Summary
Here is a great surfing destination for the most adventurous surfers out there. For a long time, the Galapagos islands were known as a wildlife sanctuary. While this remains totally correct, another aspect of this archipelago is slowly becoming more and more popular.
The Galapagos islands have many empty world-class surf breaks only waiting to be discovered by the surfing community. On a surf trip to the Galapagos, the best place to settle is probably the island of San Cristobal as it allows the best access to surf breaks, without demanding a permit. It also is exposed to both north and south swells.
Read : The World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands
The Galapagos islands have a lot of regulations put into place in order to protect both land and marine wildlife. Consequently, only boats with a fishing permit are allowed in the water meaning that surfers cannot have access to the breaks with them.
When to go
The best time to surf the Galapagos Islands is from December to April which provides big and consistent north swells as well as warm temperatures. From May to November, south swells are pushing in but are not be as consistent.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedAll surfers
Air temperature 26°C
79°F27°C
81°F24°C
75°F23°C
73°F23°C
73°F25°C
77°F
Water temperature 25°C
77°F27°C
81°F24°C
75°F22°C
72°F22°C
72°F23°C
73°F
Crowd Few people Few people Few people Few people Few people Few people
Swell Consistency 95% 90% 70% 70% 70% 80%
Swell height 6 ft 6 ft 4 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft
Where to stay in Galapagos
Best surf hotels in Galapagos
Getting there
The difficult access to the Galapagos islands is what makes it a special and uncrowded place. The best way to get into the archipelago is obviously by plane. Most flights will either depart or transfer in Guayaquil.
Safety/things to know
-Many waves are not accessible due to park restrictions.
-Mostly powerful reef breaks, suitable for experienced surfers.
Surf spots in Galapagos
Puerto Baquerizo
La Loberia
Punta Carola
Tongo reef
Tortuga Bay
Cerro Gallina