Los Pocitos (Catia La Mar)

Los Pocitos (Catia La Mar) is an urban, exposed beach-break spot known for offering generally reliable surfing when the right north swell arrives. The waves are typically manageable for beginners and can feature both left and right options depending on the day’s sandbar and swell energy. Mid tide is commonly preferred for the best setup. Conditions are strongly tied to water clarity and near-shore hazards. Pollution is a recurring concern at the break, and sources specifically advise checking water quality after heavy rains because runoff can increase contamination. In addition to pollution, rocks and sea urchins can be present near the break area, and submerged debris is also reported—extra caution is recommended during paddling out and when positioning near the edges. Wind is most often easterly and is described as trade-wind dominated, with some references also noting sea-breeze influence. East wind is reported as favorable/offshore-leaning for surf quality, though the exact effect can vary with the wind angle toward the bay. Typical wind speeds are often in the range of about 10–20 knots, and conditions are described as steady to somewhat variable across different observations. Seasonally, the spot is most consistently discussed for late year into early year: some data points to a best window around November to April, with December also highlighted as a particularly good month for surf. Crowds are another practical factor—sometimes crowded overall, with weekend and holiday periods tending to be busier.