Champerico

Champerico, Guatemala is a classic Pacific beach town surf spot with a laid-back, under-the-radar feel. It sits along Guatemala’s southwest coast and is known for long stretches of black-sand shoreline, warm water, and consistent beachbreak waves.

Surf character

• Wave type: Mostly beachbreak, with waves breaking over sandbars
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, though beginners can find manageable sections when the swell is smaller
• Wave quality: Can produce fast, hollow, and powerful waves, especially on a good swell
• Swell direction: Works best with south and southwest swells
• Wind conditions: Typically cleaner with light offshore morning winds

Conditions

• Water temperature: Warm year-round, so a wetsuit usually isn’t necessary
• Bottom: Sandy, making it generally safer than reef breaks
• Crowds: Usually less crowded than more famous surf destinations in Central America
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, local, and low-key

Best time to surf

The best surf season is generally during the southern hemisphere swell season, especially from April to October, when Pacific swells are more consistent.

What to expect

Champerico is a good option if you’re looking for: - Fun, punchy beachbreaks - A quieter surf destination - A mix of surf and small-town coastal life