Galapagos Islands Surfing

The Galapagos Islands are home to some good quality waves. The main surfing spots are located on the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.

Galapagos is very heavy surf and is only recommended for experienced surfers.

Surfing in the Galapagos Islands

You should bring two boards, one over 7 feet and a smaller board. The water is similar to the water temperature in Hawaii. For experienced surfers Galapagos is heaven with world class waves, diverse marine life and beautiful beaches.

Though the Galapagos has waves year-round, the “surf season” is defined as the period from November-April. The reason is that the cold Humboldt current which travels northward up the coast of Chile and Peru during the Austral winter months of May-Oct creates overcast and prevailing onshore conditions during this period, with the wind and swell coming from the same direction.

The hot season from Nov-Apr sees the diminishing influence of this current, with hotter, sunnier offshore conditions ideal for surfing. South swells occur year-round in the Galapagos, however the best swells are the northwest ground swells which occur most commonly from Nov-Apr, peaking during the months of Dec-Mar.

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