Overview
El Conquistador is a rocky bay just south of Spanish Left, breaking in front of the Conquistador Hotel. It serves up mellow, peeling lefts and rights over flat but jagged reef, with the lefts usually the pick of the two. When it's small, it's a friendly, playful wave that suits just about every standard and board. Let a medium swell hit the reef, though, and it sharpens into fast, walling sections that are better left to more experienced surfers.
When It Works
The bay draws swell from northwest through north to southeast (NW-N-SE), with southwest swell the best match, and the reef can also come to life on south swells. It's a consistent spot that works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, roughly waist high up to double overhead. Autumn and winter are prime, with the best window running October through March.
Wind and Tide
Look for east offshore wind, with a workable window through the southeast to east quadrant. It breaks on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-friendly wave, and when it's small the mellow peaks welcome everything from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, SUPs, and bodyboards. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working, with a somewhat reserved atmosphere.
Access
You'll find beach-side parking along Calle Arenas Blancas, with a free car park and roadside options. Mind your feet on the sharp rocks, especially on the inside, and note there are reports of sewage discharge here from aging infrastructure.
