Overview
La Isla is a high-quality right-hand reef that breaks off the island at the tip of Punta Hermosa. The wave is speedy and thin-lipped, and it runs over urchin-crusted rock that sits shallow enough to demand respect. It's one of the best waves in the region, and there's a lefthander off the same peak, though it's a weak consolation next to the right. The paddle out is light, and the water is clean.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from south through west-southwest to west-northwest, and it's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, which covers everything from head high up to triple overhead. Autumn and winter are the seasons to watch, roughly March through September. It's a fairly consistent and reliable setup, so good days aren't rare.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind, or glassy mornings with no wind at all. The workable wind window runs north through east-northeast to east-southeast. Low tide is the call here, and a rising tide is better than a dropping one.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate and expert surfers. Shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and bodyboards all get ridden here. Expect a busy lineup, and on a good swell it gets really crowded. The atmosphere is somewhat reserved and can turn a little edgy, but it's usually pleasant enough. With a shallow reef and sharp urchins underneath, never turn your back on the ocean.
Access
Getting in is simple.
