Monterrico
Santa Rosa, Guatemala
Beach breakIntermediate
A dramatic black volcanic sand beach on Guatemala's Pacific coast powerful, hollow beach break waves with steep take-offs, famous for its olive ridley sea turtle nesting and an extraordinary coastal wetlands reserve.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
April–September
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand (black volcanic)
Shape
Heavy, hollow beach break, steep and powerful
Length
40–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The beach break here is not gentle, steep take-offs and a heavy shore dump require experience
Hazards
- •Aggressive shore dump
- •Very strong rips
- •Crocodiles in the mangrove canal behind the beach, do not swim there
Local Tips
- •Johnny's Place and Hotel Pez de Oro are the surf-friendly accommodation options
- •Turtle release programs run between July–November, an extraordinary experience to combine with a surf trip
Location
13.8911, -90.4814