Punta Negra
Punta Negra is a quality left reef break between the more famous Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo. When solid S swells arrive, it produces hollow barrels over a rock and coral reef.
Punta Negra surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Between Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Punta Negra?
Punta Negra is a reef break in Lima, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Punta Negra?
Punta Negra picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Punta Negra?
An E wind is dead offshore at Punta Negra, and anything from the NE round to the SE 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 Punta Negra?
Punta Negra is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Punta Negra?
The most reliable run of swell at Punta Negra comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Needs solid swell. Quality hollow wave.
How cold is the water at Punta Negra?
The water at Punta Negra averages around 17°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Punta Negra good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Shallow reef. Strong currents.
How do I get to Punta Negra?
The nearest airport on our list is LIM, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive. Between Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo.
What other surf spots are near Punta Negra?
The closest breaks we track are Playa Norte (1.7 km), La Isla (1.7 km) and Kon Tiki (2.0 km), handy when Punta Negra isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Needs solid swell. Quality hollow wave.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Playa Norte
🏖️ Beach resort waves • Consistent peaks • Lima summer escape
La Isla
🏝️ Island rock landmark • Consistent left • Easy paddle
Kon Tiki
⛵ Heyerdahl heritage • Quality rights • Powerful reef break
Penascal
🪨 Punta Hermosa reef • Quality left • Less crowded option
Pico Alto 2
🏄 Punta Hermosa everyday wave • Consistent lefts • Easy access
Pico Alto
🇵🇪 Peru's giant • Never closes out • 30-min paddle