Termales (Nuquí)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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)
- 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
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
Generally low crowds year-round; potentially more domestic tourists in December and January.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 (including rocks in the water/lineup, especially at lower tides)
- River mouth currents
- Remote location
- Limited medical facilities
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).
- No dedicated water-sports rescue services; rely on local boatmen and local eco-lodge support for safety.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A wild off-the-beaten-path surfing area where natural thermal springs and rainforest-Pacific scenery are central to the visit.
Natural thermal pools located near the beach, surrounded by dense jungle.
Small coastal villages offering a glimpse into the traditional Pacific lifestyle and gastronomy.
Humpback whales migrate to these waters to give birth between July and October.
Guided hikes through the rainforest to reach hidden waterfalls.
Meals are generally served within lodges, focusing on fresh Pacific fish and plantains.
Explore the beaches and observe local wildlife.
From riders who've been here
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.