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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better waves
Waikiki & Makaha Surf Beaches Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better waves

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lima's premier surf spots, Waikiki and Makaha, offer beginner-friendly waves and affordable lessons on rocky shores.
"Great for beginner surfers. The beach is all rocks, not sand, so wear sandals."
🪨 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waikiki Beach Surf
Costa Verde, Lima
Gentle waves perfect for first-time surfers. Surf schools offer affordable lessons and board rentals.

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, Lima
Enjoy scenic views and easy access to the surf beaches from Miraflores. A vibrant area with plenty of amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up in Lima!
Waves, Smells, and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪨 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!
💰 Affordable Rentals
Board and wetsuit rentals are reasonably priced, often around 20-30 soles for the whole day.
📸 Capture Your Ride
Local photographers with GoPros often offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing.
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.
🏄♀️ Beginner-Friendly Waves
Waikiki is ideal for learning to surf. Instructors are patient, and you'll be up on a board in no time!
💰 Affordable Rentals
Board and wetsuit rentals are reasonably priced, often around 20-30 soles for the whole day.
📸 Capture Your Ride
Local photographers with GoPros often offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing.
🚗 Easy Access from Miraflores
You can walk from Miraflores down to Makaha Beach via stairs under the bridge.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Walking from Miraflores to the nearby beaches like Makaha is very feasible. For further spots, consider local taxis or ride-sharing apps.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Surf lessons are reasonably priced, with board and wetsuit rentals often costing around 20-30 soles for the entire day.
It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, though walk-ins are often accommodated. Many surf schools operate daily.
There are typically no entrance fees for accessing Waikiki and Makaha beaches themselves, as they are public coastal areas.
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.
Yes, surfboard and wetsuit rentals are readily available for individuals who prefer to surf independently.
🎫 🏄♀️ Onsite Experience
These beaches are primarily rocky, not sandy. It's recommended to wear sandals or water shoes for comfort and safety.
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.
The water temperature is typically around 18°C (64°F), which can feel a bit cold, so a wetsuit is highly recommended.
Yes, local photographers with GoPros are often present and offer to sell pictures and videos of you surfing.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, while afternoons can be busier with surf lessons in full swing.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Lima is renowned for its incredible culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood (ceviche), Peruvian fusion, and diverse international cuisine.
Absolutely! You can find delicious and affordable local food stalls and small restaurants, especially in the Miraflores district.
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.
Don't miss ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and causa limeña for an authentic taste of Peru.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastline offers dramatic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The rocky formations and crashing waves provide great photographic opportunities.
Yes, local photographers often patrol the beaches with GoPros and offer to sell action shots and videos of your surfing experience.
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.
It's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage, as restrictions can vary.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. However, the dramatic midday sun can also create interesting contrasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏄♀️ Budget Travelers
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.
💑 Couples
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Learning to Surf in Lima
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.
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.
Makaha Beach: For the More Adventurous
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.
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.
Navigating Lima's Coastal Access
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.
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.
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