Surfing in Guatemala
Not known as a big surfing nation, Guatemala has several quality surf breaks, and a nice chill atmosphere to hang out in.
When people think of surfing in Central America, Guatemala probably doesn’t come to your mind before several other countries. However, with its Pacific coast, there are a few solid waves to be caught. We’ve found Guatemala to be a super friendly and vibrant place, prices are reasonable, food is good, and the surf is super fun. We’ve heard stories of security concerns, but we have definitely never had any problem whatsoever. In fact, people in the little surf towns where we’ve been have been exceptionally kind and welcoming!
Overview
Super quiet waves without crowds usually
Beginner and intermediate waves
Lots of river mouth breaks, especially in summer
Cheaper than Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica
Beginner Waves
Advanced Waves
Surf Camps
Surf Season in Guatemala
Waves in Guatemala can certainly be surfed year-round, but the best waves are to be found in the wet/rainy season (summer). Really May-October will offer the best chance at snagging some good waves. Most of the “good” waves are found at the mouths of rivers, so they may produce surfable waves all year. Regardless of the season in Guatemala, the weather and water are warm and you won’t need a wetsuit. Although the waves aren’t as good, you also may find more crowds during the winter months due to holiday travelers.
Other Things to Do in Guatemala
Although it’s not a huge tourist country, Guatemala is truly an amazing place to visit. You can visit the cities to get some culture and history, go hiking on active volcanoes (and likely see them erupt), visit ancient Maya sites like Tikal, and chill out by beautiful beaches. Going to Guatemala to surf, you can definitely take advantage of both the cultural and natural wonders of Guatemala with ease. We recommend spending an extra day in Antigua, Guatemala City, or elsewhere to get the most of out of your time!
Surf Spots in Guatemala
Champerico
El Paredón
Iztapa
Sipicate
Things to Know About Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful country just south of Mexico. The home of the chocolate bar, Guatemala is home to an amazingly diverse and interesting culture. With dozens of different dialects spoken, impressive Maya archaeological zones, and some of the best coffee in the world, it’s a fun country to explore. There are over 30 volcanoes in the country, with three active ones, and Tajumulco claims the highest peak in all of Central America. If you’re visiting Guatemala, make sure to explore some of the beautiful volcanoes, lakes, and nature.