Caballeros is a right-hand reef point at the north end of Punta Hermosa, and it's widely regarded as the best and most reliable righthander in the region. The wave breaks over an uneven headland reef and isn't as hollow or fast as some neighbouring breaks, but it makes up for that with length and power. It starts with a sucky little spurt, then walls up and shoulders as it bends onto the shallower reef, before finding a few hollow sections on the inside. Good power and just the right speed make it a favourite. The name is a leftover from the days when men and women were separated onto their own beaches, Caballeros and Señoritas; El Silencio, a beachbreak, sits just to the north.
When It Works
The point draws swell best from southwest (SW), across a broader south-to-west window, and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, roughly head high to a couple of feet overhead. Consistency is a big part of the appeal, since it breaks more reliably than most spots around, especially through winter, and it works well across autumn, winter, and spring (about April to September). It won't hold quite as much size or power as neighbouring Señoritas.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind, or glassy mornings, to clean it up. It works best on a mid, incoming tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call, since a few rocks can break up the wave at low tide unless the swell is big. Low and high tide can both come into play as well.
Local Tips
This is a great intermediate wave and a favourite with regular-footers, and it suits a wide range of boards, from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, and bodyboards. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet, and you can pick up waves all along the point rather than fighting over a single peak. The atmosphere is somewhat reserved but stays mellow if you show a bit of humility and respect. Keep an eye on the ocean, and mind the urchins and rock on the bottom.
Access
Getting out is simple, with an open bay to paddle around the point, though it can be a long paddle if you use the mid-beach channel, and the currents run fast out at the tip. You'll find free roadside parking nearby, though it can be restricted, and good restaurants line the cliff tops of this up-market area.
