What to do In Punta Sal

Punta Sal is a long, crescent-shaped beach along the northern coast of Peru. The light sand beach borders a calm section of the Pacific Ocean that's perfect for swimming. Jet skis and kayaks can be rented from local hotels, and horseback rides can be enjoyed along the coast. Dune buggies are sometimes ridden along the sand, and handicrafts sellers have some of the best artisan work in the north of Peru. There are few services or restaurants outside of the leading hotels. Punta Sal is located about 18 miles (29 km) north of Máncora and is perfect for those looking for a family vacation in a more chilled-out beach town. Here are some of the best things to do in Punta Sal.

 

Tumbes Coastline

Whale and Dolphin Watching

 

Between June to October, the North Coast of Peru is visited by huge Humpback Whales, who come here to reproduce and give birth before returning to Antarctica, where they live for the rest of the year. Aboard a private yacht, you can see the marine fauna, including humpback whales, dolphins, killer whales, and some sea birds like the blue-legged pike and the frigate bird. Be amazed by the graceful movements of these marine giants. It is sometimes possible to observe up to 15 different whales on the northern coast of Peru, and the hump-backed whale is one of the biggest species of whales on the planet. Be prepared to be amazed as these giant creatures jump out of the water, twirling their bodies and waving their tails.

 

Whale of Punta Sal

 

Visit Los Manglares

 

If you want to escape the beach for the day, you can head out on a trip to the Tumbes mangroves. Since Tumbes has a subtropical climate due to its proximity to the equator, it is the ideal location for mangroves, known as manglares in Spanish. Mangroves grow in low-oxygen soil along the coastline, where water moves slowly so that the roots can grow in the sediment. Head out into the water with your guide on simple rowboats, just like the fishermen do. What's nice about the tours is that they are run by locals with a solid connection to the ecosystem, as many people continue to fish for the shellfish that thrive in this environment. The roots of the manglares stabilize the coastline and reduce erosion, and these stilt-like roots help the trees stay above the daily tides as they come in and out, although it's hard to imagine rising and falling tides in such a still environment!

 

Swimming with sea Turtles

If you'd like to swim with sea turtles, head for Ñuro and share turquoise ocean waters with them. The tiny village of Ñuro is famous for the sea turtles that can be seen off the pier, mingling with the fishing boats. It is possible to jump into the sea with these turtles. An excellent day trip if you are traveling with young children and an activity that can be done all year round. The green sea turtle protection and interpretation center are here, where you can learn more about this animal. Head out for a ride in a small boat to swim for about half an hour with the turtles in their natural habitat. Please remember not to disturb the turtles and to use a minimal amount of sunscreen when you enter the water so as not to hurt these impressive animals.

 

Sea Turtle

Swim with Whale Sharks

 

The best beach for this activity is Punta Sal. Whether you take a yacht and have a luxury experience or take a tour with an NGO working on whale shark research, swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. There is little information about this species' behavior on the Peru coast. Therefore, tourism promotes whale shark research and, ultimately, its conservation in this region.

 

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Enjoy the Beach

 

Punta Sal is considered one of the most beautiful and charming first-class beaches in Peru. Also, due to its location close to the equator, which generates a current of warm waters to the south called the "El Niño Current", the temperature of seawater is around 24 °C throughout the year. Thanks to its soft sand beaches, blue water, and spectacular views, Punta Sal has a strip of white sandy beach and 6.5 km of coastline and is one of the longest beaches in the country. With so much space, you will have no problem enjoying Punta Sal away from the crowds. There are lovely pockets of rocks where you can relax in the warm pools of water as the gentle waves flow over you, and you enjoy the sun and the biodiversity in this pristine part of Peru.

 

Punta Sal Coastline

 

Kite surfing

The coastline along the Pacific Ocean provides some of the best conditions for kitesurfing and one of the longest wind seasons in the world, with a variety of spots that cater to all levels of kite surfers. Punta Sal is a somewhat exposed point break that has reasonably consistent surf. Spring and Summer provide the optimum conditions. Ideal winds are from the east-southeast. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells; the best swell direction is from the northwest. It very rarely gets crowded here, making it perfect for kitesurfing.

 

Kite Surfing

Jet Ski

Punta Sal is Peru's top beach for your typical beach retreat. The sun shines here nearly every day of the year, and the beaches have excellent sand. The warm waters are teeming with marine life thanks to warm and cold water currents. This makes it perfect for all water sports, including jet skiing. You can hire a jet ski in many locations in the small town or along the beach.

 

Snorkeling and Diving

 

The sun shines in Punta Sal nearly every day of the year, and the beaches have excellent sand. The warm waters are teeming with marine life thanks to warm and cold water currents. Divers and snorkelers will see turtles, octopuses, sea horses, moray eels, sea lions, and butterfly fish, among other fauna, due to the 18-meter-deep barrier reef, making it perfect for scuba and snorkeling.

Surfing

 

At Punta Sal, visitors can tackle the small waves, making it the perfect beach for beginners and small children. If you're more interested in swimming or boogie boarding, this beach is a calm alternative to the massive surf found a little farther south, such as Mancora. This beach is known for its lack of crowds and tranquillity, and at the end of a day surfing, it is perfect for kicking back and enjoying the sunset. Surf classes can be found everywhere if you want to brush up on those surf skills.

 

Punta Sal Sunset

Fishing

Set sail early morning from Punta Sal beach in search of tuna, and navigate the sub-surface isobaths with specific depth characteristics, the perfect temperature, and currents that make this space an ideal ecosystem for the search for pelagic fish such as Tuna, the Parrot fish, or the Barracuda, as well as black marlin, striped marlin, large-eye, and yellow-fin tuna, mako shark, and dorado. Please notice that weeping fish such as merlin are caught and released back into the ocean, while the fishermen can keep Tuna, wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and dorado.

 

Punta Sal

 

Find out more about Punta Sal for the perfect beach vacation during your trip to Peru here!