San Bartolo is a surf spot located in Lima, Peru, about 52-53 kilometers south of Lima along the Panamericana Sur highway. The spot is known for its consistent surf conditions and is surfed all year. The main surf area is Playa Norte, as the main bay, Playa Sur, does not get many waves. The spot provides both left and right waves. The bottom is mostly boulders and rocks, and there are sea urchins, so be careful when entering and exiting the water. The waves are generally small and break over a rocky bottom, with the best conditions at medium and high tide. The northern end of the bay has more powerful waves, while the southern side offers a smaller left reef wave. The length of the ride is usually less than 50 meters. The spot is suitable for all levels, but always check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. The surf is very consistent, and there are few surfers during the week, but it can get crowded on weekends, especially in summer. When the spot is crowded, respect the locals and check the surf etiquette. The water temperature averages around 16°C, so a wetsuit is recommended. The climate is hot in summer, up to 28°C, and moderate in winter, with temperatures not dropping below 12°C. The area is easy to reach by car or public transport, with buses 16 and 18 from the Panamericana taking you to the center of San Bartolo, and then a short moto ride to Playa Norte. There are plenty of rooms to rent for a day trip or overnight stay. San Bartolo has amenities like restaurants, hostels, hotels, markets, ATMs, surfboard repair shops, surf schools, and a skate park, but no malls, theaters, hospitals, banks, or surf shops. The spot is close to other surf spots like Izquierditas, Penascal, El Huayco, Santa Rosa, and Pena Rosa. For the latest surf forecast, report, map, and webcam, check online resources before heading out. Check out the good surf at San Bartolo in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like San Bartolo, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 58 surf spots within a range of 100 km from San Bartolo. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 58 surf spots