San Bartolo (Lima Coast)
- Wave, Bodyboard
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
San Bartolo (Lima Coast) is a small, sandy-coast surf spot with reef/structure-involved breaks and generally clean water. Surf guides describe it as very consistent year-round, with Playa Norte being the main focus for peaks that include both right and left sections (with one left area commonly referred to as Izquierditas). The working swell window is described as starting around 1.0–1.5m and capable of holding up to about 3m+ depending on conditions, and wave quality is consistently rated as good/moderate. From a safety standpoint, the main risks are sea urchins, rocks, and reef/break elements, plus currents that can be more noticeable near pier/rock areas during larger swells. Booties are strongly recommended due to the concentration of sea urchins on the rocky sections, and crowds on weekends can increase the hazard of crowding in the lineup and around access points. Rescue availability is described as limited, and local medical clinics are available in San Bartolo town with larger hospitals in Lima. Wind-wise, San Bartolo sits within a South-to-Southwest regime where afternoon sea breezes/thermal winds are common in summer. Typical wind strengths for sessions are described as about 12–18 knots, with moderate reliability often improving from late spring through summer. Best months for kitesurf wind are listed as January and then late-year months (September through December), with the most favorable wind direction indicated as S/SSE/SW in wind summaries and as southerly in kitesurf spot data. Kitesurfing is described as possible during the summer thermal/wind window and is suited to freeride and wave riding in the open-bay side of the coast, with recommended kite sizes around 9–14m. However, there is also a specific warning that kitesurfing here can be unsuitable when wind is lacking and when beachgoers crowd the launch/access area—so conditions should be checked carefully before committing. Overall, the spot is best characterized as a surfing hub first, with wind sports becoming relevant during the more favorable thermal/breeze periods.
- Very consistent surf hub with Playa Norte as the main attraction
- Working swell described from about 1.0m–3.0m
- Afternoon sea-breeze/thermal winds in summer can support kitesurfing
- Sea urchins/rocks make booties a key safety item
- Very consistent surf destination with both left and right sections around Playa Norte.
- Good wave quality and a working swell range described from about 1.0–3.0m.
- Seasonal afternoon sea-breeze/thermal winds can support kitesurfing and wave riding in summer.
- Clean water noted in spot guides.
- Cold water typical of the Humboldt Current; wetsuit needed for long sessions.
- Rocky/reef hazards including sea urchins and rocks; use booties.
- Crowding on weekends.
- Kitesurfing wind can be inconsistent and may be hampered by lack of wind and beachgoers.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSE, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Afternoon sea breezes are common during summer months.
- Reliability
- Moderate, most reliable from late spring through summer
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Surf guides describe wave size as able to work from around 1.0–1.5m up to 3m+.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy beach at Playa Norte; can be narrow at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch described as moderate; narrow at high tide.
Through the year
Peak crowds in summer (January–March) and on weekends year-round.
Garua (thick coastal mist/drizzle) is common from June to September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A summer kitesurfing option when southerly thermal winds kick in; suited for wave riding and freeriding in the open bay area. One safety note also indicates it can be a terrible choice for kitesurfing if wind is lacking and crowds are present.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Possible in the open bay, though the rocky bottom and sea urchins make launching a challenge; best at mid to high tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
A highly consistent surf hub with a variety of peaks, notably Playa Norte (including a left section known as Izquierditas).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best described as mid and high tide; also works as rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed reef/pier break; shelter varies by bay/sector but overall the break is treated as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are cross-shore; morning conditions are usually glassier.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but can become heavy and close out the main bay if too large.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good; very consistent across the year in surf spot guidance.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good days can produce rides between 50 and 150 meters; typical good-day ride length described around 100m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal ride length described as short (<50m) in one guide; other guidance describes good days with 50–150m rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for San Bartolo (Lima Coast) in the full forecast view.
San Bartolo (Lima Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–10 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- SSW200°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2810 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.1 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, San Bartolo (Lima Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.2–2.1 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
- Sea urchins
- Rocks
- Currents
- Boulders
- Crowds on weekends
- Stones
- Wave breaker
- Reef
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Local medical clinics are available in San Bartolo town; larger hospitals are in Lima.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted in safety guidance.
Rules of the spot
Standard surf etiquette applies; respect the local surfers in the lineup.
- Crowding on weekends: be prepared for more competition in the lineup and around the water.
- Booties are highly recommended due to the high concentration of sea urchins on the rocks.
- Playa Norte is generally better for surfing; Playa Sur is more for swimming.
- Weekends can be extremely crowded with visitors from Lima.
- Check conditions carefully for kitesurfing due to frequent lack of wind and crowding.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lima
- Nearest Town
- San Bartolo
- Parking
- Parking is available along the malecon and in designated lots within the town.
- Access
- Located 53km south of Lima via the Panamerican Highway (Panamericana Sur).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hostels, surf camps, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Wide variety of seafood restaurants (cevicherias) and cafes along the boardwalk.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at many surf shops and schools along the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local surf schools and clubs.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair is available in town.
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 San Bartolo (Lima Coast)?
The best overall months at San Bartolo (Lima Coast) are January, February, March, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at San Bartolo (Lima Coast)?
San Bartolo (Lima Coast) works with S, SSE, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at San Bartolo (Lima Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at San Bartolo (Lima Coast): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–18 kts.
What skill level is San Bartolo (Lima Coast) suitable for?
San Bartolo (Lima Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.