Tela
Tela is Honduras' most accessible surf destination—a Caribbean beach break that receives north swells during winter months and provides a rare opportunity to surf in a country better known for diving and ruins. The wave is beginner-friendly, with gentle peaks that won't punish mistakes, making it perfect for those seeking a cultural experience that happens to include waves. The nearby Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Garifuna villages add depth to any trip, while the uncrowded lineups offer a glimpse of Central American surf travel before the boom.
Tela surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (30°)
- Direction range
- 0° - 45°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.4m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Caribbean coast. Near Lancetilla Botanical Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tela?
Tela is a beach break in Atlántida, Honduras, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Tela?
Tela picks up swell from the N round to the NE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNE. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.2 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Tela?
A S wind is dead offshore at Tela, and anything from the SE round to the SW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Tela?
Tela has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.3m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Tela?
The most reliable run of swell at Tela comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Jun to Jul too. Caribbean north swells. Winter season.
How cold is the water at Tela?
The water at Tela averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Tela good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Generally mellow. Some rips when bigger.
How do I get to Tela?
The nearest airport on our list is SAP, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Caribbean coast. Near Lancetilla Botanical Garden.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Jun, Jul
Caribbean north swells. Winter season.