Makaha (Lima)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Makaha (Lima) is an exposed reef break on the Miraflores Coast with very consistent surf conditions and waves that can work across all tides. The spot is typically described as small and reef/boulder-based, with a cloudy water profile and notable hazards from the rocky bottom and man-made structures. For surfing, the break is commonly characterized as an artificial/reef setup that provides both left and right wave directions. Waves are reported as generally good quality and workable year-round, with a typical “normal” wave length under about 50 meters and short ride lengths (often cited around 50m when conditions line up). It’s frequently positioned as beginner-friendly in terms of how the waves break, while still requiring caution due to the reef/boulders. Wind-driven activity is also possible: kitesurfing is noted as having a southern wind season window (best months include September through January). However, it can be more challenging due to the rocky/limited launch environment and generally lighter winds, so it’s better approached with experience and strong situational awareness. Afternoon sea-breeze conditions can influence surface chop, which matters for ride quality. Safety planning is essential at Makaha. Sources emphasize the risks from rocks/boulders, a nearby mole/jetties, and pollution (especially after rain or during coastal mist periods). Crowds—particularly on weekends and with many students in the water—mean you should respect designated surfing zones and keep clear of swimmers and high-volume beginner areas.
- Very consistent surf (very consistent/150 days per year reported)
- Works at all tides
- Accessible in the city with quick beach access
- Very consistent reef-artificial surf with workable waves through the year
- Works on all tides
- Strong urban accessibility with nearby amenities
- Rocky reef/boulders and small beach area increase hazard risk
- Water quality can be cloudy and may be affected by pollution after rains
- Crowds on weekends (including high density of beginner surfers)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breezes are common during sunnier months.
- Reliability
- very-consistent
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocks reported; boulders/reef-artificial bottom described.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Sources also mention medium wave potential depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Limited space on a rocky shore; kitesurfing needs a launch from a small beach area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Kitesurfing launch is limited and rocky; described as moderate difficulty.
Through the year
Extremely crowded on weekends and summer holidays; quieter on weekday mornings.
Mist (garúa) is common from June to October; heavy rain is rare.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible in Lima’s southern wind season; works with the afternoon wind when conditions fit. Launch and light wind make it more challenging than other spots.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Possible when wind is sufficient, but the rocky entry and near-shore boulders require caution with foil depth.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
Exposed reef break with very consistent waves that can work all year; both left and right directions are available.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, SW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides (rising and falling) are workable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastal reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Can become choppy with the afternoon sea breeze, but generally stays relatively rideable.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 3m; can become more challenging on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short — Short to medium waves; typical normal length is under 50m. Typical ride length is often cited around 50m on workable waves.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are typically short to medium; longer rides can happen on larger swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Makaha (Lima) in the full forecast view.
Makaha (Lima) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–9 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- S179°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.3 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Makaha (Lima) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.3–2.3 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
- rocks
- man-made buoys
- mole (moles / artificial jetties)
- pollution
- crowds
- high density of beginner surfers
- artificial jetties (moles)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Municipal lifeguards are stationed at popular beaches; rescue described as limited for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- National emergency number: 105 (Police), 116 (Fire/Ambulance). Nearest major hospitals include Clínica Delgado and Clínica Anglo Americana in Miraflores.
Rules of the spot
Avoid rocks and man-made buoys; watch for pollution. In the water, keep distance from the high volume of swimmers/surf students in designated zones.
- Designated surfing zones
- Kitesurfing is typically restricted to the windier afternoon hours away from primary surf school crowds
- Wear booties to protect against the rocky bottom.
- Check water quality reports, especially during the winter months (garúa/mist period).
- Be mindful of designated surfing zones and keep clear of crowded areas and swimmers.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lima
- Nearest Town
- Miraflores
- Parking
- Public parking lots along the beach road fill up quickly on weekends.
- Access
- Down the Costa Verde (green coast) near the area by La Rosa Nautica and Pacifico Sur / Pacifico Sur surf club; pedestrian access via stairs from the Miraflores boardwalk. Instant access (< 5 min walk).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive options in the Miraflores district, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and snack bars located right on the beach area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Numerous surf shacks offer board and wetsuit rentals directly on/near the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Some local surf clubs offer lockers for members.
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repair shops in nearby Miraflores and Surquillo districts.
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 Makaha (Lima)?
The best overall months at Makaha (Lima) are January, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Makaha (Lima)?
Makaha (Lima) works with S, SW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Makaha (Lima)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Makaha (Lima): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Makaha (Lima) suitable for?
Makaha (Lima) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.