El Canon
El Canon is a right-hand reef break on San Cristobal's north side that lights up when NW swells wrap around the island. Less crowded than Tongo, it offers fun walls and occasional barrels for intermediate to advanced surfers.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (292°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 315°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Dirt road access from town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Canon?
El Canon works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Canon?
Offshore wind at El Canon blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 70° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Canon?
El Canon wants WNW swell (270° to 315°) between 0.9m and 2.4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Canon?
The main season at El Canon is Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. A secondary window runs Jun, Nov. Best with NW-W swells December-May.
How do I get to El Canon?
Fly into SCY, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Dirt road access from town.
What kind of wave is El Canon?
El Canon is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Secondary: Jun, Nov
Best with NW-W swells December-May.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Punta Carola
🌊 Town wave • Right point • Sea lion colony
Tongo Reef
🦭 WSL contest venue • Three-section reef • Surf with sea lions
La Loberia
🦭 Sea lion beach • Quality reef left • Wildlife paradise
Punta Negra
🌋 Volcanic reef right • Lower tides • Near Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay
🐢 White sand paradise • Marine iguanas • National park setting
Seymour Norte
🚤 Boat access only • Remote reef right • True adventure