The Surf Window

La Ceiba

Atlántida, Honduras

Beach breakBeginner

Honduras's third largest city on the Caribbean coast has occasional beach break waves that build during north swells and is the ferry gateway to the Bay Islands, a lively city with authentic Caribbean atmosphere and growing surf interest.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

S

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

November–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Slow, gentle, inconsistent but fun on north swells

Length

40–70m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: Caribbean swells rarely generate significant size, safe for beginners when waves arrive

Hazards

  • •Urban beach, water quality concerns near the city
  • •Very limited surf infrastructure
  • •Rips near the river mouths

Local Tips

  • •La Ceiba is the departure point for ferries to Roatán and Útila, plan the Bay Islands surf/dive trip from here
  • •The Cangrejal River nearby has excellent whitewater rafting, a good non-surf activity

Location

Map showing the location of La Ceiba in Atlántida, Honduras

15.7636, -86.8358