Beginner Surf Spots in Peru
7 surf breaks we map are rated for beginner surfers in Peru: Mancora, Punta Sal, San Bartolo - Derechitas, San Bartolo - Izguierditas, Santa Maria, Máncora and Punta Huanchaco.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Point breaks
- 4
- Beach breaks
- 2
- Reef breaks
- 1
The beginner breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Mancora
Máncora
- Wave
- Point Break · Left
- Level
- All Levels; best for intermediate surfers
- Season
- Year-Round; strongest NW swells typically Nov–Mar
- Tide
- All tides; low tide often best
- Watch out
- Rock-and-sand bottom, exposed rocks at lower tides. More powerful and challenging on larger swells.
- Punta Sal
Punta Sal
- Wave
- Point Break · Left Point
- Level
- Beginner to Advanced
- Season
- March - October. Still surf in Nov–Feb, but less consistent.
- Tide
- Low to Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Rocky point/reef. Watch for exposed and submerged rocks, particularly at lower tide. Best with clean NW groundswells and ESE offshore winds.
- San Bartolo - Derechitas
San Bartolo
- Wave
- Reef / Point Brea · Right
- Level
- All Levels - Beginner - Pre-Intermediate - Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- Year Round
- Tide
- Hight Tide
- Watch out
- The bottom is rocky, and sea urchins are a known hazard, so surfers should pay attention to entry and exit points. The preferred entry is on the right side of the Playa Norte pier. Peru’s cool Humboldt-influenced water also means wetsuit needs vary seasonally; local guidance suggests a short suit in summer and full suit during winter.
- San Bartolo - Izguierditas
San Bartolo
- Wave
- Reef / Point / Pier Break · Left
- Level
- Beginner - Pre-Intermediate - Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- Year-Round
- Tide
- All tides, with Low Tide preferred
- Watch out
- Rocky bottom and sea urchins. Watch your footing when entering and exiting, and respect the established lineup when it's busy. The preferred access is from the left side of the Playa Norte pier. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally; local guidance recommends lighter wetsuit protection in summer and a full suit during the cooler winter period.
- Santa Maria
Santa María del Mar
- Wave
- Beach break · Right / Left
- Level
- Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- Mid Tide — Rising
- Watch out
- Santa María's sand bottom is more forgiving than many of the rocky reef and point breaks nearby, but the ocean itself deserves respect. Local descriptions specifically note changing currents and unpredictable power, and the shallow beach can make smaller waves surprisingly hollow. Sandbars also move, so the best peak may change considerably from one season or major swell to another.
- Máncora
- Wave
- Point break · Left-hand
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- April to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Punta Huanchaco
- Wave
- Beach break · Left-hand
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- April to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Rip currents form between the sandbars — always check conditions before paddling out.
Other levels in Peru
Frequently asked questions
Where can beginner surfers surf in Peru?
7 surf breaks we map are rated for beginner surfers in Peru: Mancora, Punta Sal, San Bartolo - Derechitas, San Bartolo - Izguierditas, Santa Maria, Máncora and Punta Huanchaco.
When is the best time for beginner surfers to surf Peru?
The beginner-rated breaks we map in Peru are mostly at their best in April to October.
What kind of waves are the beginner surf spots in Peru?
Of the 7 beginner breaks we map in Peru, 4 are point breaks, 2 are beach breaks and 1 is a reef break. Sand-bottom beach breaks are the most forgiving place to fall.