San Cristobal Island is home to around 6,000 people, and there’s a tight-knit community of about 100 surfers of all ages. What we loved most about this island is how all the world-class waves are so close to town. If you’re looking to base yourself in the Galapagos for surfing, San Cristobal is definitely the place to be.
For pro surfers searching for an unforgettable experience, Tongo Reef is where you should head. My wife and I were excited to check it out. This surf spot is located in the south of San Cristobal Island, and it’s only accessible by boat. The journey alone felt like a mini adventure.
Surfing in the Galapagos is an absolute must-do, and missing out would be a real shame. In this article, we’ll share our experience and why we think Tongo Reef stands out as one of the best surfing spots in the Galapagos Islands.
Table of Contents
Best Surf Season in Galapagos
For us, the best part about surfing on San Cristobal Island is that you can find good waves year-round. My wife and I were thrilled to discover this since it meant we could surf whenever we visited. On the other hand, if you’re planning to surf in Isabela or Santa Cruz islands, the best conditions are typically from March to September.
The peak wind conditions in the Galapagos are from February to April, which is perfect if you’re looking for those extra thrilling rides. Knowing this, we tried to time our surf sessions to make the most of those optimal winds, especially during our days at Tongo Reef.
How to Get to Tongo Reef
Tongo reef may be accessed in two ways:
- By taking a boat trip which costs $10
- By continuing the same road as El Cañon, which finally transforms into a dirt track and leads to El Tongo after 20 minutes
Bringing Surfboards
There are surfboards for rent on San Cristobal Island but if you prefer bringing your own, here are some pointers on what type of surfboards are suitable to bring to the Galapagos:
- All-around board
- Step-up (if you want to charge)
- Fish/Longboard
Be prepared though for additional baggage fees on your flight. Do not forget to contact your airlines prior to your trip.
Surfing at Tongo Reef
El Tongo (or Tongo Reef) is a lengthy and exciting left-point break. This break is often separated into three peaks/take-off zones:
Pico
This is the outside area that is only recommended for experienced surfers.
Medio
The middle section of the break and recommended for intermediate surfers.
Bajito
The inside section at Tongo Reef is the best spot for beginner surfers. During our time there, we noticed that each peak has its own paddle-out zone. We preferred paddling out from the beach in front of Bajito to avoid any cuts or bruises from the slick, jagged volcanic rocks along the shoreline.
On good days, I managed to start off from Pico and link the line all the way down to Bajito. It’s definitely a leg-burner but left me grinning for that incredible 300-meter ride. The best swell direction for Tongo is SW-S, and the waves break consistently from April to November, so we aimed to catch it during those months.
Since Tongo Reef is isolated, with no community within a 30-minute walking distance, we made sure to pack enough water and snacks for a full day out. Trust me, you don’t want to get caught out there without provisions. The upside is that due to its remoteness, Tongo never gets too crowded, and because it’s not tide-dependent, we enjoyed great surf sessions at any time of the day. Honestly, a good surf here made our entire trip to the Galapagos Islands worth it!
Bottom Line
Surfers from around the world flock to Tongo Reef to ride its incredible waves. If, like us, surfing is a top priority for your Galapagos adventure, make sure Tongo Reef is on your list! While there are many great surf spots scattered across the Galapagos, Tongo Reef undeniably stands out as the premier surfing destination. It truly captures the essence of the Galapagos surf scene, and missing out on it would be a huge regret for any serious surfer.
