Small laid-back town, dreamy sand-bottomed lefts… relatively uncrowded. Sound like you? Well, a surf trip to Lobitos could be on the cards. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know for surfing Lobitos, from how to get there, where to stay, and some tips for navigating the area.
Overview
- Sand bottom lefts
- Consistency
- Wave variety
- Not much else to do
Table of Contents
Best time of Year to Surf Lobitos
The best time of year to surf in Lobitos is during winter. Like all of Peru (except Mancora), the large south swells between April and October send the best waves to the Peruvian coastline. At this time, expect consistent swells in the 2-3ft range with the odd 4-6ft day!
Lobitos Surf Spots Breakdown
Lobitos (La Punta)
There are a handful of surf spots in Lobitos. But the main wave in town is the focus of surfing in Lobitos. A fun left-hander, sand-bottomed, and breaking off a suck rock, this wave is super fun for turns and an epic spot for progressive intermediates and advanced surfers. This wave is often referred to as “La Punta”, or the “Point” in English and is the main surf break in Lobitos.
- Crowds: Busy
- Best Swell: Medium - Large SW
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Sand-bottom Left Point
- Consistency: 70%
- Hazards: Rocks, Other surfers
Batieras
Around the headland and a long walk across the beach is another point break, slightly more exposed, and a wave that picks up more swell than the point in town.
- Crowds: Low
- Best Swell: Medium SW
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Sand-bottom Left Point
- Consistency: 80%
- Hazards: Rocks, Other surfers
Los Muelles
Down by the pier, this wave can be super fun, with hollow barrels on the right day. Usually pretty crowded with bodyboarders and the closest wave to the main town.
- Crowds: Busy
- Best Swell: Large SW
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Beach Break / Pier
- Consistency: 60%
- Hazards: Rocks, Other surfers, Pier
Enjoying this post? You might like my complete guide to surfing in South America or other Latin America surf destinations such as everything you need to know about surfing in Costa Rica, the ultimate guide to surfing in Florianopolis or the complete guide to surfing in southern Chile.
Where is Lobitos?
Lobitos is located in North West Peru, south of Mancora and just 30 minutes North of the city of Talara.
How to get to Lobitos?
Getting to Lobitos is straightforward. You can fly to Talara, then take a taxi transfer or “Collectivo” (public minibus common in South America), to Lobitos. If you’re hiring a car, you can do so from any major city in Peru (including Talara) and make the short drive north to Lobitos. Check out Kayak for cheap flights in Peru.
Getting Around
Lobitos is a super small town and there isn’t much going on. If you’re staying out on the point (where most of the best surf accommodations are) you can walk from there to the waves and a few restaurants and shops on the main street. There are no ATMs in town and there are only a couple of shops and restaurants.
Where to Stay?
- Dorm Price: $25 per night
- Distance from Surf: 5 minute walk to the point
- Wifi: Good
- Type: Privates
This is where I stayed during my one-week surf trip to Lobitos. A wicked spot to stay overlooking the point (La Punta). Just step out of your room and you’ll have a full view over the main break. Private rooms from $25 per night. Decent wifi, walk to the waves and shops on the main street! Oh, and super helpful owners. Check out Wayra on Booking.com.
- Dorm Price: $17 per night
- Distance from Surf: 5 minute walk to Los Muelles
- Wifi: Good
- Type: Privates
Another great and affordable option in Lobitos. Dow in the main town, you won’t have easy access to the point, but you’ll be closer to more amenities (shops and local restaurants and also much closer to another left point called “Piscinas” and the pier. Rooms from $17 per night. Book Le Casa de Bambu on Booking.com
- Dorm Price: $30 per night
- Distance from Surf: 5 minute walk to the point
- Wifi: Good
- Type: Privates
Another wicked place to stay in Lobitos. A lovely property with rooms for $30 per night. From here you can walk and see La Punta. Breakfast included private bathrooms and free wifi. Check out Buena Visa Lobitos on Booking.com
Tips for Surfing in Lobitos
Water Temps
In winter, you’ll get away with a short arm, or an old 3/2 if you feel the cold (like me), and in summer you can rock boardies. If it’s windy a shortie or wetsuit top will be ideal as although it is warm, it’s not quite as tropical as Ecuador to the north.
Crowds
Although there isn’t much going on in Lobitos, it doesn’t get crowded. There’s a local crew of rippers and groms that surf well, so like anywhere, respect the locals. These guys and gals will be easy to identify, so as long as you give them their space, you’ll pick off plenty of waves amid the rest of the pack.
The “Town”
To be honest, Lobitos is a bit of a ghost town, dusty streets strung together by a few surf accommodations on the point. This area is outside the main town (but this is where you’ll want to stay for surfing in Lobitos). A dusty, arid landscape, oil rigs dor the seascape, but you don’t come here for the beauty, you come here for the surf.
Final Words
Lobitos is a gem of a surf town and one of Peru’s lesser-known surf destinations. A wicked place to relax, and just focus on surfing. It’s everything you imagine Peru to be; a collection of long left-point breaks backed by desert hills and an arid coastline. A must-do surf town for anyone surfing in Peru.
