Surf Guide for the Galápagos Islands

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

Here is a great surfing destination for the most adventurous surfers out there. For a long time, the Galapagos islands were known as a wildlife sanctuary. While this remains totally correct, another aspect of this archipelago is slowly becoming more and more popular.

 

 

The Galapagos islands have many empty world-class surf breaks only waiting to be discovered by the surfing community. 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.

 

Read : The World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands

 

The Galapagos islands have a lot of regulations put into place in order to protect both land and marine wildlife. Consequently, only boats with a fishing permit are allowed in the water meaning that surfers cannot have access to the breaks with them.

 

 

 

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 but are not be as consistent.

 

 

 

 

Where to stay in Galapagos

 

Best surf hotels in Galapagos

Galapagos Eco Friendly

La Fortaleza De Haro

Getting there

The difficult access to the Galapagos islands is what makes it a special and uncrowded place. The best way to get into the archipelago is obviously by plane. Most flights will either depart or transfer in Guayaquil.

 

 

 

Safety/things to know

• Many waves are not accessible due to park restrictions.
• Mostly powerful reef breaks, suitable for experienced surfers.

 

Surf spots in Galapagos

Puerto Baquerizo

The main surf hub on San Cristobal Island, Puerto Baquerizo offers accessible waves just steps from town. It’s a perfect base for exploring nearby surf spots with consistent swell exposure.

• Wave direction: Left and right

• Bottom: Sand and rocks

• Best tide: Mid to high

• Skill level: Any

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

La Loberia

A playful left-hand reef break with sea lions often sharing the lineup. Works best on a mid tide and can provide fun walls for beginner to intermediate surfers.

• Wave direction: Left

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

• 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 to high

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Optimal swell direction: S-SW

• Optimal wind direction: NE

 

Tongo reef

A less crowded reef break that offers both rights and lefts, often with clean, mellow faces. It’s a good option for intermediate surfers looking for a quieter session.

• Wave direction: Right and left

• Bottom: Reef

• Best tide: Mid

• Skill level: Intermediate

• 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