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.
El Canon surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to SCY, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full El Canon trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (292°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 315°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- 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?
The El Canon profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Canon?
The El Canon profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 70° to 110°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at El Canon?
The El Canon scoring profile favors swell from WNW (270° to 315°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 2.4m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists SCY as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. 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