El Camotal 1 (El Camotal Coast)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Can get quite busy in the water; summer weekends may bring visitors from Lima.
Hyper-arid desert climate with negligible rainfall; rare garúa mist occurs from June to August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Private property boundaries
- Submerged rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents during large swells
- Rocks along the point and submerged boulders in the lineup
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.
- Avoid crossing private property boundaries.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism centers on nearby Casma/Tortugas desert-and-coast scenery and historical sites.
An ancient solar observatory and ceremonial center featuring thirteen stone towers.
One of the oldest archaeological sites in the Americas, featuring impressive stone carvings.
High-altitude sand dunes in the surrounding desert offer excellent sandboarding opportunities.
Numerous local eateries in the nearby Tortugas bay specializing in fresh seafood and ceviche.
A calm, semi-enclosed bay suitable for swimming and family relaxation.
From riders who've been here
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.