Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast)

Surfing
Longboard, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Empty
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Ladrilleros is a fairly exposed Pacific beach and point-style break known for fairly consistent surf, with reports of both left- and right-hand waves. It’s a remote, boat-access destination where conditions are strongly influenced by swell direction and the local tidal swings, meaning the same swell can feel very different depending on timing. For surf, the best results are reported when a northwest swell combines with offshore east-northeast winds. In practice, providers also emphasize that mornings tend to be best before afternoon winds move onshore and change the surface. Wave quality is commonly described as average to moderate, with the break sometimes closing out on very large swells. Timing matters due to a very high tidal range and strong tidal currents. Local-style guidance highlights surfing on the incoming mid-tide and being especially aware of rapid tide changes near cliffs, where fast-moving water can create hazards if you get positioned poorly. The spot is described as very rarely crowded and low-profile overall. Water temperatures are warm year-round (around the high 20s °C), and visitors commonly plan for a rash guard rather than a wetsuit; the reported optimum season is winter and spring (with additional mentions that December to March can be especially good for swell and weather).

  • Fairly consistent surf on an exposed Pacific break
  • Offshore east-northeast winds can improve surf conditions when paired with northwest swell
  • Low crowd levels
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardSurfing bodyboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Fairly consistent surf on a fairly exposed beach/point break
  • Very rarely crowded
  • Warm water year-round; often no wetsuit needed beyond a rash guard for sun/board rash
  • Best season aligns with consistent winter/spring surf reports
Heads up
  • Very high tidal range makes conditions and beach width highly time-dependent
  • Strong currents/rip-current risk and remote access
  • Afternoon winds can quickly degrade surf surface
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE
Offshore directions
ENE, E
Wind Type
Trade — Offshore conditions reported when winds blow from the east-northeast.
Reliability
fairly consistent
Best Months
January, February, March, April

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach area often bordered by cliffs.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Wide beach but conditions depend heavily on tide; also influenced by cliffs/rocks at ends.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–28 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Crowds by Season

Busier during Colombian public holidays and whale watching season from July to October; otherwise commonly low.

Storm/Rain Season

Highly rainy year-round; increased rainfall typically from September to November.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A fairly exposed Pacific beach and point-style break with fairly consistent surf, offering both left- and right-hand waves; conditions are strongly influenced by swell direction and a very high tidal range.

Beach break
Optimal Swell
NW, SW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Incoming mid-tide is generally better.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the east-northeast support better conditions; onshore afternoon winds can mess up the surface, so mornings can be glassier.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average — Often described as fairly consistent; best organization reported when the swell is northwest with offshore wind.
Wave Power
Moderate — Sources describe fairly consistent surf and a moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Mushy — Reported as generally mushy, with better organization possible depending on swell.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Ride length described as medium.
Ride Length Details
Waves can offer decent rides, especially when the swell is well-organized from the southwest. Another source notes left-hand waves (and another notes both directions).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) in the full forecast view.

Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
WNW299°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 247 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–0.8 m11s period
Temperature
24–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.6–0.8 m with a period of about 11s. 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

  • Strong tidal currents
  • Potential rip currents
  • Remote location
  • Submerged rocks near cliffs/at the ends of the beach
  • Large tidal range that affects beach width
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Harness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Provider data indicates no rescue availability at the spot; regional context indicates limited rescue capability via nearby coastal units.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities and hospitals are located in Buenaventura. Nearest major medical care may require a boat trip.
Localism / Vibe
None — Sources describe it as very rarely crowded with no notable localism issues.

Rules of the spot

Be prepared for rapid tide changes and strong currents typical of the Pacific coast; avoid being trapped near cliffs when the water moves quickly.

Local Tips
  • Surfing is generally better on the incoming mid-tide.
  • Be aware of rapid tide changes which can trap you against cliffs.
  • The best conditions reported combine a northwest swell with offshore wind.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Buenaventura
Nearest Town
Ladrilleros
Nearest Airport
Gerardo Tobar López Airport (BUN)
Parking
No vehicle access from mainland; parking is only available in Buenaventura at the port.
Public Transport
Access is primarily via motorboat (lanchas) from the tourist pier in Buenaventura; local transport consists of motorcycle taxis.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various eco-hostels, budget guest houses, and rustic hotels are available in the Ladrilleros and Juanchaco villages.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Pacific Colombian cuisine.
Equipment Rental:
Limited surf board rentals available at local hostels; no specialized equipment for other wind sports indicated.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: Winter and spring (November–April), with December to March frequently cited for better swell/weather. July to September is also highlighted regionally for the best combination of whale watching and more manageable conditions.
Whale Watching0km

Humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to give birth between July and October.

Sierpe Waterfalls10km

Waterfalls that drop directly into the sea, accessible by boat through the mangroves.

Juanchaco Waterfront Eateries2km

Local kiosks serving traditional Pacific Colombian cuisine, specializing in seafood and coconut rice.

Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park5km

Exploration of a biodiverse marine area via guided boat tours.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast)?

The best overall months at Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) are November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast)?

Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ENE, E.

What skill level is Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) suitable for?

Playa Ladrilleros (San Juan Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.