The Surf Window

Champerico

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Beach breakIntermediate

A working port town with a long Pacific beach break on Guatemala's coast, Champerico sees fewer visiting surfers than El Paredon but delivers the same powerful Guatemalan Pacific swell with a very local crowd.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

April–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Powerful, consistent beach break, similar quality to El Paredon but less refined

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The full Pacific exposure makes this a powerful, honest beach break, not for absolute beginners

Hazards

  • •Port traffic, fishing boats launch from the beach
  • •Strong rips
  • •Limited tourist infrastructure

Local Tips

  • •The port pier provides shelter during onshore conditions, worth exploring
  • •Local fishermen are friendly and provide good intel on swell quality

Location

Map showing the location of Champerico in Retalhuleu, Guatemala

14.2937, -91.9118