Asia (Palmas)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Asia (Palmas) is a sandy, exposed beach-break south of Lima where surfing is the primary draw, offering both left and right waves that can be hollow, fast, and powerful. Multiple reports describe the spot as regularly working once the swell reaches roughly 1.0–1.5 m and holding up to around 2.5 m or more before closing out, with best performance typically on mid to high tide. Wind availability aligns well with the region’s persistent south-to-SSW pattern: kitesurfing is described as possible with southern winds during January and September through December. Surf reports also emphasize that wind direction strongly affects the session, with conditions described as cross-shore from the south and offshore-best for better surf quality. Thermal/afternoon wind timing is specifically referenced in the broader area, so planning for afternoon conditions can matter. On the safety side, there are conflicting hazard notes between providers for kitesurfing (one reports no hazards while another source highlights cold water exposure, strong shore break, and rip currents). In practice, treat the water as hazardous: expect cold Humboldt-influenced temperatures and keep an eye out for rip currents and shore-break impacts. Access is also commonly described as private/club-restricted, with summer designated swimming zones; weekend crowding increases the importance of respecting boundaries and any local preferences. Amenities are limited but present at the beach area (for example showers/toilets), with resort and nearby shopping/dining options in the Asia district. Overall, it’s best framed as a performance-oriented, intermediate-level beach destination whose win conditions are the right tide plus the right swell/wind combination in the winter south-swell season and adjacent wind season months.
- Exposed sandy beach-break with left and right waves
- Works best at mid to high tide
- Powerful, fast, hollow surf (especially on the right swell)
- Southern wind season supports kitesurfing (Jan and Sep–Dec)
- Consistent beach-break surf with both left and right waves.
- Small-to-medium waves reported for kitesurfing with southern winds in the main season.
- Clean water conditions are commonly reported.
- Easy sandy launch with wide beach space (especially at low/mid tide).
- Private access and designated club zones can limit entry/launch choices.
- Cold water exposure; wetsuit typically required year-round.
- Weekend crowding and mild localism have been reported.
- Surf can be powerful and hollow on the best days.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- N, E, NNE, ENE, NE, NW, NNW, NNE
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — S to SSW trade winds; also described as thermally driven coastal wind (sea-breeze/gradient type).
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Huge — One source describes wave size as huge; surf working window is described around 1.0–1.5 m up to 2.5 m+.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with instant access; ample space especially at low and mid tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Sandy beach with instant access.
Through the year
Weekdays: few surfers; weekends: crowded.
Rain is extremely rare in this desert region; mist/garúa is common mid-year (June to September).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible with southern winds, primarily in January and September through December, with small to medium waves reported on a big sandy beach.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible beyond the shore break; waves and sandy launching are noted as making foil launching more challenging than at flat-water spots.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Described as limited foil-friendly conditions.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
An exposed beach-break with both left and right waves that can become hollow and fast, especially on the right-hand swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best described as mid to high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South winds are described as cross-shore; morning is usually glassier for pure surfing. Offshore-best conditions are also reported for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to about 2.5 m or more before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Short — Sources describe short, punchy sections; one source gives normal length as short (<50 m) while another provides a broader practical range.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short and intensive; usually less than 50 meters in one report, while another describes sessions with 50–150m practical ride lengths.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Asia (Palmas) in the full forecast view.
Asia (Palmas) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–10 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- SSW203°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Asia (Palmas) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- localism
- Rip currents
- Strong shore break
- Cold water exposure
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals are located in Asia or further north in Lima. In emergencies, regional guidance references emergency numbers 105 (Police) or 116 (Fire/Ambulance).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect private beach boundaries; be aware of designated swimming zones in front of private beach clubs during summer months.
- Private club access limitations
- Private beach access restrictions
- Be aware of localism on weekends when crowded.
- Access to the beach is often restricted by gated communities; look for public access paths mandated by law.
- Wear a rash vest for UV protection in warm water.
- The water is cold even in summer due to the Humboldt Current; a wetsuit is always required.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Asia, Lima Province
- Nearest Town
- Asia
- Nearest Airport
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Lima
- Parking
- Resort parking available for guests; public parking may be limited due to private beach status. Another source notes limited parking near beach clubs, with more public parking at Boulevard de Asia.
- Public Transport
- Frequent long-distance buses run along the Pan-American Highway; private vehicles/taxis are needed to reach specific beach entrances.
- Access
- Instant access (<5 min walk) from the resort; located in the Asia Las Palmas beach area within the private resort corridor 95 km south of Lima on the Panamericana Highway.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury beach houses, rentals, and hotels in the Asia district; Asia Las Palmas resort and nearby vacation rentals.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple resort restaurants and bars within the Asia Las Palmas resort complex; numerous restaurants/cafes at Boulevard de Asia shopping complex.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rentals available; some equipment rental is described as available through mobile schools/seasonal centers near access points during summer.
- Gear Storage
- Generally only available through private clubs or specific schools serving the area.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs may be available through the wider area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A luxury desert-coast base for Lima visitors, with social and water-sport activity peaking in the summer months.
Massive seasonal shopping and entertainment complex with high-end retail, cinemas, and department stores.
Major pre-Inca citadel and pilgrimage center located on the route between Lima and Asia.
World-class destination for wildlife spotting and desert landscapes.
High-end Peruvian–Japanese fusion and fresh ceviche; especially active during summer weekends.
Recreational go-kart track near the commercial center.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Asia (Palmas)?
The best overall months at Asia (Palmas) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Asia (Palmas)?
Asia (Palmas) works with S winds. Offshore directions are N, E, NNE, ENE, NE, NW, NNW, NNE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Asia (Palmas)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Asia (Palmas): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Asia (Palmas) suitable for?
Asia (Palmas) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.