Termales (Nuquí)

Surfing
Bodyboard, Beginners
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Termales is a remote river-mouth surf break on Colombia’s Pacific coast (Chocó). The setup is described as fairly exposed and often inconsistent, with small to moderate waves that become more surfable when conditions line up—especially during the drier period. When the swell and angle are favorable, it’s known for peeling left-hand waves and the potential for notably long rides. The spot is accessed only by boat from Nuquí, and the environment is rustic and sensitive (jungle/river-influenced coastline). Because the break is near the river mouth and involves sand-and-rock bottom, the lineup can be rocky—particularly at lower tides when rocks become more exposed. Current can also be noticeable around the river mouth, so checking the tide and being alert in the water is strongly emphasized. Wind is typically sea-breeze influenced, but reliability is described as low/inconsistent. South winds are generally described as best for the break; however, cross-onshore winds from the south can quickly make conditions choppy. Thermal timing is mostly an afternoon pattern, though overall thermal effects can be moderated by frequent cloud cover and high humidity. For seasonality, January through March is repeatedly referenced as a favorable window for enjoying cleaner, more enjoyable surf. Separately, the wider rainy pattern is described as year-round in the region, with heavier periods mid-year; outside the dry window, swells can be more consistent. Local guidance also links the experience with nearby natural thermal springs, making the surf trip a combined surf-and-hot-springs outing.

  • Peeling left-hand river-mouth surf when the swell angle is right
  • Long rides possible on good Southwest swell (reported up to ~100 meters)
  • Termales hot springs / natural thermal pools near the shore
  • Beginner-friendly guidance is common, but rocks and currents require caution
Great for
Surfing bodyboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Peeling river-mouth left-hand break that can produce long rides when the swell is right
  • Generally described as clean/favorable in the drier season
  • Very low-crowd, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere
  • Proximity to natural hot springs near the shore (natural thermal pools)
Heads up
  • Inconsistent surf conditions at times
  • Rocks and variable depth near the river mouth (more exposed at lower tides)
  • Remote access by boat and limited medical facilities
  • Wind reliability is low/inconsistent
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
5–12 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Sea-breeze winds with a light gradient pattern; morning winds can be light/offshore at times and afternoons typically bring sea breezes.
Reliability
inconsistent
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gustiness reported.
Best Months
January, February
Shadow Zones
Dense jungle coastline can create wind shadows close to shore.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Flat
Beach
Mixed — Volcanic sand with mixed sand/rock conditions at the break.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Often small to medium; described as small/mostly surfable rather than large.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach area near the river mouth; rocks present in the water.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky access zone and depth/tide variability.

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
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard/lycraJan–Dec: 2mm shorty (optional for long sessions)
Crowds by Season

Generally low crowds year-round; potentially more domestic tourists in December and January.

Storm/Rain Season

May to November (region described as very wet year-round, with heaviest precipitation roughly April–June and October–November).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed river break with inconsistent surf; waves can be clean in the dry season and are generally described as peeling left-hand when the swell is right. Rocks are part of the break near the river mouth.

River mouth
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — More mellow conditions are associated with mid-tide; lower tides expose more rocks.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed river mouth setup.
Wind Effect
Light winds are essential; south winds are best, and cross-onshore winds from the south can quickly make conditions choppy.
Bigger Swell
Can close out or become messy if the swell is too large or from a poor angle.
Wave Quality
Good — Average-to-good quality depending on swell angle and wind; clean in the drier period.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Long, peeling rides when the swell angle and conditions are right.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Can offer long rides; up to around 100 meters on a good Southwest swell. Typical reported ride length is about 50–100 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Termales (Nuquí) in the full forecast view.

Termales (Nuquí) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
WNW293°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 277 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–0.7 m11s period
Temperature
25–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Termales (Nuquí) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.6–0.7 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

  • Rocks (including rocks in the water/lineup, especially at lower tides)
  • River mouth currents
  • Remote location
  • Limited medical facilities
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Leash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence indicated.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated water-sports rescue services; safety relies on local boatmen (lancheros) and an informal network of eco-lodges.
Emergency Info
Nearest basic medical facility is in Nuquí; serious emergencies may require air evacuation. National emergency number: 123.
Localism / Vibe
None — No access/localism friction indicated; community-respect guidance is emphasized.

Rules of the spot

Respetar a la comunidad local y apoyar los negocios sostenibles; respect local community and the environment (sensitive ecological zone).

Restrictions
  • No dedicated water-sports rescue services; rely on local boatmen and local eco-lodge support for safety.
Local Tips
  • Check the tide: lower tides expose more rocks in the lineup.
  • Stay attentive to currents and tides, especially on more exposed/remote areas within the spot zone.
  • This spot is accessed by boat from Nuquí.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Nuquí
Nearest Town
Termales
Nearest Airport
Reyes Murillo Airport (NUQ) in Nuquí
Parking
No vehicle access; boat transport only.
Public Transport
Access is exclusively by boat (lancha) from Nuquí; there are no roads connecting this region to the rest of Colombia.
Access
Accessible only by boat (lancha) from Nuquí; approximately 45–60 minutes.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Showers
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several eco-lodges and guest houses in/near Termales.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants in Termales serve traditional Chocó cuisine, mainly fish and plantains.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental appears limited; surf board rentals may be available at local eco-lodges.
Gear Storage
Limited storage available at specific surf-oriented lodges for guests.
Gear Repair
No professional gear repair; bring your own ding repair kit.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A wild off-the-beaten-path surfing area where natural thermal springs and rainforest-Pacific scenery are central to the visit.

Best time to visit: January to March for the best weather; July to September for whale watching.
Termales Hot Springs0km

Natural thermal pools located near the beach, surrounded by dense jungle.

Local Afro-Colombian Communities1km

Small coastal villages offering a glimpse into the traditional Pacific lifestyle and gastronomy.

Whale Watching2km

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

Jungle Trekking to Cascada del Amor3km

Guided hikes through the rainforest to reach hidden waterfalls.

Eco-Lodge Dining0km

Meals are generally served within lodges, focusing on fresh Pacific fish and plantains.

Beachcombing and Nature Walks0km

Explore the beaches and observe local wildlife.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Termales (Nuquí)?

The best overall months at Termales (Nuquí) are January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February.

Which wind directions work at Termales (Nuquí)?

Termales (Nuquí) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.

What skill level is Termales (Nuquí) suitable for?

Termales (Nuquí) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.