Last updated on February 5th, 2024 at 11:41 am
If you plan to surf in Lobitos, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Lobitos, Peru.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Lobitos, Peru
Surfing in Lobitos is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when considering a surf trip destination. Actually, if you ask random surfers worldwide, most of them have never even heard about Lobitos. And yet, this Peruvian ghost town produces the best surf you can imagine, as the waves here are no less than perfect.
Lobitos is located on the northwest coast of Peru, facing the Pacific Ocean. In the past, it used to be an oil drilling town and a military base, but then it was abandoned and left forgotten in the Peruvian desert. Recently, local surfers have started to bring this isolated village back to life and turn it into a legitimate surf town. Sure, you will not find any fancy resort or nightlife scene here, but slowly, restaurants and small hotels start to pop up, and there you have everything you need for a surf trip.
As for the surf in Lobitos, it is definitely world-class. Lobitos is home to 7 different surf spots. Most of them are left-hand point breaks, and all within walking distance from each other. From punchy tube rides over a reef to beginner-friendly breaks over a sandy bottom, when surfing in Lobitos, you can choose your waves. Moreover, each one of the surf spots in Lobitos performs better during different swell conditions, so at least some of them always produce epic surf. Therefore, Lobitos is one of the most consistent beaches you will ever surf.
Surf Seasons in Lobitos
As mentioned, you can surf in Lobitos 365 days a year, and you will score good waves almost every single day. Since the beach is exposed to any swell, and each break responds to different swell directions, this is a year-round surf destination. And yet, the Peruvian winter, between May and October, is considered the prime surf season in Lobitos. During this time of year, the south swells bring quality waves with great size on a daily basis.
In summer, between November and April, you can still score fantastic surf in Lobitos. Even though the north swells hit the shore with less power, the waves are still wonderful, especially for intermediate surfers.
As for the water temperature, it is cold during winter and requires a long 3/2 wetsuit. In summer, on the other hand, you can surf Lobitos with a vest or even just your shorts.
Surf Spots in Lobitos
When surfing in Lobitos, you can choose between several world-class breaks, depending on your level and the swell conditions. So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in Lobitos:
Baterias:
This spot got its name because of the oil platforms in front of it. It is the southernmost surf spot in Lobitos. The most significant advantage of this left-hand point break is that it is exposed to any swell and performs even on the smallest days. During low tide, you can get some pretty powerful tube rides here.
El Hueco:
El Hueco means “The Hollow” in English, so you can guess what kind of waves you will get here. If you are an experienced surfer who can deal with a powerful barrel over a shallow reef, this spot is perfect for you. Even though it requires a big swell to work, once such swell hits, that is a spectacular break.
Frontera:
When the swell is big, this spot comes to life with massive power. Actually, it is the last section of El Hueco, and during low tide, the barrels here are absolutely epic.
Lobitos Point:
“La Punta”, as the locals call this spot, is the main break of town. The waves here are long, mellow, and perfectly shaped. Since it is such a “friendly” break, beginners and longboarders can also easily ride it for about 200 meters on a good day.
Generales:
Between all those left-hand point breaks, this spot actually breaks with an A-frame shape. It is pretty easy to ride and works best during mid-tide.
Los Muelles:
In English “The Docks”, this wave breaks next to a peer, and produces a super fast ride over a sandy bottom. The break here tends to change frequently due to the movement of the sand, but usually, it creates massive barrels. Moreover, this one is the favorite break among body-boards.
Piscinas:
This is the last and most northern surf spot in Lobitos. It offers a mellow left-hand wall on the outside and a fast barrel on the inside section. Definitely a fun wave for any surfer.
Can Beginners Surf in Lobitos
Generally, Lobitos is not the typical beginner surf destination. Since most of the breaks are challenging and the town’s surf scene is not yet developed enough, mostly intermediate and advanced surfers come to surf in Lobitos. However, the waves in Lobitos Point (La Punta) are beginner-friendly, and even novice surfers can enjoy riding the mellow waves in this spot. For total beginners, though, using a local surf instructor who knows the break is still recommended.
Surf Camps in Lobitos
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the Lobitos surf scene at a surf camp. The most recommended one in town is Che Lobitos, located only a 4-minute walk from Playa Lobitos and offers customized surf coaching to its guests. For more details about the surf camp, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Lobitos
When coming to surf in Lobitos, you want to stay as close as possible to the waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Wayra– Facing the beachfront in Lobitos, Wayra features a shared lounge and barbecue facilities. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property. There is free private parking, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
2. La Casa del Naufrago– Situated in Lobitos in the Piura region, La Casa del Naufrago features accommodation with free private parking. Guests at the homestay can enjoy an American breakfast, and a garden and terrace are also available.
3. Hotel Navego– Boasting a privileged beachfront location in Piura, Navego has comfortable rooms in front of Piura Beach. Navego has rooms with TVs, sea views, and private bathrooms with showers. Bathrooms are equipped with 24-hour hot water.
For more surf hotels in Lobitos, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Lobitos- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 1,500.
Currency– Sol.
Calling code– +51.
Time zone– GMT -5.
Pros– perfect waves.
Cons– a remote ghost town, cold water.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Lobitos is one of those epic surf towns that stayed off the radar for many years. The waves are perfect, and riding them is a privilege for any surfer. This is a small, quiet town with fantastic surf, which will reward anyone who makes an effort to reach it.
Finally, if you are looking for other surf spots in Peru, check out Chicama, the longest wave in the world.
