Crowd & Localism
Tampi runs crowded on both weekdays and weekends when it's pumping. During the peak November-January swell season expect a full lineup. Dawn patrol is the practical answer here. Show respect, wait your turn, and don't snake sets.
Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico
Tampi
19.105, -96.098
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
- Tampi is a a-frame over beach, punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights.
- Beginner to advanced ability, working 8-12 ft.
- Peak November to January.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Advanced8–12 ftJan – Dec
Tampi is a beach break on the Veracruz coast of Mexico that delivers punchy lefts and rights when significant swell pushes through the Gulf. It needs a solid 8ft-plus swell to wake up, so it sits dormant during flat spells, but when the northers roll in from November through January it can produce long rides stretching 150-300m on a good day. High tide is the sweet spot, filling in the sections and giving the wave its best shape. The peak suits a wide range of surfers, though the crowd gets thick on weekends and the water stays warm enough for boardshorts or a light shorty most of the season. Bottom: sand. Season: November to January. Consistency: low outside of swell events, reliable during Gulf storm windows. Arrive early on weekend sessions because the lineup fills fast once word spreads that it's on.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
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A
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Character
Punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights.
Conditions
When it worksOptimum tide
High tide only
Trip planning
Quick facts
Wetsuit
Boardies to 2mm
What to bring
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in for punchy conditions
- Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for bigger NE swells
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
The beach is on the Veracruz coast. Basic facilities can be found in surrounding towns. Bring enough water and food for a session as beachside services can be limited depending on the specific stretch. Stingers and currents are worth watching during bigger swells.
Nearby Alternatives
Veracruz state has several other beach breaks spread along the coast that can fire during the same northern swell events. If Tampi's crowd is out of control or the banks aren't cooperating, scout the nearby shoreline north or south for less-pressured peaks on the same swell.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Tampi surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Mexico surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Tampi yet.
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Tampi
What skill level is Tampi suited for?
Tampi is a beach bottom, punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights, break suited for beginner through advanced surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Tampi work best at?
Working size is 8 to 12 ft. Below 8 ft the swell goes flat. Above 12 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Tampi?
Tampi fires from November through January. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Tampi need?
Tampi switches on with swells out of the N to NE (0 to 45 degrees).
What type of wave is Tampi?
Tampi is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights.
How crowded is Tampi?
Some pressure on swells. Read the lineup before paddling out and respect the local order.
Sources
- WannaSurf
Tampi
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