Waikiki & Makaha Surf Beaches, Lima - a group of people riding surfboards on top of a wave
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Waikiki & Makaha Surf Beaches Lima

4.4
·293 reviews·Miraflores, Peru

Lima's premier surf spots, Waikiki and Makaha, offer beginner-friendly waves and affordable lessons on rocky shores.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better waves

CrowdLow
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Waikiki & Makaha Surf Beaches, Lima - a group of people riding surfboards on top of a wave

Waikiki & Makaha Surf Beaches Lima

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better waves

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Lima's premier surf spots, Waikiki and Makaha, offer beginner-friendly waves and affordable lessons on rocky shores.

4.4
(293 reviews)

"Great for beginner surfers. The beach is all rocks, not sand, so wear sandals."

Vertical photo
TIP

🪨 Rocky Shores Ahead!

These beaches are rocky, not sandy. Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes to protect your feet.

🏄‍♀️ Beginner-Friendly Waves

Waikiki is ideal for learning to surf. Instructors are patient, and you'll be up on a board in no time!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waikiki Beach Surf

Waikiki Beach Surf

Costa Verde, Lima

Gentle waves perfect for first-time surfers. Surf schools offer affordable lessons and board rentals.

Makaha Beach Waves

Makaha Beach Waves

Costa Verde, Lima

Known for its artificial reef, Makaha offers impressive wave height, ideal for practicing and intermediate surfers.

Miraflores Coastal Walk

Miraflores Coastal Walk

Miraflores, Lima

Enjoy scenic views and easy access to the surf beaches from Miraflores. A vibrant area with plenty of amenities.

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Planning Your Visit

Surf's Up in Lima!

Waikiki and Makaha beaches are Lima's surf hubs, perfect for beginners. Expect rocky shores, so wear sturdy sandals. Lessons are affordable, and locals are friendly. It's a short walk from Miraflores, making it super accessible for a surf session.

Waves, Smells, and Views

While Waikiki and Makaha offer great surf, be aware of the rocky terrain and occasional strong fumes from the nearby highway. Some visitors note a peculiar smell and decaying marine life on the rocks, but the waves are consistently good for surfing.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better waves
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Surf lessons in full swing
Crowd
Medium
When
October to March
Why
Warmer weather, consistent surf
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come surf with us! We are located in Waikiki on Oahu! Surf lessons everyday so come learn to surf in Hawaii! 🏄‍♀️ #surf #surfing #liloandstitch #hawaii #hawaiitiktok #supportlocal #surflessonshawaii #thingstodohawaii #travel Call or text for booking
@oahusurfschool
170.9K likes • 1.8M views

🪨 Rocky Shores Ahead!

These beaches are rocky, not sandy. Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes to protect your feet. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Beginner-Friendly Waves

Waikiki is ideal for learning to surf. Instructors are patient, and you'll be up on a board in no time! TikTokReddit

Day 1 in Hawaii #vacation #hawaii #waikikibeach #couples @mr.stretch19
@lovelymimi865
130.8K likes • 702.7K views
Who knows the name of this beach? 🤫🌞🤿 I wonder how many turtles we’ll see today! 🐢#hawaii #hawaiilife #hawaiitraveltips #visithawaii #waikiki #traveltips #travelbucketlist
@whereisjesstoday
121.2K likes • 1M views

💰 Affordable Rentals

Board and wetsuit rentals are reasonably priced, often around 20-30 soles for the whole day. Reddit

📸 Capture Your Ride

Local photographers with GoPros often offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing. Reddit

#oahu #tsunami #waikiki
@rae0fm00nlite
95.4K likes • 4.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🪨 Rocky Shores Ahead!

These beaches are rocky, not sandy. Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes to protect your feet. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Beginner-Friendly Waves

Waikiki is ideal for learning to surf. Instructors are patient, and you'll be up on a board in no time! TikTokReddit

💰 Affordable Rentals

Board and wetsuit rentals are reasonably priced, often around 20-30 soles for the whole day. Reddit

📸 Capture Your Ride

Local photographers with GoPros often offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access from Miraflores

You can walk from Miraflores down to Makaha Beach via stairs under the bridge. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(293 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Waikiki and Makaha beaches for their excellent surf conditions, especially for beginners, and affordable lessons. While the rocky terrain and occasional strong smells are noted drawbacks, the overall experience is considered fun and rewarding, with friendly locals and convenient access from Miraflores.

"I took a surf lesson for the fist time. They provided me a wetsuit, shoes and a surf board. It was twenty minutes of basic skills on site and then one hour in water. The temperature was 18'C and the water was a little bit cold. It was definitely fun."

Young Cho

"Great for beginner surfers. The beach is all rocks, not sand, so wear sandals. The locals are nice, ans surf lessons are reasonably priced. My girlfriend amd I went surfing for the first time and we both got up on the surfboard. She didn't even know how to swim. There's ussually a few locals with GoPros who will sell you pictures and videos of you surfing. Great experience!"

Sam

"Playa Makaha or Macaca hmmm. Nice from afar but once up close the beach smells weird and the muscles are spoiling on the rocks and flys everywhere. If you don't mind this then it's ok."

G. A.

What People Like

Great for beginner surfers
Affordable lessons and rentals
Consistent waves

What People Dislike

Rocky beach, not sandy
Occasional strong smells
Can be noisy from highway

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily walk from Miraflores down to Makaha Beach by taking the stairs under the bridge after the shopping mall. It's a convenient and scenic route. Reddit

While specific scooter rentals with board racks might be uncommon, many visitors find it easy to walk or use local transport to reach the surf spots from Miraflores. Reddit

Walking from Miraflores to the nearby beaches like Makaha is very feasible. For further spots, consider local taxis or ride-sharing apps. Reddit

While direct beachfront hotels might be limited in the immediate surf zones, Miraflores offers many accommodations with ocean views and easy access to the beaches within an hour of the airport. Reddit

The surf beaches are accessible from the airport via taxi or ride-sharing services, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Surf lessons are reasonably priced, with board and wetsuit rentals often costing around 20-30 soles for the entire day. Reddit

It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, though walk-ins are often accommodated. Many surf schools operate daily. TikTok

There are typically no entrance fees for accessing Waikiki and Makaha beaches themselves, as they are public coastal areas. Reddit

A standard package usually includes a wetsuit, shoes, and a surfboard, along with about 20 minutes of basic land instruction and an hour in the water. Reddit

Yes, surfboard and wetsuit rentals are readily available for individuals who prefer to surf independently. Reddit

🎫 🏄‍♀️ Onsite Experience

These beaches are primarily rocky, not sandy. It's recommended to wear sandals or water shoes for comfort and safety. Reddit+1

Waikiki Beach is known for its gentle waves, making it an excellent spot for beginner surfers. Makaha Beach can have higher waves due to its artificial reef. TikTokReddit+1

The water temperature is typically around 18°C (64°F), which can feel a bit cold, so a wetsuit is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, local photographers with GoPros are often present and offer to sell pictures and videos of you surfing. Reddit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, while afternoons can be busier with surf lessons in full swing. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Miraflores, a short walk away, offers a wide array of excellent dining options, from local eateries to upscale restaurants. Reddit

Lima is renowned for its incredible culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood (ceviche), Peruvian fusion, and diverse international cuisine. Reddit

Absolutely! You can find delicious and affordable local food stalls and small restaurants, especially in the Miraflores district. Reddit

While direct beachfront dining might be limited, many cafes and restaurants in Miraflores offer ocean views and are just a short stroll from the surf beaches. Reddit

Don't miss ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and causa limeña for an authentic taste of Peru. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The coastline offers dramatic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The rocky formations and crashing waves provide great photographic opportunities. TikTok

Yes, local photographers often patrol the beaches with GoPros and offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing experience. Reddit

A camera with a fast autofocus and good low-light performance is ideal. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers from a distance. TikTok

It's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage, as restrictions can vary. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. However, the dramatic midday sun can also create interesting contrasts. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Waikiki Beach is an excellent choice for families with children looking to try surfing. The gentle waves are perfect for beginners, and surf schools offer patient instruction. While the beach is rocky, wearing water shoes will make it comfortable for little ones. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the beach can be limited. The nearby Miraflores area offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. TikTokReddit

For a more relaxed beach experience, explore the coastal areas near Miraflores. While not ideal for swimming due to rocks and waves, the scenic promenades offer beautiful views and space for children to play. Keep an eye out for local photographers who can capture fun family moments on the water. TikTok

🏄‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Lima's surf beaches are very budget-friendly. Board and wetsuit rentals are typically around 20-30 soles for the entire day, which is a great deal. Surf lessons are also reasonably priced, making it accessible for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers to experience surfing in Peru. Reddit

Staying in Miraflores offers a range of affordable hostels and guesthouses. You can easily walk to the beaches, saving on transportation costs. For meals, explore the local markets and small eateries in Miraflores for delicious and inexpensive Peruvian cuisine. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a romantic and adventurous outing, couples can enjoy learning to surf together at Waikiki Beach. It's a fun activity that creates shared memories. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Miraflores district, known for its ocean-view restaurants and romantic sunset spots. TikTokReddit

Consider booking a private surf lesson for a more intimate experience. The coastal walk from Miraflores offers beautiful scenery for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand. Enjoying fresh ceviche and Pisco sours at a seaside restaurant is the perfect way to end a day of sun and surf. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Learning to Surf in Lima

Waikiki Beach is the go-to spot for beginner surfers in Lima. The waves here are known for being gentle and consistent, providing an ideal environment to learn the basics. Numerous surf schools operate daily, offering affordable surf lessons that typically include board and wetsuit rental. Instructors focus on fundamental techniques, ensuring you get up on the board and experience the thrill of riding a wave. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, many instructors are experienced in helping beginners feel safe and confident in the water. TikTokReddit+1

The entire process is designed to be accessible and fun. You'll receive about 20 minutes of instruction on the sand, covering paddling, popping up, and balance, followed by an hour in the water practicing your new skills. The water temperature hovers around 18°C, so the provided wetsuit is essential for comfort. Many visitors find the experience incredibly rewarding, with some even catching their first waves on their very first try. Reddit

Beyond the lessons, the local surf culture is welcoming. You'll often see local photographers with GoPros capturing action shots, which they offer to sell, providing a great memento of your surfing adventure. The proximity to Miraflores also means you can easily grab a bite to eat or explore the vibrant neighborhood after your session. Reddit

Makaha Beach: For the More Adventurous

Makaha Beach, also sometimes referred to as Macaca, offers a different surfing experience compared to Waikiki. It's known for its artificial reef, which contributes to waves that can reach impressive heights. This makes it a popular spot for surfers looking for a bit more challenge and for instructors training younger, more experienced surfers. While still accessible, the waves here can be more powerful, appealing to those who have some surfing experience or are looking to progress beyond beginner level. Reddit

However, it's important to be aware of the beach's characteristics. Unlike sandy beaches, Makaha is predominantly rocky. This means wearing appropriate footwear like sandals or water shoes is crucial to avoid injury when walking to and from the water. Some visitors have noted that the rocky areas can sometimes accumulate marine life, leading to a distinct smell and the presence of flies, which might be off-putting for some. Reddit

Despite these considerations, Makaha remains a significant surf spot in Lima. The consistent wind and good wave conditions make it a draw for surfers. The proximity to the highway means there can be some noise and fumes, but for dedicated surfers, the quality of the waves often outweighs these minor inconveniences. Reddit

Navigating Lima's Coastal Access

Getting to the surf beaches from the popular Miraflores district is remarkably straightforward. Many visitors find they can simply walk down to Makaha Beach by utilizing the stairs located under the bridge, conveniently situated after the local shopping mall. This makes spontaneous surf sessions very accessible for those staying in or exploring Miraflores. Reddit

For those who prefer not to walk or are carrying gear, other transportation options are available. While specific scooter rentals with board racks might be hard to come by, local taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available and can easily transport you to the beach. The journey from Miraflores is short, making it an easy commute. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that these beaches are rocky rather than sandy. Therefore, packing appropriate footwear like sandals or water shoes is essential for comfort and safety. The overall accessibility and the availability of rentals and lessons make Waikiki and Makaha prime spots for experiencing Lima's surf culture. Reddit+1

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