El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast)

Peru2/5
Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

El Camotal 1 is an exposed surf spot on the Ancash coast where waves are generally present, with summer described as the optimum season. When the wind lines up—particularly offshore east-northeast winds—and the swell angle is favorable, the break can produce cleaner, groomed faces and longer rides. Surf is commonly described as a long, mellow left-hand point/shore break character, with a peely, peeling feel and a “played out” pace compared with harsher beach breaks. Intermediate surfers are repeatedly referenced as the primary audience, and the ride is described as medium length overall; on well-aligned days, waves may peel for roughly 100–200 meters, with a typical ride length reported around 150 meters. The spot’s best performance is linked to northwest groundswells, and a strong swell from the south/southwest is also cited as important for reaching its potential (including a reported working height window around 1.0–2.0 meters). Because it is exposed, conditions can change quickly, and a warning is given that larger swells may close out if the swell period isn’t right. Safety-wise, avoid private property boundaries and be careful when paddling out. The access/nearshore area includes rocks and submerged boulders, and sea urchins are specifically mentioned as a hazard—so protective footwear is recommended. Lifeguard presence is none, and rescue availability is limited; the nearest medical services are noted in Casma. Facilities are minimal, so bringing essentials (including water and food) is advised.

  • Summer described as the best season; January is singled out as a best month by one source.
  • Offshore east-northeast winds support cleaner faces on good days.
  • Long, peeling left-hand ride profile with medium ride lengths; long rides possible when swell alignment is perfect.
  • Rocky/uneven nearshore hazards; booties recommended.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Usually has waves, with summer conditions described as optimum.
  • Offshore east-northeast winds can groom faces.
  • Long, mellow left-hand peeling rides are often favored by intermediate surfers and longboarders.
  • Budget-access area with nearby accommodation in Casma.
Heads up
  • Exposed and sometimes unpredictable surf; can become busy when conditions are favorable.
  • Water quality can be reported as polluted by some sources.
  • No lifeguards and limited rescue availability nearby.
  • Rocky access area and submerged hazards near the lineup.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ENE, E, ESE
Offshore directions
ENE
Wind Range
10–15 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Southeasterly trade winds with strong thermal acceleration from the coastal desert (afternoon strengthening described for the region).
Reliability
Moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
January, February, March
Shadow Zones
The point can provide some protection from southerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Mixed — Sand reported by one source; mixed composition reported by another.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Also described as usually having waves; one source emphasizes small conditions most of the time.
Launch
Medium — Rocky point entry or sandy beach entry depending on the tide.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmJan–Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Can get quite busy in the water; summer weekends may bring visitors from Lima.

Storm/Rain Season

Hyper-arid desert climate with negligible rainfall; rare garúa mist occurs from June to August.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed surf that usually has waves; works best with northwest groundswells and offshore east-northeast winds. Often described as a mellow left-hand point break with long peeling waves, especially suited to longboarding and intermediate surfers.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
NW
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed break; the point may provide some protection from southerly winds.
Wind Effect
Best with offshore east-northeast winds; East winds are offshore and can provide cleaner, groomed faces.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but may close out if the period is too short.
Wave Quality
Average — Wave quality described as average.
Wave Power
Soft — Rated as moderate by one source; described as soft/mellow for the point-left ride profile.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Long, mellow left-hand point break described as particularly well-suited for longboarding.
Peel Speed
Slow — Peels are described as slow/long and mellow.
Ride Length
Medium — Waves can peel for about 100-200 meters when swell angle aligns.
Typical Ride Length
150 m
Ride Length Details
Reported ride range includes waves peeling for 100-200 meters when swell direction aligns well with the point; typical ride length reported around 150 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) in the full forecast view.

El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–14 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
SSW201°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2414 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–1.6 m10s period
Temperature
23–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–1.6 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Private property boundaries
  • Submerged rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Strong currents during large swells
  • Rocks along the point and submerged boulders in the lineup
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated regional kite/windsurf rescue service reported; nearby assistance likely limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical services are located in the town of Casma.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; avoid crossing private property boundaries.

Restrictions
  • Avoid crossing private property boundaries.
Local Tips
  • Beware of private property lines when paddling out.
  • Wait for the sets to properly line up with the point for the longest rides.
  • Booties are recommended due to the rocky bottom near the point entry.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Chimbote
Nearest Town
Casma
Nearest Airport
Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU)
Parking
Informal parking available on the dirt areas near the beach.
Public Transport
Limited to intercity buses stopping in Casma, followed by private taxi or colectivo to the coast.
Access
Accessible via unpaved tracks leading from the main highway toward the coast.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and small hotels are available in nearby Casma.
Food & Drink
Limited options; it is advisable to bring your own water and food.
Equipment Rental:
No rental facilities at the beach; gear must be brought from larger towns.
Gear Storage
Not available.
Gear Repair
Not available.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Tourism centers on nearby Casma/Tortugas desert-and-coast scenery and historical sites.

Best time to visit: December to April for beach weather and peak wind conditions.
Chankillo25km

An ancient solar observatory and ceremonial center featuring thirteen stone towers.

Sechín Bajo20km

One of the oldest archaeological sites in the Americas, featuring impressive stone carvings.

Sandboarding in Casma Dunes15km

High-altitude sand dunes in the surrounding desert offer excellent sandboarding opportunities.

Tortugas Cevicherías5km

Numerous local eateries in the nearby Tortugas bay specializing in fresh seafood and ceviche.

Playa Tortugas5km

A calm, semi-enclosed bay suitable for swimming and family relaxation.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast)?

The best overall months at El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) are January, February, March, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast)?

El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) works with ENE, E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are ENE.

What skill level is El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) suitable for?

El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.