Punta Palmar is a right-hand point break that peels over a mix of uneven reef and sand, part of a cluster of 3 to 4 breaks. Alongside the point sits the popular Frente Palmar beachbreak, a contest site where most of the waves tend to close out.
When It Works
The point pulls in swell from south through west, with southwest (SW) the standout direction, and it's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Bigger swells bring out the fast, powerful righthanders that break further out off the point, while smaller swells break fatter and slower inside the headland. Consistency is moderate, so it won't be firing every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind. It breaks on mid and high tide, and a rising tide is the better call, which is also when bigger swells push the takeoff further out off the point.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. Expect a busy lineup, and weekends in particular get thick, with the surf camp at Frente adding more bodies across the breaks. The Frente Palmar beachbreak helps by keeping beginners off the pointbreaks.
Access
There's camping, a surf school, and a surf shop on hand. For parking, you'll find a car park with free parking, plus paid and roadside options.
