Funeral Point (El Tunal)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Funeral Point (El Tunal) is a fairly exposed beach-and-point surf spot on Isla Margarita that only comes together under the right conditions. It’s described as a right-hand point break that transitions into a beach break, with northeast swell being the key to unlocking better surf. Wind-wise, the area is influenced by northeast trade winds, with reports that stronger trade winds can blow the waves out. The spot is therefore best when you get a workable swell and the wind isn’t too strong—sessions are commonly recommended earlier in the day before the trade winds strengthen. Conditions come with notable hazards: exposed rocks, sea urchins, and sharks are specifically mentioned. Because the bottom includes rocks and urchins, booties are strongly recommended, and the rock hazards become especially more critical when the swell is larger. For timing, January is flagged as the best month, and the broader seasonal window in the area includes December through March for consistent northeast trade-wind/swell combinations. Water temperatures are typically warm year-round (and are listed around the mid-20s °C across many months), making it feasible to surf with light insulation depending on the day.
- Exposed beach-and-point break requiring the right swell and wind alignment.
- Northeast swell is optimal; January is best month.
- Rock-and-urchin hazards—booties recommended; early sessions advised.
- Warm water and generally dependable seasonal conditions.
- Intermediate-friendly surf when swell and wind line up.
- A right-hand point break with peeling shape and moderate power.
- The break is exposed and only works when conditions are just right.
- Rocks and sea urchins are present; booties are strongly recommended.
- No on-site rescue/lifeguards reported; emergency response is not immediate.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds (Alisios) for the broader area; afternoon reinforcement is common.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as moderate-gusts.
- Best Months
- January
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · +15–25 kts · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar · Dir: N, NNE, NE · Regional thermal effects often reinforce trade winds and peak in the afternoon (around 2pm–5pm).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand reported in one dataset; mixed composition also reported elsewhere.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as small-waves in spot-level data; surfing potential improves with a solid swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach and rocky point entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty reported.
Through the year
Usually uncrowded; more local surfers on weekends.
Rainy season typically June to November (with occasional mild showers mentioned elsewhere between October and January).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed beach-and-point break that only works when conditions are just right. Right-hand point break that transitions into a beach break; best with northeast swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides are reported to work.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach and point; not well sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Can be blown out by strong trade winds; best with lighter offshore winds from the South.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger swells well, but rock hazards become more critical.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Known for a peeling shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling right-hand point break.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Funeral Point (El Tunal) in the full forecast view.
Funeral Point (El Tunal) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- E80°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–0.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 27–34 °C
Over the next 7 days, Funeral Point (El Tunal) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.6–0.9 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- rocks
- sea urchins
- sharks
- moderate rip currents possible near the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported on-site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited; no on-site rescue base is indicated.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Porlamar (about 60–90 minutes away). Emergency number: 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Surf only when conditions are just right. Use caution around rocks and sea urchins; early sessions are advised before stronger trade winds pick up.
- Booties are recommended due to a high concentration of sea urchins on the rocks.
- Best to surf early in the morning before the trade winds pick up.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Porlamar
- Nearest Town
- El Tunal
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access
- Public Transport
- Public transport is limited; most visitors rely on taxis/rental cars/organized transfers.
- Access
- Publicly accessible but requires some effort to reach. Accessible via coastal roads on the north side of the island.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses available in El Tunal and nearby Playa El Agua; nearby options also available in Porlamar.
- Food & Drink
- Small local eateries (posadas) in the vicinity.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Funeral Point (El Tunal)?
The best overall months at Funeral Point (El Tunal) are January.
Which wind directions work at Funeral Point (El Tunal)?
Funeral Point (El Tunal) works with NE winds.
What skill level is Funeral Point (El Tunal) suitable for?
Funeral Point (El Tunal) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.