Santa Cristobal Island
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SURFING IN SAN CRISTOBAL
There are some excellent surf spots in San Cristobal, in fact, most would agree that they are world class. The main problem with surfing here is that there are a lot of rocks beneath the water and even the most experienced surfers have suffered injuries. The waves here are mainly for advanced surfers and learners should obtain advice from locals before attempting to take on the waves. Here are some of the best places:
Tongo Reef and El Canon
To get to these two breaks you must pass through the Naval Base and walk for some time along the coastline. To enter the base you must leave your passport with the security guards. If you don’t like the idea of leaving your passport, another option is to buy a surfing card which is available for purchase at Pollo’s bar for around $10 to $12.
Situated on the corner of the Island, Tongo Reef has good surf all year round. The swell comes from both the North and the South and reaches anything between five and six foot. It’s quite rocky here so you need to take care. For good surfers. El Canon has short waves and is also very rocky. Swells come from both the North and the South and it has good all year round waves. These can reach anything between six and seven foot. For good surfers.
La Loberia
With swells coming from the South, this spot has a left wave and is best to surf between June and November. The water is cold around this time. Waves can reach up to 10 foot here and it’s also very rocky. For advanced surfers.
Punta Carola
The best time to surf here is between January and March, when the water is warm and there is what has been described as ‘a beautiful pipe’. Here there is a long right wave that can reach anything between eight and ten foot. There are rocks around but these shouldn’t be a problem when the tide is high. For good surfers.
Manglecito
This less well known surf spot is only reachable by boat at a cost of $200 to $300 for the day. This would make a great trip if you can find enough people to cover the costs. Here there is a left wave that comes from the North and is best to surf between December and May, when the water is warm. This can reach anything between eight and ten foot. For advanced surfers.
Punta Pitt
Again, this spot is only reachable by boat at a minimum cost of $300. For advanced surfers only, this place has been described as ‘suicide for beginners’. Here there is a huge reef stretching 1.5 to 2 kms in length and waves, coming from both the left and the right, can reach anything from ten to eighteen foot. The swell here comes from the North and is best to surf between December and May.
There are a lot of rocks where the waves end and people have been injured so it’s best to obtain some advice before going there. If you are looking for any advice about surfing, you should try to seek out the local expert Freddy (affectionately known as ‘Billabong’) who lives and surfs here almost everyday.
Victor from Chalo tours can also provide you with a wealth of information.
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