Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo)

Shortboard, Families
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Playa Grande 3 is an exposed sandy beach break near Punta del Diablo that’s often described as a roomier, more spacious alternative to the village beaches. Surf is generally consistent, with waves breaking left and right, and the setup is commonly best on low tide. Conditions depend on wind and swell direction. The spot is noted to work well with south swell (and related south-to-southeast swell angles), while north / north-northeast winds are described as the cleanest or most favorable—effectively pushing wind offshore and helping the surface. One dataset also highlights a typical working swell-height window and that the ride is usually short, with sandbar timing affecting where the better peaks form. Safety is a major consideration: rips and strong undertow are repeatedly flagged as the key hazard here. Even when conditions look good, surfers are advised to be cautious around rip channels and plan around the low-tide window rather than assuming the break is uniformly safe. Seasonally, autumn and winter are commonly favored, with another dataset emphasizing January–March as especially consistent months. Crowd levels are described as rarely crowded at this specific peak, which aligns with the idea of it being accessed via a longer walk/park approach. Bring appropriate shore safety essentials and the right wetsuit for the season, since the water can be cool to mild outside summer.

  • Roomier bay-side beach break feel
  • Low tide commonly best
  • Offshore north-northeast/northerly winds improve surf quality
  • Rarely crowded at this specific peak
Great for
Surfing shortboardFamiliesBeginners
What's great
  • Roomier beach-break option along Playa Grande, often less crowded.
  • Works best on south swell with a low-tide setup.
  • Offshore north-northeast/northerly winds can improve conditions.
Heads up
  • Rip currents/undertow risk makes surfing potentially dangerous.
  • This peak has no on-site rescue/lifeguards listed.
  • Wave and quality details vary between datasets (rip setup and sandbar timing can matter).
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NNE, N
Offshore directions
NNE, N
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Dominant north/north-northeast wind; also described as a frontal/ongoing Atlantic wind influence in some sources.
Reliability
34% monthly blown
Gust Factor
Steady — Also described as moderate gusting in another dataset.
Best Months
January, February, March

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small
Launch
Medium — Open beach with gentle slope / wide sandy beach with ample space.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–23 °C
Water Temperature
9–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 3/2mmMar–Nov: 4/3mmJun, Jul, Aug: 5/4mm + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (June to August) can see frequent southern storms; S/SW Pampero storms can cause sudden cooling and stronger winds.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break along the long Playa Grande stretch, known for consistent surf on south swell with a low-tide setup. Waves can break both left and right; ride windows are relatively short and can depend on sandbar timing.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Works best offshore with north-northeast/northerly winds; otherwise can be cross-offshore/cleaning depending on wind direction.
Bigger Swell
Holds size moderately in one description; another description notes it can close out when swells exceed about 2 meters.
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as average in another dataset.
Wave Power
Soft — Also described as moderate in another dataset.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Also described as peeling in another dataset.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Short rides; quick peaks.
Ride Length Details
Roomier bay-side section can feel friendlier than tighter town breaks; quick peaks that work best on specific sandbars.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) in the full forecast view.

Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–19 ktsGusts 31 kts
Direction
SE144°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2419 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.8 m7s period
Temperature
11–18 °C

Over the next 7 days, Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.7–1.8 m with a period of about 7s. 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

  • rips
  • rip currents
  • strong undertow
  • occasional shifting sandbars
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards at this spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Rescue availability is listed as no at the spot level.
Emergency Info
No coastguard listed on this spot. Nearest medical facility in Punta del Diablo; primary emergency number is 911.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism is described as none.

Rules of the spot

No designated zones; general beach rules apply.

Local Tips
  • Be wary of rips — they make surfing here dangerous.
  • Best at low tide.
  • Offshore winds from the north-northeast are ideal.
  • Access can require a park approach or a long walk; bring water and supplies for this section of the beach.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Chuy
Nearest Town
Punta del Diablo
Parking
Parking available near the beach entrance; parking also noted within designated areas in Santa Teresa National Park.
Access
Accessible via road from Punta del Diablo town; also described as reached via trails/roads through Santa Teresa National Park or by walking north from Playa del Rivero.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Campsites/hostels within Santa Teresa National Park and lodging in Punta del Diablo town.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and bars are available in Punta del Diablo town; some relief structures on the beach are described as rough hand-built bush shelters.
Equipment Rental:
Surf rentals are offered by shops in Punta del Diablo village.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo)?

The best overall months at Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) are April, May, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo)?

Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) works with NNE, N winds. Offshore directions are NNE, N.

What skill level is Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) suitable for?

Playa Grande 3 (Punta del Diablo) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.