An Introduction To Lobitos Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 24, 2025
Lobitos surf is a long, uncharted paradise lying along Peru’s northern coast in the Piura region. It’s famous for its long and peeling lefts with mellow desert vibes. Known for its consistency and minimal crowds, Lobitos offers a dream setup for intermediate and advanced surfers looking to score quality waves without the chaos.
The main break, Lobitos Point, is known for its smooth long lefts that allow surfers to enjoy long, clean rides. El Hueco just nearby has more hollow barrels for those seeking more action. Farther south, La Punta offers a more remote experience with gnarly waves and fewer people. Beginners aren’t left out to dry either, Piscinas offers softer and slower waves for confidence building.
Transportation around the town is almost entirely done through walking or by bike, making Lobitos surf a perfect destination for those seeking a surf trip without a car. Be it in the long rides you score at the point or watching sunset after sunset after your session, Lobitos surf is a blend of good waves with simplicity and tranquillity, and a must visit spot at Peru.
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Best Time To Surf Lobitos
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Peak Lobitos Surf Season | April to October
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Lobitos surf reaches its full potential between April & October, with powerful south & southwest swells lighting up its long, mechanical left-hand reef break. Wave heights range from 4 to 8 feet, sometimes more, delivering long, fast walls perfect for drawn-out carves & tube sections.
Lobitos surf during this period is ideal for experienced riders, especially when sandbars align just right. The crowds stay moderate compared to other hotspots, & the wind often remains light in the mornings. It’s easily the best time to score classic Lobitos surf.
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Shoulder Lobitos Surf Season | March & November
Suited For All Skill Levels
March & November bring more variable but still fun surf in Lobitos, with wave heights typically around 2 to 5 feet. These shoulder months can produce clean surf when south swells align, though sessions are more hit-or-miss.
For beginner & intermediate surfers, Lobitos surf during this time is more forgiving, with gentler drop-ins & mellower walls. While not as consistent, these months offer chances to practice & improve without the full power of peak-season surf. Plus, it’s generally less crowded & relaxed.
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Low Lobitos Surf Season | December to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
The summer season brings smaller waves to Lobitos, usually in the 1 to 3-foot range, & occasional flat spells. While it’s not the best for advanced riders, the mellow conditions make Lobitos surf perfect for longboarders & beginners.
Swells are mostly local wind swell or minor southern pulses, so it’s all about catching smooth, soft peelers. Surf schools thrive during this time, & there’s a laid-back energy in the water. If you’re just getting started, this is a great season to explore Lobitos surf.
Lobitos Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Lobitos Surf Temperature:
23–25°C (73–77°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are perfect all summer. A rash vest may help during longer sessions under the sun.
Rainfall:
Rainfall is very low, with fewer than 4 days of light showers. Mostly hot & dry across the season.
Lobitos Surf Temperature:
22–24°C (72–75°F)
What To Wear:
You’ll be fine in boardshorts/bikini during Autumn. A short wetsuit top may help early in the morning.
Rainfall:
Expect 3–5 rainy days per month at most. Light showers are possible but rare, & mostly inland.
Lobitos Surf Temperature:
20–22°C (64–68°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit or a 3/2 mm full wetsuit can keep you warm, especially early in the day.
Rainfall:
Rainfall is negligible with just 1–2 days per month. The dry season remains consistent.
Lobitos Surf Temperature:
21–23°C (70–73°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or boardshorts/bikini depending on time of day. Later in the season it warms up again.
Rainfall:
Very little rainfall—around 2–3 days a month. Skies are generally clear with comfortable humidity.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Lobitos
| Lobitos Surf Spots | Distance from Lobitos | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Lobitos Point |
In town centre |
3-8 foot |
Long, perfect left-hand point break |
Intermediate to Advanced |
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El Hueco |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
4-8 foot |
Heavy, hollow left-hand reef break |
Advanced only (shallow reef) |
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La Punta |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) |
3-8 foot |
Hollow left-hand point break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Piscinas |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Mellow, long left-hand point break |
Beginner to intermediate, good for building confidence |
Further Information To Lobitos Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: South to southeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Lobitos Point is a classic long left-hand sand-and-reef break in northern Peru’s desert coastline. Best at low to mid tide with a southwest swell and light south-southeast winds, it produces clean, head-high to overhead barrels that peel along smooth sandbanks. The take-off can be critical, but the wave often opens into long, rippable shoulders ideal for both performance turns and occasional tube rides.
Despite its world-class quality, the remote setting and long paddle keep crowds mellow, ensuring plenty of waves for those who make the journey. The shoreline features a small surf camp and basic amenities, adding to Lobitos’ laid-back charm.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: South to souteast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
El Hueco (“The Hollow”) offers one of Lobitos’ heaviest barrels, breaking over a shallow reef that funnels swell into a tight, explosive left. At low to mid tide, a strong southwest swell and offshore south-southeast breeze carve out thick, hollow tubes that require quick reflexes and commitment.
Advanced surfers prize El Hueco for its unwavering power and consistent form, though beginners should steer clear. The lineup remains small due to the spot’s technical nature, and a short walk from town lands you at a raw, desert-backed reef that epitomizes Peruvian point-break intensity.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: South to southeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
La Punta is a streamlined left-point break just north of Lobitos town, delivering fast, hollow walls that peel over a sandy reef. Ideal when a southwest swell lines up at low to mid tide with light south-southeast winds, La Punta offers head-high barrels and open-faced sections perfect for quick maneuvers.
Its take-off is less critical than El Hueco’s, making it accessible to strong intermediates while still rewarding experts. The sparse lineup and minimal infrastructure preserve the spot’s remote vibe, surf, walk back, and repeat. It’s a superb alternative when neighboring breaks are either too crowded or too extreme.
Rating: 4.5/5
Chevron
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: South to southeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Piscinas is the mellowest of Lobitos’ main breaks, breaking both lefts and rights over a broad, shallow sandflat. At low to mid tide with a southwest swell and gentle south-southeast winds, it produces fun, waist-high walls that are perfect for beginners and longboarders.
While not the barreling powerhouse of the neighboring points, Piscinas rewards flow-style surfing with endless shoulder sections and forgiving take-offs. The crowd is light, with space to practice turns or simply cruise. Basic facilities and a laid-back beachside camp make Piscinas an ideal spot for extended surf stays.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Lobitos Surf Spots
| Lobitos Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lobitos Point |
In town centre |
In town centre |
Not available |
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El Hueco |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. |
Not available |
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La Punta |
Approx. 30min. |
10-15 min. |
Not available |
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Piscinas |
Approx. 35 min. |
15 min. |
Not available |
Accommodation In Lobitos
Trip.com should be your first stop for accommodation bookings whenever you’re traveling to Peru for a surf trip. Ocean view hotels or a mellow hostel, take your pick from the array available. Being an early bird means you’d get more time on the waves without worrying too much about accommodation.
For those keen to sharpen their surfing skills in Peru, Tripaneer offers all-inclusive surf camps that combine coaching with comfortable stays and social activities. Live the whole Peru and Lobitos surf lifestyle while working on your skills in a friendly environment at one of these camps.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€9 to €30 |
$10 to $35 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€35 to €100 |
$40 to $110 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€120 to €240+ |
$130 to $260+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Lobitos Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Lobitos surf schools deliver a more intimate & focused surf learning experience, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Peru’s legendary left-hand point breaks.
Surf Lobitos School provides expert coaching with personalized attention, ensuring both beginners and intermediate surfers feel confident and supported as they hone their skills. Jhonny’s Surf School is another standout, offering tailored instruction backed by local knowledge to help you understand the unique breaks of Lobitos.
For surfers seeking a passionate and dynamic learning environment, Surf Zone “El Gus” delivers lessons focused on technique and progression. Surf Fun Lobitos rounds out the options with its relaxed and friendly vibe, perfect for anyone looking to learn or improve in a more casual setting.
For surfers seeking expert guidance in a more relaxed & wave-rich environment, Lobitos surf schools offer an exceptional opportunity.
Lobitos Surf Camp
Unfortunately, Lobitos doesn’t have a dedicated surf camp, but just up the coast in Mancora, you’ll find Wild Kite Peru, a top-rated surf camp that blends wave-riding with laid-back beach vibes.
With all-inclusive packages, expert instruction, and a sociable atmosphere, it’s a great option for surfers looking to make the most of their time in northern Peru. You can find more details about this surf camp in our Mancora surf page.
Lobitos Surfboard Hire
Lobitos surfboard hire options may be limited in number, but they provide well-maintained, high-quality boards suited for the town’s famously long & fast waves. Rentals are typically available through surf hostels & local surf camps.
Surf Lobitos School offers a variety of high-quality boards for hire, accommodating surfers of all skill levels. Despite its small size, Lobitos surfboard hire services offer solid gear tailored to the unique waves in the area.
Lobitos Surf Report & Surf Cam
For keeping updated of the waves, one should keep themselves hooked to the sources in Peru for maximizing surf time. Surf-Forecast gives detailed waves, tides, and wind forecasts, while Surfline shows live cams from the key spots in Peru accessible by subscription.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM makes things easy by simply hooking you up automatically on arrival, so you need not trouble yourself scouting for local SIM cards. With the ability to watch live surf cams, surf reports, and share your Lobitos surf highlights from Peru, keeping your internet connection is super simple with Drimsim and Yesim.
How To Get To Lobitos Surf
- Talara Airport (TYL) To Lobitos
Distance: 20km (12mi)
Talara Airport (TYL) is the nearest airport for accessing the remote surf spot of Lobitos. Here’s how to get there:
Public Transport
Approx. 1.5-2 hrs.
Details:
From Talara Airport, take a mototaxi or taxi to the main terminal in Talara. From there, board a colectivo heading toward El Alto. Once you reach El Alto, you’ll need another mototaxi to take you the final 15–20 minutes down to the coast at Lobitos.
Though very affordable, this route involves rough roads and multiple legs, which can be challenging with luggage or surfboards.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1.5 hrs.
Details:
Many surf camps in Lobitos offer private or shared shuttle transfers from Talara Airport. These should be arranged in advance and typically include surfboard transportation.
Pre-arranged shuttles with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups mean a vehicle is ready when you land. This hassle-free option provides a quick ride from the airport to the beach.
Peru Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Peru’s surf coast is packed with incredible waves, but it’s important to know a few travel essentials. The local currency is the Peruvian Sol, and cash is often preferred in beach towns. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bottled is best. Spanish is spoken everywhere, and English isn’t always understood.
Want the full breakdown? Our Peru surf page covers all 7 essentials, from visa information and health care to safety tips and connectivity, so you’re prepared before you paddle out.
Travel Insurance For Your Lobitos Surf Trip
Your surf trip to Peru is a big deal. You’ve booked flights, picked the best breaks, & packed your gear. But even a perfect plan can fall apart without warning. If your flight is canceled or you end up needing medical care, the right insurance can save the day.
VisitorsCoverage helps you find protection that fits your travel style & needs. It’s a simple way to ensure a smoother trip from start to finish. Peru surf is something to look forward to, not something to worry about.
Discover Lobitos: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on, there are still plenty of exciting activities to enjoy. Check out our 3 recommend activities below.