Surfing at Tongo Reef, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Is It Possible To Surf In The Galapagos Islands?

Yes. San Cristobal Island offers good waves year-round, which meant we could surf whenever we visited. On Isabela and Santa Cruz, conditions are typically best from March to September. Peak winds in the Galapagos run from February to April, and we timed our surf sessions around those winds, including our days at Tongo Reef.

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 Do You Get To Tongo Reef On San Cristobal Island?

Tongo Reef lies on the south of San Cristobal Island and is only accessible by boat. There is also a second route along the same road as El Cañon, which turns into a dirt track and leads to El Tongo after about 20 minutes.

Tongo reef may be accessed in two ways:

1. By taking a boat trip which costs $10
2. By continuing the same road as El Cañon, which finally transforms into a dirt track and leads to El Tongo after 20 minutes

Should You Bring Your Own Surfboard To The Galapagos?

Surfboards can be rented on San Cristobal Island. Travelers who prefer their own board should consider an all-around board, a step-up for bigger waves, or a fish or longboard. Expect additional baggage fees on the flight, so contact the airline before the trip to confirm board transport and costs.

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.

What Kind Of Wave Is Tongo Reef?

Tongo Reef is a long left-point break split into Pico, Medio and Bajito, for experienced, intermediate and beginner surfers. We paddled out from the beach in front of Bajito to avoid jagged volcanic rocks. The best swell comes from the southwest to south, breaking consistently from April to November, and nothing is nearby, so pack water.

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!

Is Tongo Reef Worth Visiting For Surfers In The Galapagos?

For surfers who treat surfing as a top priority in the Galapagos, Tongo Reef belongs on the list. Among the many good spots scattered across the islands, we consider it a premier surfing destination that captures the essence of the Galapagos surf scene. Missing it would be a regret for any serious surfer.

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.