Punta Sal
Punta Sal is Peru's northernmost surf destination, offering warm tropical waters near the Ecuador border. The mellow left point is perfect for beginners and longboarders seeking a tropical experience without the cold Humboldt Current.
Punta Sal surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach resort area. Easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Punta Sal?
Punta Sal is a point break in Tumbes, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Punta Sal?
Punta Sal picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. 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 14s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Sal?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Punta Sal, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE 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 Sal?
Punta Sal has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Punta Sal?
The most reliable run of swell at Punta Sal comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Feb too. Year-round. Warmest water in Peru. Near Ecuador border.
How cold is the water at Punta Sal?
The water at Punta Sal averages around 24°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Punta Sal good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Mild currents. Beginner-friendly.
How do I get to Punta Sal?
The nearest airport on our list is TBP, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Beach resort area. Easy access.
What other surf spots are near Punta Sal?
The closest breaks we track are Mancora (16 km), Punta Ballenas (17 km) and Organitos (27 km), handy when Punta Sal isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most northerly break we track in Peru.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Warmest water in Peru. Near Ecuador border.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Mancora
🎉 Party surf town • Warm water lefts • Backpacker scene
Punta Ballenas
🐳 Whale Point • Left reef • Near Mancora
Organitos
🏖️ Beginner option • NW swells • Near Los Organos
Los Organos Reef
🐋 Whale watching village • NW swell window • Right reef
Cabo Blanco
🎣 Peru's Pipeline • Hemingway heritage • Heavy tubes
Zorritos
🌴 Border town waves • Tropical warmth • Off beaten path