waves on almost any given day, giving you the chance to score on your surf trip without experiencing too many lay days.

When people think of surfing destinations in South America, Ecuador usually isn’t the first place that comes up. However, over the last decade, this country has been gaining a lot of popularity in the surfing community.

With a coastline that is yet to be fully discovered by surfers, you can still find some spots with barely anyone out. Swells are also very consistent throughout the year without ever getting too big like they would a bit further south, in Chile, for example.

Within Ecuador, if you are gonna chose one place to go, Montañita might very well be the one. It is very hard not to fall in love with this Ecuadorian beach town known as the surfing mecca of the country. Montañita has good restaurants and bars providing a decent social life and making it very easy to meet fellow travelers.

Sun, warm water, nightlife and fairly cheap accommodation will all make this trip even more enjoyable. While Montañita has this little buzz that makes you want to stay forever, make sure to also check the rest of the coast for emptier line-ups and amazing surfing opportunities. For even more adventure, go further inland to discover an amazing country.

When to go

The best time to surf Montañita, Ecuador is pretty much all year long. Waves are very consistent both in summer and winter. However, from December to April, conditions will be slightly bigger with the arrival of some north swells.

Where to stay in Montañita

Hotel Kunalini is a great affordable place to stay near Montañita Beach and ME Hotel is a little more expensive but still has a great reputation.

Getting there

The quickest and best way to get to Montañita is to fly to Guayaquil and then use public transportation to Montañita.

Surf spots in Montañita

Montañita point

At the very end of the beach, a classic right-hand point break holding nicely a sizable swell producing a long and nice wave. Can get hollow on the low tide, but most of the time it is a fairly mellow peeler.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Montañita beach

Very consistent beach break working on most days. Perfect for beginners or advanced with several peaks.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : N or S
• Optimal wind direction : E

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