Punta Ballena is a left-hand point over the equator, peeling over a mix of uneven reef and sand. On its day the lines connect for long rides of up to a kilometre, which would make it a longboard paradise if it weren't so fickle. Other times it goes crumbly and throws up un-makeable sections. Reaching the wave means a long walk out the point, and few bother given how suspect the quality can be.
When It Works
The point needs west to north (W-N) swell, with northwest (NW) the direction that really lights it up. It's a left that works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Consistency is the catch here: it's somewhat inconsistent and genuinely fickle, so it rewards patience for the sessions when the lines actually connect.
Wind and Tide
Wind can make or break a session, so look for southeast (SE) offshore to clean it up. It can work across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Punta Ballena suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup tends to stay fairly quiet when it's breaking.
Access
There's camping nearby, with free parking on the roadside. Just be ready for that long walk out the point to reach the wave.
