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Aerial satellite view of Boca del Rio surf break in Provincia de Tacna, Southern Peru, Peru
Provincia de Tacna, Southern Peru, Peru

Boca del Rio

-18.301, -70.448
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
  • Boca del Rio is a a-frame over beach, punchy beach peaks, multiple takeoffs.
  • Beginner to intermediate ability, working 3-6 ft.
  • Peak March to October.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate3–6 ftMar – Oct

A reliable beachbreak near the small recreation town of Boca del Rio, just outside Tacna in southern Peru, this stretch delivers well-formed peaks across a wide range of conditions. S to W swells are the ticket, with the spot picking up best on S-SW groundswell in the 2-8ft range. NE offshores groom the faces cleanly and the wave works across all tides, making it forgiving to time. Rides run 50-100m and tend to be punchy rather than long, so expect quick sections rather than drawn-out walls. The consistency is high for the region, which matters given the otherwise fickle nature of much of coastal southern Peru. Beginners and early intermediates will find the beach peaks approachable, and crowds are rarely an issue. Bottom: sand. Season: year-round, peak Mar-Oct. Consistency: high. Bring your own water and food, as the town has limited surf infrastructure and there is no parking lot at the break itself.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Mar – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Punchy beach peaks, multiple takeoffs.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
S
S - W
Offshore wind
NE
North easterly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-8ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Wetsuit
2mm
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy peaks
  • Fish or funboard for smaller days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Boca del Rio rarely draws crowds, partly due to the limited facilities and the town's low profile among traveling surfers. The vibe is relaxed. Locals and weekend visitors from Tacna make up most of the lineup. No notable localism, but basic lineup etiquette keeps things easy.

Access & Facilities

The town is a short drive from Tacna, accessible via the coastal road. There is no dedicated parking area at the beach and no surf facilities on site. Stock up on food, water, and fuel in Tacna before heading out. The town itself has some basic nightlife and food options.

Nearby Alternatives

A drive south along the coast toward Arica, Chile opens up additional beach and reefbreak options. Caleta Sama is worth checking in moderate to large S-SW swells for a semi-consistent left pointbreak. Tiro Alto near Caleta Mejia offers a step up in power if you want something more demanding.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Boca del Rio surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Southern Peru

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All Southern Peru breaks
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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Boca del Rio

What skill level is Boca del Rio suited for?
Boca del Rio is a beach bottom, punchy beach peaks, multiple takeoffs, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Boca del Rio work best at?
Working size is 3 to 6 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Boca del Rio?
Boca del Rio fires from March through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Boca del Rio need?
Boca del Rio switches on with a s - w groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the north easterly.
What are the main hazards at Boca del Rio?
Main hazards at Boca del Rio: no concerns.
What type of wave is Boca del Rio?
Boca del Rio is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Punchy beach peaks, multiple takeoffs.

Sources

  • Stormrider
Boca del Rio
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