Ciruelo

Ciruelo might fly under the radar, but that's exactly its charm. Tucked near the fishing harbor and easily spotted from the main road—just turn at the main store—this left-hand reef break offers a welcome escape from the masses. It's not always pumping, but when conditions align, it delivers a worthwhile session without the crowds. The wave here is a fickle friend, springing to life on long-period SW swells, especially when the wind drops to a whisper. The best days see a steady south to southwest groundswell wrapping in, with the wave holding up to about 3 feet (1 meter) before closing out. The uneven reef bottom adds an element of challenge, shaping thick, bowl-like lefts with occasional tube sections that tease your reflexes. Not a wave you can just paddle into—timing and positioning are key, making it a solid choice for intermediate surfers looking to sharpen their skills. On a clean day with a north wind and an incoming tide, the left truly shines, offering a rewarding line from low through high tide. Even when the surf is flat, the relaxed vibe around the harbor invites you to join a fishing trip or simply soak up the local atmosphere. Keep your gear ready, because when Ciruelo turns on, it's a joy you won't want to miss.

Best Surf Season (December - April)

Ciruelo hits its stride in the dry season. From December through April the northerly trade wind regime becomes established and offshore flow from the N, NNW, WNW and NW quadrant blows across the beach with far greater frequency. While December still shows a shorter-period mix (10.3s average), January-March see periods climb into the 9-12s range and April jumps to 13.7s. The swell direction also shifts toward the favored SSW/SW/WSW window, and with the rains at their lowest, the water stays clean and the sandbars line up. April is the standout month, with 68% ideal wind and over 78% of the swell arriving from the optimal SSW/SW/S window.