Mainland Mexico Surf SPOTS
& INFORMATION
While traveling through Mexico, it’s possible to climb a mountain,
swim in the ocean, see a desert, walk through a jungle, visit the coast on the lowlands, and enjoy the cooler temperatures of the highlands. The topography—and the entire nature of the country--is so diverse that any basic description of the country would miss the utterly stunning diversity of the place.
This extends even to surfing. The west coast of Mainland Mexico is 1,500 miles long and features beach breaks, point breaks, reef breaks, lefts and rights. Waves at some spots are massive and hollow; other spots offer fun for beginners. The surfing communities surrounding these world-class surf spots can be fiercely competitive, their waters filled with heavy doses of localism. In other places, the waves are world-class yet the lineups remain empty.
If you are looking for the “big one,” Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca is the place to be. Properly nicknamed “The Mexican Pipeline,” Puerto Escondido can serve up powerful waves with huge tubes; when it's on, Puerto Escondido is one of the best rides in Central America.
A variety of breaks surrounding the Mexican Pipeline also provide good alternatives when conditions are subpar. However, the region is often described as cut-throat, so come prepared. More solitary types might look further north to Central Baja where the water is a bit colder, or to the Colima and Michoacan states. The waves in the Manzanillo area of Colima are consistent, hollow, and big and can offer similar thrills without the same crowds. So, while Puerto Escondido is Mexico’s most famous wave, there are plenty of other world-class breaks with unique dynamics.
The peak season for most spots starts around May and goes until October. The waves are the biggest during this time. But even in the winter, waves are consistent and great. On the Pacific mainland, the weather is warm and board shorts are perfect in all seasons just about everywhere. The water is about 80 degrees year-round, except in some northern areas where the temperature may drop into the mid-70's during the winter months. Expect Southern swells to provide the best waves on the Pacific in Mexico.
In Mexico, some regions should be traveled very carefully, such as Southern Oaxaca, while other areas require special precautions. Most travelers experience only petty crime and theft, but some have serious problems with violence stemming from the drug trade. When planning your trip, make sure you understand the risks inherent to each city and region before leaving. Crime shouldn’t stop you from going, but it’s important to be informed and aware before arriving. According to the U.S. State Department, Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and Monterrey have the highest crime rates. Of special interest to surfers, the Acapulco area and the state of Sinola are also violent. In addition, the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca occasionally suffer from politically motivated violence.
Considering the unexpected discoveries you’ll make, the variety of experiences, and that slight tinge of risk from crime, a trip to Mexico might best be described for most people as a surfing adventure. It’s certainly possible to camp out at a luxury resort and miss this type of experience, but that’s probably not the norm. You would miss the exciting nature of Mexico.
Find a surf school in Mexico.
Northern Mexico Surf Spots |
Rucos |
| Surf Location |
Sinaloa: close to Marmol |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
All tides |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer: May-October |
| Wave Quality |
This is a very consistent, powerful, and hollow beach break |
| The Surfers |
Lots of locals surf and moderate numbers of traveling surfers, but it can be hard to access in the rain (need four-wheel drive), so it’s not the most popular spot despite its consistent wave quality |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Thieves, getting stuck on the drive in |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Mazatlan Area |
| Surf Location |
Sinaloa |
| Best Swell Direction |
South to Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid to Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
Summer: May-October |
| Wave Quality |
The waves in this area are typically pretty large and powerful. Some spots, such as Escollera are better left to experts. There are many spots in this area. |
| The Surfers |
Tourists and locals, usually quite a few as the Mazatlan area is consistent and popular, especially during spring break and the summer months |
| Boards |
Longboard, shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean outside city limits |
San Blas |
| Surf Location |
Nayarit |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid to Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northwest |
| Best Surf Season |
April-October |
| Wave Quality |
The waves in this area are decent rights and lefts. The area is relatively consistent, and super long rides are frequent. |
| The Surfers |
A little bit of localism; some spots are more crowded then others |
| Boards |
Longboard, shortboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand, rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, sharks, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes |
| Water Condition |
Mostly clean |
Matanchen Bay |
| Surf Location |
In the town of San Blas, Nayarit |
| Best Swell Direction |
Needs a large Southwest swell |
| Best Tide |
Mid-low |
| Best Wind Direction |
East or Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
April-October; smaller waves in the winter (Dec-Feb) are great for beginners |
| Wave Quality |
Right-hand point break. This is the longest peeling wave in Mexico and one of the longest right-hand point breaks in the world. But it’s fickle and needs a strong swell to start working. |
| The Surfers |
Crowded. Everyone knows and goes when it’s breaking. |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand, rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Rip tides, rocks, sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Sayulita |
| Surf Location |
Nayarit, 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta |
| Best Swell Direction |
West |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
December thru April, but breaks all year |
| Wave Quality |
Consistently long rides on rights and lefts are awesome |
| The Surfers |
This is a great place for beginners to learn. There are definitely some aggressive surfers out on the water at peak times, but in general this area is known to be great for learning how to surf, especially with the number of surf camps around. Very crowded though. |
| Boards |
Big wave gun, shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks and locals |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Punta Mita |
| Surf Location |
Nayarit: north of Puerto Vallarta, just south of Sayulita |
| Best Swell Direction |
West , Southwest is best, also breaks on North or Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
Anything out of the east |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, very consistent during summer months |
| Wave Quality |
Hollow, fast, long, and generally great right point break. Also a variety of breaks in the area, including Veneros. |
| The Surfers |
Not too busy |
| Boards |
Big wave gun, shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rocky |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Punta Burros and Veneros (Dinosaurs) |
| Surf Location |
Nayarit: North of Puerto Vallarta and South of Sayulita; both spots are very close to Punta Mita. Right next to the Palladium Hotel. |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest, South |
| Best Tide |
Low |
| Best Wind Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Right point break is fun and occasionally large. Sometimes compared to a shorter version of Malibu. |
| The Surfers |
Occasionally croweded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, urchins |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Central Mexico Surf Spots |
Quimixto |
| Surf Location |
Jalisco: Puerto Vallarte |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
South |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Fast and hollow waves are a few feet high and perfect for beginners |
| The Surfers |
Usually empty lineups |
| Boards |
Shortboard, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Reef, Rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, riptdes, rocks, urchins |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Cuyutlan |
| Surf Location |
Colima: 30 minutes south of Manzanillo |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low to mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
East, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Big waves break on the beach but frequently close out |
| The Surfers |
Not very crowded |
| Boards |
Big wave gun, shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
El Paralso - Manzanillo |
| Surf Location |
Colima: Manzanillo |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low to mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Nice left point break with rights and lefts in the area |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded at times |
| Boards |
All boards work here |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand, rock, reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Las Pascuales / Boca de Pascuales |
| Surf Location |
Colima: Manzanillo |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October (good all year though) |
| Wave Quality |
15-foot beach breaks are the norm at Pascuales. Breaks both ways and can get very hollow. Steep drop-ins are the norm – only experienced surfers need apply. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded at times |
| Boards |
Big wave gun |
| Paddle Out |
Very difficult (there’s no channel) |
| Skill Level |
Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand, rock, reef |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Boca de Apisa |
| Surf Location |
Southern Colima south of Tecoman |
| Best Swell Direction |
Northwest in the winter, South or Southwest in the summer |
| Best Tide |
Low to mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
November-April |
| Wave Quality |
Long and fun lefts. One of the few spots that keeps going strong in the winter. Breaks down after about 6 feet. A lot of fun in the summer also. |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded at times |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
La Ticla |
| Surf Location |
Michoacan |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low, Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
November-April |
| Wave Quality |
There are a variety of breaks at Ticla, but the largest is a left point break that can produce punchy and hollow surf |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded during good swells |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Difficult for some of the breaks |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, riptides |
| Water Condition |
Muddy and/or dirty at times due to the river mouth |
Rio Nexpa / Punta Nexpa |
| Surf Location |
Michoacan |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low, Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, but good year round |
| Wave Quality |
The left breaks off a river mouth and is usually fast and powerful, with long rides common. This is a super fun wave. |
| The Surfers |
Can be rather busy, lots of ex-pat locals |
| Boards |
Fish, fun shape, shortboard, longboard, big wave gun |
| Paddle Out |
Moderately difficult |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Boulders |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, riptides |
| Water Condition |
Muddy/dirty at times due to river mouth |
Playa Azul |
| Surf Location |
Michoacan: North of Lazaro Cardenas |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest and West are usually the best, but works on almost all swell directions |
| Best Tide |
Low, Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October for larger waves, November-April for cleaner waves |
| Wave Quality |
The waves can be very big, up to triple-overhead on a few lucky days in the summer. Consistently decent year round. |
| The Surfers |
Crowded at times in certain areas |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard, semi-gun |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Expert |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks, bandits, rips |
| Water Condition |
Occasionally dirty from river mouths,but usually clean |
Southern Mexico Surf Spots |
El Rancho |
| Surf Location |
Guerroro: north of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Low-Mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
East-Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, though good year-round |
| Wave Quality |
This is a very consistent, fast, and powerful wave that barrels both left and right. This wave can get large and heavy. |
| The Surfers |
Locals and ex-pats are on it when good, otherwise moderate to no crowd on average days |
| Boards |
Shortboard, big wave gun, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Always a good workout because it breaks far out |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and boulders |
| Watch Out For… |
Riptides and pseudo locals |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
La Saladita |
| Surf Location |
Guerroro: north of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, though good year-round |
| Wave Quality |
Nicknamed: Reverse Malibu. Need we say more? See surf movie “Siestas y Olas” for a good view of this wave. |
| The Surfers |
Occasional crowds |
| Boards |
Fish, fun shape, longboards - this wave is made for longboards |
| Paddle Out |
Long but easy |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand, small rocks |
| Watch Out For… |
Riptides and Mexican sun |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Troncones |
| Surf Location |
Guerroro: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Rising mid |
| Best Wind Direction |
North, Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, though good year-round |
| Wave Quality |
Consistant beachbreaks and left-breaking Troncones point allow surfers of all levels to enjoy the surf |
| The Surfers |
Can get crowded, but is generally mellow |
| Boards |
Shortboard and longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Long but easy |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rocks |
| Watch Out For… |
Rips, sharks, and rocks |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Las Gatas – Ixtapa |
| Surf Location |
Guerroro: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Area |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
High |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast, East |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October; though good year-round, summer is the time |
| Wave Quality |
When it breaks on sufficiently sized swells, the waves are hollow and can be big, but often difficult to catch when competing with locals. Rarely breaks. |
| The Surfers |
Crowded with localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, big wave gun, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate |
| Skill Level |
Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and coral |
| Watch Out For… |
Rips, reef, and locals |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Papanoa |
| Surf Location |
West Guerrero |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
West |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Beach break lefts and rights are decent and fast but can close out when the swell reaches over 6 feet |
| The Surfers |
Not usually crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, big wave gun, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Easy to difficult depending on wave size |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Sharks and other surfers |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Revolcadero |
| Surf Location |
Guerroro: Acapulco area |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October, though good year-round |
| Wave Quality |
This place is not consistent, but when it breaks, the waves are usually very big |
| The Surfers |
Mellow |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Varies |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand and rock |
| Watch Out For… |
Riptides |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Rio / Punta Tapextla |
| Surf Location |
Oaxaca |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Mid and rising |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Lefts and rights are hollow and barreling on a relatively consistent basis. Breaks by an estuary. |
| The Surfers |
Mellow vibe with few hassles |
| Boards |
Shortboard, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Tough |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Rock and sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Rips |
| Water Condition |
Can get dirty during rainy season |
Puerto Escondido (Playa Zicatela) |
| Surf Location |
Oaxaca |
| Best Swell Direction |
South, West |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
East |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
One of the best beach breaks in the world, and Mexico’s most famous wave. It’s the big one in Mexico and is often featured in movies and in print. Waves can be massive, topping out at over 20 feet. Super hollow and super fast, it is often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline.” The right is usually the best. |
| The Surfers |
There are a lot of aggressive local surfers, and loads of travelers. Also plenty of tubes to go around. |
| Boards |
Big wave gun, shortboard, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Often very challenging, as large beach breaks can be. If you get caught inside here, you will remember it. |
| Skill Level |
Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Currents, rips, broken boards, locals and… need to especially avoid getting hammered into the shallow bottom |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
La Punta Puerto Escondido |
| Surf Location |
Oaxaca, south end of the Puerto Escondido Bay, accessible by a short bus ride |
| Best Swell Direction |
Southwest |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
Northeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
This is a left point break very close to the beach break, so the waves are a bit smaller and easier to ride but still hollow and fast. It’s also a great alternative to the main spot when the beach break is blown out or closing out. |
| The Surfers |
Crowded, lots of localism |
| Boards |
Shortboard, big wave gun, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Difficult |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Currents, rips, urchins, sharks, sea snakes, board-break waves, and getting caught inside |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
Zipolite |
| Surf Location |
Oaxaca: South of Puerto Escondido |
| Best Swell Direction |
South |
| Best Tide |
Any |
| Best Wind Direction |
Southeast |
| Best Surf Season |
May-October |
| Wave Quality |
Rights and lefts are fast but can close out easily |
| The Surfers |
This place is a little bit isolated, so it’s not very crowded |
| Boards |
Shortboard, big wave gun, fish, fun shape, longboard |
| Paddle Out |
Moderate to difficult |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate to Advanced |
| Bottom |
Sand |
| Watch Out For… |
Rocks, criminals |
| Water Condition |
Clean |
