What size does Tampi work best at?

8–12 ft is the working range. Below that it goes flat; above, it stops being fun and the lineup thins out.

When is the best season to surf Tampi?

Peak season runs through the months when the swell window aligns and trade winds blow offshore. See the month strip in Wave fit for the working window.

What type of wave is Tampi?

Tampi is a a-frame breaking wave over beach. Punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights.

Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico

Tampi

19.105, -96.098

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference

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

Character

Punchy beach peaks, lefts and rights.

Conditions

When it works

Optimum 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

Loading map...

About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

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.

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