Camotal (El Camotal)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
El Camotal (often referred to as El Camotal / El Camotal (El Camotal)) is a rare, submerged left-hand reef break off the coast of La Punta near San Lorenzo Island, reached only by boat. It sits in the shipping lane between San Lorenzo and La Punta, which makes correct planning and caution essential. When it’s on, the wave is described as fast-peeling with good quality. Typical rides are about 50–150 m, and on better days can extend to roughly 150–300 m. The spot is highly conditions-dependent: it requires specific north to northwest swells, plus south to southeast wind patterns that help keep the wave face groomed. The break frequency is notably low (about 5 days per year), so sessions are typically empty or very low crowding. That said, the spot’s hazards are significant: reef/rocks, possible sunken structures, and pollution concerns for the Callao area mean you should verify current water conditions before entering. For safety, treat it as a remote, boat-access-only environment with no lifeguards and limited rescue availability. Because currents can strengthen and become more demanding on larger swell—while the wave still holds size—only commit if you can manage reef-related risks in the water and if boat/traffic conditions are suitable.
- Left-hand submerged reef break off La Punta, accessible only by boat
- Works rarely (about 5 days per year), so crowding is typically minimal
- Good wave quality with fast-peeling performance and long ride potential on good days
- South wind and north-to-northwest swell are key to it working
- Good-quality left-hand reef waves when conditions line up
- Rarely crowded due to access restrictions and the need for specific swell/wind
- Rides can be long on good days
- Boat access only, with the spot located in an active shipping lane
- Very low wave frequency (rarely breaks; roughly 5 days per year)
- Reef/rock hazards plus nearby pollution concerns
- Currents can become challenging, especially on larger swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common; they typically do not negatively affect wave quality when the pattern aligns.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: S, SSW, SW, W, WSW, WNW, NW, NNW, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE · Afternoon reinforcement of gradient winds is commonly reported for the La Punta (Callao) area; spot-level guidance also notes afternoon sea breezes are common.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks / reef setting offshore.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Boat access only from La Punta or Callao docks; spot offshore in the shipping lane.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Boat access only and offshore positioning in a shipping lane.
Through the year
Usually empty or very low crowd levels due to boat-only access.
Rain is extremely rare; winter mist/garúa occurs.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A submerged reef left-hand break on a sunken sandbank between La Punta and San Lorenzo Island. It is highly dependent on specific north to northwest swell and south wind conditions, and it breaks only rarely (about 5 days per year).
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNW, NW
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Rising and falling tide movement can matter; one guide notes best tide movement as rising/falling.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed setting.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are described as cross-offshore, which helps groom the wave face.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, but currents can make it challenging as swell increases.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described as fast overall in some guides, with working conditions characterized as moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling left-hand waves are typical when it’s working.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normally 50–150 m; can extend to 150–300 m on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50–150 m normally; 150–300 m on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Camotal (El Camotal) in the full forecast view.
Camotal (El Camotal) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- S179°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Camotal (El Camotal) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.0–1.7 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
- Reef
- Rocks
- Water pollution
- Shipping traffic
- Remote location
- Sunken ruins
- Proximity to shipping lanes
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level guidance indicates rescue availability is none.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in La Punta or Callao.
Rules of the spot
Boat-only access and active shipping traffic require extra caution; check local water-quality and port/traffic conditions before committing.
- Accessible only by boat
- Shipping lane
- Boat-access-only
- The spot is rarely crowded because it requires a boat and very specific swell conditions.
- Check water quality reports for Callao as the area is near a major industrial port.
- Because it sits in the shipping lane between San Lorenzo Island and La Punta, be mindful of vessel traffic and plan access/egress carefully.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Callao
- Nearest Town
- La Punta
- Nearest Airport
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
- Parking
- Parking is available in the streets of La Punta, though it can be crowded on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via taxis, ride-sharing apps, and Metropolitano feeder buses; private transport is recommended for gear.
- Access
- By boat only from La Punta or Callao (shipping lane between San Lorenzo Island and La Punta).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various hotels and guesthouses are available in La Punta and the wider Lima area.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous seafood restaurants and cafes are located in La Punta near the docks.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental shops at the spot; gear must be brought from Lima or La Punta.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The La Punta (Callao) area is a gateway for marine excursions and coastal activities, with historic and cultural points of interest in the nearby Callao/Lima area.
Boat tours to swim with sea lions and observe Humboldt penguins.
An 18th-century Spanish colonial fortress built to defend against pirates.
An urban art project and historic neighborhood featuring galleries and street murals.
Paddling around calm bays and islets near the peninsula.
A district known for fresh seafood and traditional ceviche.
A scenic boardwalk for walking, cycling, and enjoying sunset views over the Pacific.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Camotal (El Camotal)?
The best overall months at Camotal (El Camotal) are December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Camotal (El Camotal)?
Camotal (El Camotal) works with S, SE winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Camotal (El Camotal) suitable for?
Camotal (El Camotal) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.