12 Gorgeous Places in Latin America to Go Surfing
Are you looking to go surfing in Latin America? Well, you’ve made an amazing choice. The surfing destinations in Mexico, Central America, and South America are fabulous.
With just about every kind of wave you can imagine, you have many gorgeous places to choose from. Most of these surf spots are pristine and fun places to visit.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the best surfing in Latin America is not only about the waves but also the community. Keep reading to discover where to go surfing in Latin America!
See also: 15 Totally Weird Facts About South America
12 Spectacular Surf Spots in Latin America
There are several splendid places to choose to go surfing in Latin America, and each has its own energy. Here are my top 12 recommendations for you to enjoy surfing in Latin America. Each site has surfboards available for rent!
1. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Difficulty rating: Advanced
Best for: Those looking to surf and enjoy delicious local foods
From San Jose, Costa Rica, take a connecting flight to Tambor which is 5 minutes from Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa is a hidden gem. Since the 2000s, it has grown into a quaint surf town with delicious food and friendly people.
Santa Teresa offers safe surfing from beginner to advanced surfers, surf lodges, and yoga retreats. Many visitors surf early in the morning, go snorkeling in the clear water during the day, and have another round of surfing in the evening. The weather is awesome any time of year.
This site has some of the best surfing camps in Central America, such as AnaMaya Resort and Selina Surf Club Santa Teresa.
See also: Top 10 Best Hikes in Costa Rica for Adventurous Travelers
2. Puerto Escondido, México
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking to surf and have family time
Mexico is one of the most popular countries to travel to because it’s traveler-friendly and easy to get to. Mexico also has one of the best beach breaks known as the Mexican Pipeline.
Puerto Escondido has an amazing cultural history, vibrant markets, colorful architecture, and delicious cuisine. The locals are friendly and surfing lessons are accessible for surfers of all levels.
If you’re looking for adventure, Puerto Escondido has coves to explore as well as hikes and tours. The ideal time to go is between April and June.
See also: 10 Most Magnificent Cities in Mexico You Don’t Want to Miss
3. El Tunco, El Salvador
Difficulty rating: Intermediate to advanced
Best for: Those looking to surf and socialize with the locals
El Tunco is one of the most chill small towns to go surfing in Latin America. It’s located in the tiny but beautiful country of El Salvador.
El Tunco has grown and developed over the last few years. The waves are generally huge, so if you’re a beginner, make sure to go with an instructor who will help you navigate the waves.
The vibe in El Tunco is amazing. This hip town features beach bars, restaurants, fresh food, friendly locals, and stunning sunsets. El Tunco has a slow pace and makes you enjoy the simple things in life.
See also: Why El Salvador Is the Perfect Travel Destination (And What to Do While You’re There)
4. Scorpion Bay, Mexico
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
Best for: Those looking for a remote getaway vacation and adventure
Scorpion Bay in Mexico is epic! It’s one of Latin America’s longest point breaks and a must if you’re looking for one of the best surfing spots in Latin America.
Scorpion Bay is located in the middle of Baja California. Swell is the energy that is transferred into the sea by the wind. The swell in Scorpion Bay is strong, and that’s why it’s key to ask the locals what time of day is best to go surfing.
It’s best to go to Scorpion Bay between April and November to make the most out of your surfing trip in Latin America.
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5. Punta Sur, San Andrés, Colombia
Difficulty rating: Intermediate to advanced
Best for: Those looking to surf and enjoy the simple life
San Andrés is a Caribbean island in Colombia. The water is warm and crystal clear. The locals recommend visiting from December to February or May to August because that’s when the waves are big enough to ride and enjoy.
If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly beaches, drive to calmer waters and take a few surfing lessons before you try Punta Sur for surfing. Colombians are always celebrating and open to helping travelers.
See also: What You’ll Find On Your Trip to Colombia: Culture, Food, and More
6. Ensenada, Mexico
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking to surf and enjoy delicious local restaurants
Ensenada is 70 miles south of the border of California and has been a preferred spot for surfing for decades for surfers from all over the world.
The most popular beach is San Miguel, but it’s only for advanced surfers. They have surf contests that are worth checking out. The waves are intense and mesmerizing.
If you’re looking for a calmer beach to learn how to surf, Playa Hermosa is a better fit. Or, if you like to watch pro surfers (or if you’re an experienced surfer yourself), check out the legendary waves at Todos los Santos.
7. Popoyo, Nicaragua
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking for a remote beach to enjoy surfing in Latin America
Popoyo, Nicaragua isn’t the most developed spot to go surfing but small towns like these have a charm of their own. Enjoy a pristine beach, surf in uncrowded waters, and enjoy the local culture.
The beautiful waves in Nicaragua are ideal for all levels of surfers. This undiscovered beach offers excellent lodging and waves of all sizes. Getting to Popoyo, Nicaragua is quite the road trip but one that’s well worth it.
See also: 11 Nicaraguan Slang Words for Everyday Use
8. Chicama, Peru
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking for adventure
Chicama, Peru is a surfing spot 373 miles (600 km) from Lima, Peru. Chicama has been recognized internationally for its extremely long waves that can exceed 1.2 miles (2 km!) This is a dream for surfers who can ride those impressively long waves.
Surfing in Latin America doesn’t get any better than this. This picturesque region attracts surfers from all over the world who are looking for adventure. Peru is one of the most popular countries to visit in Latin America, and if you’re looking to surf, Chicama is the place to go. It also offers incredible cuisine, cultural tours, and activities for all kinds of travelers.
See also: 10 Spectacular Ways To Enjoy the Desert Destination of Huacachina, Peru
9. Bocas del Toro, Panamá
Difficulty rating: Advanced
Best for: Those looking for a surfing challenge
Bocas del Toro is a unique Caribbean surfing site for all levels of surfers. Some people call it the Hawaii of Panama because of its epic waves and natural wonders. Practice watersports such as scuba diving, sailing, and snorkeling here, too! The best surfing season is between November and April.
This tropical archipelago on the Caribbean Sea is famous for its colorful streets, warm atmosphere, and natural beauty. Some of the surf breaks can only be accessed by boat or a water taxi.
10. Montañita, Ecuador
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking for surfing and other adventurous activities
Montañita, Ecuador is another South American surfer’s paradise. It’s perfect if you’re looking for consistent waves. Montañita was a fishing town, but surfers discovered it and now it’s a vibrant town that attracts surfers, thrill-seekers, hippies, and beach lovers.
Montañita not only has amazing waves but it’s also known for the adventurous activities it offers. It also has a vibrant nightlife and many restaurants that serve fresh ceviche. This is another great spot for the family and one that’ll keep you entertained throughout your vacation!
See also: A Traveler’s Guide to Ecuador: Culture, History, and Language
11. Mancora, Peru
Difficulty Rating: For surfers of all levels and sightseeing
Equipment: Surfboard you can rent
Best for: Those looking to surf and enjoy a vibrant nightlife
Mancora, Peru is ideal for those looking for all-year surfing because the weather is always warm and the waves are strong. It offers lodging for all budgets, many beach bars, and mouthwatering street food.
Many professional surfers like Sofia Mulanovich visit Mancora to enjoy the epic surfing as well as the fun culture. Rent a scooter and ride down the coast to other towns such as Chicama, Cabo Blanco, and Lobitos.
12. Sayulita, Mexico
Difficulty rating: All levels
Best for: Those looking to surf and enjoy delicious local restaurants
Last but not least, here’s another excellent beach in Mexico! Sayulita is on the Riviera Nayarit north of Puerto Vallarta. This town has a relaxed, hippie vibe, as well as unique shops, taco stands, local artisans, and yoga studios.
Sayulita boasts some of the best surfing camps in Latin America. The southern part of the beach is ideal for those looking to practice their surfing skills. The northern end is for more advanced surfers. Experienced surfers say it’s perfect for people of all levels looking to practice their surfing skills.
Learn Spanish While Surfing in Latin America
Traveling to (and going surfing in) Spanish-speaking countries is the most wonderful way to improve your Spanish. What’s more, Spanish is the fastest-growing language in the U.S. due to the number of people speaking Spanish in the country. Not just that, being bilingual is an excellent way to further your career. According to a study conducted by The Economist, a person can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $125,000 extra just by knowing a foreign language alone.
To learn and/or improve your Spanish before your Latin American surfing adventure, sign up for a free trial class to practice your conversational skills with our friendly, certified teachers from Guatemala.
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