Surf forecastStatisticsHistorical report

Today's Surf Conditions at Ciruelo

Spot Conditions Map

Hover over the hourly chart columns to update the wind & swell direction overlays on the map.

Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)

Latest updates:

Loading forecast text...

Spot Overview & Description

Swell Height3 - 10 ft
SeabedUneven Reef
Skill LevelIntermediate
Best TideLow, Mid, High

Ciruelo might fly under the radar, but that's exactly its charm. Tucked near the fishing harbor and easily spotted from the main road—just turn at the main store—this left-hand reef break offers a welcome escape from the masses. It's not always pumping, but when conditions align, it delivers a worthwhile session without the crowds. The wave here is a fickle friend, springing to life on long-period SW swells, especially when the wind drops to a whisper. The best days see a steady south to southwest groundswell wrapping in, with the wave holding up to about 3 feet (1 meter) before closing out. The uneven reef bottom adds an element of challenge, shaping thick, bowl-like lefts with occasional tube sections that tease your reflexes. Not a wave you can just paddle into—timing and positioning are key, making it a solid choice for intermediate surfers looking to sharpen their skills. On a clean day with a north wind and an incoming tide, the left truly shines, offering a rewarding line from low through high tide. Even when the surf is flat, the relaxed vibe around the harbor invites you to join a fishing trip or simply soak up the local atmosphere. Keep your gear ready, because when Ciruelo turns on, it's a joy you won't want to miss.

Best Surf Season & Climatology

Best Surf Season (April - November)

Ciruelo hits its stride from April through November, when the dominant swell shifts to the optimal southern quadrants and the Pacific storm track delivers consistent, long-period groundswells. During these months, the swell window remains wide open to the S, SSW, SW, and WSW, generating waves that wrap directly into the beach with power and shape. The average wave period climbs into the 13-14 second range, ensuring clean, punchy lines on the 1-1.5m fun-sized faces that dominate the charts. Wind patterns become lighter and more variable, but still manage to blow offshore from the north or northwest a solid 50-70% of the time, especially during morning hours. This is the prime window for surfing at Ciruelo.

Fair Surf Season (December & March)

December and March offer a mixed bag. December boasts the highest percentage of ideal wind (80%), with strong offshore flow from N and NNW, but the swell direction is split between northern and southern sources. Only about half the waves arrive from the favorable SSW-SW quadrant, while the rest come from north of west—these wrap in but lack the same punch. March sees a nice bump in SSW swell (38% of total) and long periods (12.4s average), but wind quality drops to 54% ideal, with more frequent onshore afternoon breezes. Both months can still produce memorable sessions when the right combination aligns.

Low Surf Season (January & February)

January and February represent the weakest period for Ciruelo. The swell is dominated by north-northwest and north-northeast directions, which sit outside the optimal entry window. Only about a quarter to a third of the waves come from the preferred S through WSW directions, and these are mostly small, averaging 1.1m with periods dropping to 9-10 seconds. Although offshore winds from the N and NNE are frequent (60+% of the time), the lack of quality swell makes for small, weak surf that rarely exceeds 1.5m. It’s a time for smaller boards and patience, or for exploring other breaks.

Detailed Surf Information for Ciruelo

Detailed Surf Forecast

Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Ciruelo with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.

Swell & Wind Statistics

Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.

Historical Surf Report

Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.

Nearby Surf Spots

5.7 km

Playa Venao

Panama

Playa Venao - Spot Location Picture
10.1 km

Playa Madrono

Panama

Playa Madrono - Spot Location Picture
10.5 km

Playa Los Destiladeros

Panama

Playa Los Destiladeros - Spot Location Picture
12.0 km

Playa Raya

Panama

Playa Raya - Spot Location Picture
18.2 km

Playa Lagarto

Panama

Playa Lagarto - Spot Location Picture