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12 of the Best Surf Resorts in Mexico

This is our pick of the  12 Best Surf Resorts in Mexico .

With its stunning coastlines, warm waters, and a rich tapestry of surf spots, Mexico has become a paradise for wave enthusiasts from around the globe.

In this article, we will explore 12 of the best surf resorts in Mexico. Each resort offers the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and proximity to some of the country’s most iconic surf breaks.

When is the Best Time of Year to Surf in Mexico?

Mexico’s diverse geography provides surfers with a year-round playground, catering to all levels of experience and wave preferences.

The best time to surf in Mexico varies depending on the region and the desired wave conditions. From May to September, Mexico experiences its peak surf season, with consistent swells and warm water temperatures. This period is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking bigger waves and a more challenging surf experience.

During the winter months (November to March), the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico offer milder waves, making it an excellent time for beginners and those looking for more relaxed surf sessions.

Where are the Best Places to Surf in Mexico?

When it comes to surfing areas, Mexico offers a treasure trove of surf destinations along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Along the Pacific coastline, Baja California is a renowned surf mecca. Spots like Todos Santos, Cerritos Beach, and San Miguel offer a mix of beach breaks and point breaks, attracting surfers of all levels.

Mainland Mexico also boasts exceptional surf breaks, including Puerto Escondido, known as the Mexican Pipeline, which is famous for its powerful and barreling waves. The Sayulita area near Puerto Vallarta is a popular surf destination, offering a vibrant surf scene and a range of breaks suitable for all levels.

Heading towards the Caribbean coast, the Yucatan Peninsula reveals its surf wonders. Tulum and Playa del Carmen are emerging surf destinations known for their white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Nearby spots like Punta Allen and Mahahual offer uncrowded breaks and a tranquil atmosphere for those seeking a laid-back surf experience.

Additionally, the renowned surf destination of Puerto Escondido extends its reach to the Caribbean coast, with spots like Majahual providing a taste of powerful reef breaks and pristine surf conditions.

The Best Surf Resorts in Mexico

Join us as we explore the 12 best surf resorts in Mexico. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to catch your first wave, Mexico’s surf scene has something for everyone.

Casa Joseph Zicatela

Located in the vibrant beach town of Puerto Escondido, Casa Joseph Zicatela is a paradise for surfers. This charming resort offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the world-famous Zicatela Beach, known for its impressive waves.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the consistent swell at Zicatela will keep you stoked. After a day of catching waves, unwind in the resort’s serene garden or take a dip in the refreshing pool.

With its prime location and welcoming atmosphere, Casa Joseph Zicatela is a surfer’s dream.

You can book a room at  Casa Joseph Zicatela now from $377 per night.

Selina Puerto Escondido

If you’re looking for a charming and affordable surf resort experience, Selina Puerto Escondido is the perfect choice. Located in the vibrant surf town of Puerto Escondido, this family-run resort offers comfortable bungalows surrounded by lush gardens.

Puerto Escondido is renowned for its powerful and consistent waves, attracting experienced surfers from around the world. Zicatela Beach, just a short distance away, offers a thrilling surf experience, while nearby beaches like Carrizalillo provide gentler waves for beginners.

After a day of surfing, mingle with fellow surfers at the resort’s communal area or explore the town’s lively nightlife scene. Selina Puerto Escondido provides a friendly and authentic surf atmosphere without breaking the bank.

You can book a room at  Selina Puerto Escondido now from $31 per night.

Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel

Nestled in the enchanting town of Sayulita, Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel is a surf resort that combines luxury with an authentic Mexican vibe. The resort’s stylish rooms and breathtaking ocean views create a tranquil ambiance for your surf getaway.

Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Sayulita Beach, a haven for surfers of all levels. With consistent waves and a welcoming surf community, this spot is perfect for honing your skills or catching your first wave.

After an exhilarating session, indulge in the resort’s gourmet cuisine or rejuvenate at the spa. Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel promises an unforgettable experience both in and out of the water.

You can book a room at  Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel now from $87 per night.

W Punta de Mita

Combining modern luxury with a vibrant surf atmosphere, W Punta de Mita offers a stylish and energetic surf resort experience. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, this resort boasts contemporary accommodations, including private villas and suites with stunning ocean views.

The resort’s Surf Shack provides everything you need for a memorable surf adventure, from equipment rentals to expert guidance. Catch the waves at nearby surf spots like El Anclote and Burros or take a surf lesson with professional instructors.

Back at the resort, enjoy the vibrant pool scene, savor delicious cuisine, and unwind with beachfront yoga sessions. W Punta de Mita is the epitome of surf chic.

You can book a room at  W Punta de Mita now from $498 per night.

Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas

Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas in Troncones offers a secluded retreat for surfers seeking tranquility. This luxurious surf resort boasts elegant villas with panoramic views, providing the ultimate escape from the crowds.

Troncones Beach, just steps away, offers consistent waves suitable for all skill levels. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas creates an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere or explore the nearby fishing village for a taste of authentic Mexican culture. Indulge in world-class surfing and luxury at Casa 7 Lunas.

You can book a room at  Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas now from $270 per night.

La Boheme Sayulita

Nestled in the charming town of Sayulita, La Boheme Sayulita offers a unique and vibrant surf resort experience. With its bohemian-inspired decor and proximity to the beach, this resort captures the essence of Mexico’s surf culture.

Sayulita Beach, just a short walk away, features consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels. After an exhilarating surf session, relax in the resort’s cozy hammocks or take a dip in the refreshing pool.

With its relaxed atmosphere and prime location, La Boheme Sayulita is an ideal choice for surfers looking for a laid-back and authentic Mexican surf experience.

You can book a room at  La Boheme Sayulita now from $138 per night.

San Cristobal

Nestled in the picturesque town of Todos Santos on the Baja California Peninsula, San Cristobal offers a bohemian surf retreat with a touch of luxury. This boutique hotel showcases Mexican craftsmanship and contemporary design, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Surf enthusiasts can explore the nearby Cerritos Beach, known for its consistent waves and relaxed surf vibe. Take a surf lesson, rent a board, or simply soak up the sun and watch the pros in action.

After a day of surf and sun, relax by the infinity pool, savor fresh and locally sourced cuisine, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. San Cristobal offers a blend of surf, culture, and relaxation.

You can book a room at  San Cristobal now from $548 per night.

Located in the picturesque village of Punta de Mita, Don Bonito offers a tranquil and luxurious surf retreat. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this boutique resort provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation.

Punta de Mita is renowned for its consistent surf breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. Beginners can take advantage of the gentle waves at nearby La Lancha Beach, while more experienced surfers can challenge themselves at El Anclote or Burros.

After an invigorating day in the water, unwind at the resort’s spa or savor delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Don Bonito offers the perfect balance of luxury and surf adventure.

You can book a room at  Don Bonito now from $136 per night.

Hotel Escondido

Nestled in the vibrant surf town of Puerto Escondido, Hotel Escondido is a surf resort that epitomizes the essence of the Mexican surf scene. With its beachfront location and comfortable accommodations, this resort offers a prime base for surfers looking to catch world-class waves.

Puerto Escondido is known for its legendary breaks, including the infamous Zicatela Beach, which attracts experienced surfers from around the globe. After an exhilarating surf session, relax by the resort’s pool, savor delicious local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the town’s bustling surf community.

Hotel Escondido is the perfect choice for surfers seeking a lively and authentic Mexican surf experience.

You can book a room at  Hotel Escondido now from $550 per night.

Casa Selva Sayulita

Nestled in the lush jungle surroundings of Sayulita, Casa Selva Sayulita is an eco-friendly surf resort that immerses you in nature. This enchanting retreat features sustainably designed accommodations with breathtaking ocean views.

Sayulita’s sandy beaches and consistent surf breaks are just a short distance away, making it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels. In addition to world-class surfing, guests can explore the nearby jungle trails, go horseback riding, or simply relax in the resort’s tranquil ambiance.

Casa Selva Sayulita offers an eco-conscious surf experience that combines adventure with sustainability.

You can book a room at  Casa Selva Sayulita now from $239 per night.

Punta Mita Surf Lodge

For surfers seeking a luxurious escape, Punta Mita Surf Lodge is the ultimate destination. Located in the exclusive community of Punta Mita, this surf resort offers lavish accommodations and access to pristine beaches.

The lodge’s expert guides will lead you to the best surf spots in the area, including the renowned breaks at nearby El Faro and La Lancha. After an exhilarating day on the waves, relax by the infinity pool overlooking the ocean or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.

With its upscale amenities and world-class surf, Punta Mita Surf Lodge caters to surfers looking for a high-end surf experience.

You can book a room at  Punta Mita Surf Lodge now from $210 per night.

Imanta Resort Punta de Mita

Nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of Punta de Mita, the Imanta Resort offers an exclusive and luxurious surf experience. This boutique resort features spacious villas with private pools, offering unparalleled comfort and privacy.

With its privileged location right on the beach, surfers have direct access to Punta de Mita’s famous breaks, such as La Lancha and El Faro. After an invigorating surf session, unwind at the resort’s spa or indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by talented chefs.

Imanta Resort Punta de Mita promises an unforgettable blend of luxury and surf adventure.

You can book a room at  Imanta Resort Punta de Mita now from $1122 per night.

Bikini Beach House

For surfers seeking a laid-back and affordable surf resort experience, Bikini Beach House in Sayulita is an excellent choice. Sayulita is known for its bohemian vibes, vibrant surf culture, and consistent waves, making it a surfer’s paradise.

Bikini Beach House provides comfortable accommodations just steps away from the beach, allowing you to maximize your surf time. Join a surf lesson, rent a board, or simply soak up the sun on Sayulita’s sandy shores.

After a day of surfing and exploration, unwind in the resort’s relaxed atmosphere, connect with fellow surfers, and embrace the town’s charming energy. Bikini Beach House offers an authentic and budget-friendly surf experience.

You can book a room at  Bikini Beach House now from $54 per night.

Surf Resorts in Mexico

Whether you choose the lively atmosphere of Puerto Escondido, the tranquil luxury of Punta de Mita, or the bohemian charm of Sayulita, these 12 surf resorts in Mexico offer unforgettable experiences for surfers of all levels. Embrace the Mexican surf scene, catch epic waves, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this incredible country.

Choose one of these top-rated surf resorts and get ready for a surf adventure in Mexico that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Enjoyed our guide to the  Best Surf Resorts in Mexico?  Be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Surf Camps in Mexico  here .

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €260pp

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €510pp

Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €385pp

Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €545pp

Marias Surf & Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €165pp

Golden Waves Surf Lodge : Book a shared or private room now from €639pp

Lighthouse Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €28/night

Aldeia Caiçara : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

Nice Way Cascais : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

The Salty Pelican : Book a shared or private room now from €71/night

Pineapple Surf House : Book a shared or private room now from €14/night

WOT Hostel in Peniche : Book a shared or private room now from €18/night

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The 17 Best Surf Spots in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

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Are you looking for the best surf spots in Mexico? Whether you are a hard-core surfer or a beginner looking to get the thrill of riding a wave for the first time, Mexico has great surfing options for you. 

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is filled with great surfing destinations, with everything from world-famous surf spots to empty “secret” local surf areas. 

From the northern parts of Baja California down to Oaxaca, you will find great waves and maybe even get to fulfill your dream of surfing in a big tube.

Here is your guide to surfing in Mexico with the best spots for every skill level and what time of year to go.

Brace yourself because this guide will leave you with the urge to get into the water and start paddling out to those waves!

Best Surfing in Mexico at a Glance

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is a surfer’s paradise. As you travel along the coast you will find some beautiful waves and a lot of surfers in the water.

The surf spots on the Pacific Coast offer you a variety of point break and beach break surf spots.

While the best surfing in Mexico is on the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean coast proves that anywhere there is a wave, there will be surfers in the water riding it.

In Cancun and Tulum you will find surfers in the water anytime there are waves. There is no consistent swell in this area, the waves are the result of wind.

The waves are smaller than in the Pacific, but the crystal clear blue water entices surfers to get in and catch a few waves. 

Point break vs beach break

A point break is when the wave hits a piece of land, usually a peninsula or part of the beach that extends into the water, and then rolls into shore.

In areas with point breaks, you will find all the surfers catching the wave in the same direction towards the beach, and these waves are pretty predictable.

Beach breaks are when the waves hit the sandy bottom, sometimes on a shifting sand bar, to produce large, surfable waves. Beach breaks can be trickier for new surfers because the peak of the wave is in different spots.

What kind of waves are in Mexico?

There are waves for everyone on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. There are surf spots along the Pacific Coast that draw the attention of pro surfers from all over the world.

These beaches provide some huge waves. Experienced surfers looking to ride a tube can find them here.

Although the Pacific is known for its huge waves, beginner surfers who want to take a surf lesson can trust that their instructors will know where to find some smaller waves that are suitable for beginners. 

When is the best time to surf in Mexico?

The best surfing in the Pacific is from May to October. These months are officially hurricane season and bring in some of the biggest, best waves.

Although this is the main surf season, on many of the beaches you can surf all year round. The water off the coast of Baja California in Northern Mexico can drop below 70 degrees in the winter, so if you plan to visit during those months, you should pack a wetsuit.

In the southern and central Pacific states, the water stays warm all year, rarely dropping below 80 degrees.

Most of the major surf areas will have surfboard rentals available, although serious, experienced surfers might be disappointed in the quality and variety of boards available.

Often tourists will sell their damaged surfboards to rental shops that repair and rent them. If you are a surfer who is traveling through the area and wants to get a day of surfing in, you will be able to find a suitable rental surfboard to use.

To make it easier to move between different surf spots it can be helpful to either rent a car or hire a local guide.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore different surf spots near where you are staying.

In all the major surf spots you can hire a local surf guide who will drive you to great surf spots, some that you might never have found on your own, and help you catch some great waves. 

With so many great surfing options in Mexico, it can be hard to pick where to go.

Keep reading for more information on the best surf spots, where to stay, and important information that can make your surf trip the best one yet. 

The Best Surf Spots in Mexico

1. rosarito, baja california.

Rosarito is located just south of the Mexico border with the United States and is a popular tourist destination for surfers of all levels.

California surfers have been visiting Rosarito and exploring the surrounding beaches for a long time. 

Rosarito has many different surf spots, some have rocky entrances and huge waves and are for advanced surfers.

Other areas are great for surfers of all different skill levels, including beginners.

A few of the most famous surf spots are Baja Malibu and Rosarito Beach, both of these spots have fast beach break waves.

Calafia Beach is to the south of the town of Rosarito and is a right-hand point break that can have huge waves. 

If you are a beginner surfer, Rosario has several different surf schools to help you get up on your feet.

The surf schools Escuela de Surf Locales and Las Gaviotas Surfing Lessons are both highly recommended surf schools.

Most surf schools will provide you with a wetsuit and have surfboard rentals so you can continue to practice after classes are done. 

The summer months offer the best surfing in Rosarito when the water is warmer. 

Where to stay in Rosarito

Rosarito is a popular tourist destination and has lively nightlife, great food options, and plenty of different lodging options to choose from.

Here you will find luxury hotels to simple, laid-back surf hostels.

If you want a larger hotel that has plenty of amenities and is conveniently located within walking distance to surf spots, check out the Rosarito Beach Hotel and Spa .

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that is steps away from the waves, try Robert’s K38 Motel with its laid-back surfer vibes. 

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2. Ensenada, Baja California

Ensenada is a bit further north from the Mexico border with the United States, but still receives lots of tourists looking to catch a good wave.

Ensenada is considered the birthplace of Mexican surfing and hosted surf competitions as early as the 1960s. 

You will find locals and tourists from all over the world surfing in Ensenada all year round. During the winter months, there is a strong swell that creates huge waves.

Although the biggest waves are in the winter, the summer is a popular time to visit. Whenever you decide to surf Ensenada, make sure to pack your wetsuit. Ocean currents can leave the water in Ensenada chilly all year.

Surfers of all levels will find a wave to surf in Ensenada. Beginner surfers can take classes and practice at Playa Hermosa or Stacks.

Intermediate and experienced surfers should check out San Miguel, which is just north of downtown Ensenada and has a strong right-handed point break, and Playa Tres-Emes which is an a-frame point break, meaning you can take the wave in either direction.

Professional surfers can find some absolutely huge waves at Isla Todos Santos. Accessible only by boat, Isla Todos Santos has waves that can reach 20 meters high and is a stop for the Big Wave surf competition. 

Where to stay in Ensenada

Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, you can find it in Ensenada. Ensenada has everything from camping to luxury hotels.

If you are on a budget check out the Deluxe Hostel GGG . If you want a comfortable stay in the city center, you may love Posada El Rey Sol.  

👉 Also, read my detailed post on Where to stay in Ensenada

3. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Not to be confused with Isla Todos Santos off the coast of Ensenada, Todos Santos in Baja California Sur is located about one hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas .

Here you can escape the crowds that you find in the north, the water is warmer, and the best surf is in the summer. 

Todos Santos has great surf spots for intermediate to advanced surfers. Experienced surfers will love the huge waves at La Pastora, which can reach up to three times overhead!

Playa Los Cerritos is popular for hanging out, camping, and catching waves. Playa Pescadero is an a-frame point break where you can get lucky and avoid crowds. 

In addition to being a popular surf spot, Todos Santos is a Pueblo Magico and has a great art scene.

Where to stay in Todos Santos

You can find great food and music in this colonial town. If you want to stay in downtown Todos Santos , check out Hotel Casa Tota , which is a charming, renovated hotel. If you are all about surfing, try staying at Pescadero Surf Town . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Vafa | Los Cabos Photographer (@saraavafaa)

4. Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Located at the southern tip of Baja California , Los Cabos refers to the area that includes San Jose del Cabo y Cabo San Lucas.

This is a popular tourist area for great restaurants, nightlife, great accommodations, and plenty of activities to choose from. 

The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. These conditions make for some great surfing waves, and this area is popular with surfers.

Here you can find plenty of great waves for intermediate to advanced surfs including Zippers which is a fast right-handed wave that has been the location for many different surf competitions.

Experienced surfers will also love the fast waves at Shipwrecks and Monumentos. Beginner surfers will find plenty of surf schools to choose from, including Line Up and Costa Azul Surf Shop, and intermediate surfers will find great waves to catch at Nine Palms. 

Where to stay in Los Cabos

Los Cabos resorts are some of the most beautiful in Mexico and what this beach town is mainly known for is known for beautiful, oceanfront resorts.

If you want to focus on surfing check out MariaMar Suites , which is just a few minutes’ walk to different surf spots.

If you are visiting Los Cabos on a budget, check out the Surf Hostel Cabo “El Riptide ” which offers dormitory rooms, a kitchen, and a lounge, and has a great laid-back surfer vibe. 

3- Day Personalized Beginners Surf Camp in Cabo, Baja California Sur| BOOK HERE

✔️ 2 90-minute surf lesson + equipment ✔️ 1 Guided walk to the art district and historic Centro San Jose ✔️ 2 nights’ accommodation + daily healthy breakfast

5. San Blas, Nayarit 

San Blas Nayarit is an excellent destination for surfers of all skill levels.

Las Islitas and Palomitas are two beaches that offer smooth, long waves that are great for beginners to practice on.

Borrego Beach is a great spot to catch some waves or just relax under a palapa.

Stoner’s Point is a point break that is only surfable in the summer. Surfers who catch this wave will enjoy the longest surfable wave in the world.

The ride is around one kilometer long! Advanced surfers can catch some great waves at Santa Cruz de Miramar, but need to be careful of rocks.

Where to stay in San Blas

San Blas is a small fishing town that now has a growing tourism market. You can stay at simple cabins on the beach with Stoner’s Surf Camp . If you want a relaxing stay in town, try the Hotel Hacienda Flamingos .

6. Sayulita, Nayarit 

Sayulita is a small town with a relaxed vibe that has long been popular with tourists. It has located to the north of Puerto Vallarta and has great restaurants, coffee shops, and of course, waves. 

Sayulita is a great spot for surfers of all skill levels, but compared to some locations in Mexico offers more options for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Here you will find over 15 different surf spots. Sayulita is also popular for longboard surfing. 

The left side of Playa Sayulita in town is great for beginners and the right side offers a point break that is better for intermediate surfers.

The best waves in Sayulita are found in the winter months, from December to April, but you can surf here all year. 

Where to stay in Sayulita

If you want to have a luxurious stay in Sayulita, check out Hotel Ysuri Sayulita where you will have a beautiful pool, ocean views, and a modern interior.

If you are traveling on a budget but still want a comfortable surf spot to stay in, try the Hostal Tortuga .

At Hostal Tortuga, you have lovely gardens, a pool, and the chance to meet other surfers and digital nomads. 

10-Day Progressive Surf Camp in Sayulita, Nayarit | BOOK HERE

✔️ 8 coached surf sessions/ 9 nights of accommodation ✔️ Land transfers to surf breaks ✔️ Rashguard, booties, and wetsuit top rental ✔️ Skill level: Beginner/ Intermediate

7. Punta Mita

Located about 15 miles to the southwest of Sayulita, Punta Mita is on a peninsula that marks the connection between the Riviera Nayarit and the Bahia de Banderas.

Since it is on a peninsula, you can always find the wind blowing offshore, creating great waves. Here you can explore a variety of different waves, and there are spots for all levels of surfers.

The waves in Punta Mita can get really big and strong in the winter months. Advanced and pro surfers will enjoy the fast and big waves during this season.

During the winter months, Lighthouse and Bahia will offer big rides. Beginners and surfers who are looking for a fun wave will find what they want in the summer months.

They will enjoy surfing at El Anclote, and intermediates should check out La Lancha for a steep ride in the summer.

Advanced surfers who visit in the summer months will find the biggest waves at Burros.

All levels will enjoy taking rides at Stinky’s, which is located within walking distance from town.

Where to stay in Punta Mita

There are lots of options for great places to stay in Punta Mita. Check out the eco-friendly PuntoMita Suites & Hostal which has a great garden terrace, and is a short walk away from Punta Mita Beach.

Punta Mita has become famous for its luxury hotels, if you want to treat yourself to an all-inclusive try Casa de Mita, located on Playa Careyeros.   

8. Mazatlán, Sinaloa

Mazatlán is located across the Gulf of California from Los Cabos and has long been a popular beach destination for Mexican travelers.

Here you will find great food, music, and beautiful beaches without all the tourists that other areas have. 

In Mazatlán the waves are the best during the summer months, but you can surf here all year round. There are a variety of different surf spots, and surfers of all levels will enjoy the waves.

Playa Los Pinos, El Camaron, and Bruja are great spots for beginners and Playa Olas Altas has much bigger waves and is better suited for more experienced surfers.

Valentinos is conveniently located in town and makes it a popular spot for surfing.

Where to stay in Mazatlan, Sinaloa

There are tons of accommodation options in Mazatlán , with hotels lining the beach along the main road. If you want to save money and stay in a fun hostel environment, check out Funky Monkey Hoste l .

If you want a boutique hotel within walking distance to the historic city center, check out Casa Lucilia Hotel Boutique which has a delicious, authentic restaurant and great views of the ocean. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mazatlan Surf Guide (@mztsurfguide)

9. Cuyutlán, Colima

The state of Colima is located to the south of Jalisco. Cuyutlán has long been a sea salt producing area and is a relaxed beach town with black sand beaches.

Cuyutlán is where you will get a chance to see La Ola Verde , which is the name for the phenomenon when the sunset hits the ocean and creates the appearance of a green wave. 

The best waves in Cuyutlán can be found from March to November, with the best waves during the hurricane season from June to October.

Cuyutlán offers beach break waves and how good they are each day depends on the wind.

This area is the best for intermediate to advanced surfers because the waves are strong and fast. 

Where to stay in Cuyitlan

You can find simple accommodations in Cuyutlán with great views of the ocean, check out San Rafael or Zar Manzanillo for a more budget-friendly option.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julio Quiñones (@julio_surf_zlo)

10. Pascuales, Colima

Pascuales is for advanced and pro surfers. Pascuales has a river mouth beach break that creates some enormous tubes that can reach up to 30 feet.

Be careful if you go in here, this beach has a reputation for breaking surfboards! 

Where to stay in Pascuales

If you are serious about surfing a great place to stay here is Luxurious Surf Resort is only steps away from the famous beach break.

If you are traveling with some friends check out the villas at Pascuales Villas , where they can help you with surfboard rentals, transportation to surf sites, and photographers to get you some great action shots while surfing!   

11. La Ticla, Michoacan 

If you want to get away from the crowds and find a lesser-visited and yet one of the best surf spots in Mexico, check out La Ticla Michoacan.

Michoacan is the state located to the south of Colima, and here you can find some waves to enjoy without loads of tourists. 

La Ticla is located at the mouth of the Oostula River and is a left-handed point break with some big waves.

The waves in this area are typically from 1 to 2 meters high, and winter is the best season to go. La Ticla is best for intermediate to advanced surfers. 

Where to stay in La Ticla

La Ticla is a small spot. If you come here to surf you can try to find a room to rent or camp.

Many visitors stay to the north of La Ticla in San Juan de Alima. Check out Brisa Bliss hotel or Hotel Hacienda Trinidad . 

12. Troncones, Guerrero

Troncones is a great spot for surfers of all levels. Here you can find a variety of different surf breaks.

Playa Troncones is just three miles south of Manzanillo and is an ideal spot for beginner surfers to get in the water and catch some waves.

Troncones Point is a left-handed point break that everyone can enjoy. If you are looking for a spot away from the crowds, check out The Ranch which is an a-frame beach break.

Longboarders love to surf at La Saladita because it offers a nice, long left-handed point break ride. 

You can find everything you need for surfing in Troncones, including a variety of surf shops and surf schools. Winter is the best time of the year to visit, but you can catch a wave here all year round.

Where to stay in Troncones

Troncones Point Boutique Hostel is a great place to stay with beach access and a variety of different types of rooms to choose from.

Troncones Point surf spot is directly in front of the hostel, and they can arrange transportation to further out surf spots if you want. If you want a modern, luxurious place to stay on the beach check out Lo Sereno Casa de Playa .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by REFUGIO DE PIEDRA (@refugio.troncones)

13. Acapulco, Guerrero

Starting in the 1950s, Acapulco was a favorite tourist destination for travelers, including famous celebrities.

Due to an increase in cartel-related crime, many tourists began to choose locations such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancun over Acapulco.

It has slowly been rebuilding its popularity, especially with Mexican national tourists. Acapulco offers great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and great water sports including surfing and windsurfing. 

In fact, Acapulco is relatively safe if you stay in touristy areas by the beach and avoid getting drunk at night or walking in unsafe areas. Read my post linked above to learn more.

Surfers of all skill levels can find the perfect swell in Acapulco. Beginners will find several choices of surf school.

Playa Revolcadero and Playa Bonfil offer great waves for all surfers. Playa Bonfil is a beach break with long waves.

Located north of town, Playa Pie de la Cuesta gives advanced surfers and bodyboarders big waves.

The best time of the year to surf Acapulco is the summer months of April to September. 

Where to stay in Acapulco

You can find accommodations to meet any budget and desire in Apaculpo. From luxury beachfront hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Acapulco has it. Wayahnb’al Eco Hostel offers individual cabins constructed of adobe.

Casa Jaguar Boutique Hotel is a small spot located near Playa Bonfil and has a pool, lounge area, and everything you need to relax after a day in the water. 

If you want to find a fancier hotel in Acapulco I have got you covered as well.

14. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido is a fishing village that is famous for some seriously big and fast waves.

All surfers dream of being able to catch a huge tube in a place like Puerto Escondido.

The most famous beach in Puerto Escondido is Playa Zicatela.

Commonly referred to as the Mexican Pipeline, in honor of the famous tubes at the Hawaiian Pipeline, the surf break at Playa Zicatela is fast and can produce waves up to 30 feet.

The best waves are found here from May to July. 

Playa Zicatela’s waves made Puerto Escondido famous in the surfing world, but there are other great surf spots near Puerto Escondido.

Intermediate surfers will enjoy the left-handed point break at La Punta. These waves are not as big as Zicatela but still hollow and fast.

New surfers can practice their skills at Playa Carrizalillo, which is a cove that is popular with surf schools and beginners.

There are plenty of surf schools in Puerto Escondido that can find suitable waves for all skill levels. The surf season in Puerto Escondido is from March to December. 

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

All along Playa Zicatela, you can find hotels with great views of the surfing action. Check out Villas Carrizalillo for great views of the Carrizalillo cove and a relaxed atmosphere.

Casa Frutas y Verduras is located near La Punta surf spot and has funky cabins and a great on-location restaurant. 

8-Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca | BOOK HERE

✔️ 5 surf lessons + surf theory class ✔️ Coaching session + Yoga classes along the week ✔️ 7 nights of accommodation in a private room ✔️ Skill level Beginner/ Intermediate/ Advanced

15. Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca

Barra de la Cruz is a small village with a great beach located about 30 minutes from Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca.

This right-hand point break is great for intermediate and advanced surfers. The best waves are from March to October, with the biggest waves rolling in in June and July.

During the off-season of November to February, the waves are smaller and newer surfers could get a chance to take some great rides. 

Surfers who visit Barra de la Cruz usually stay in Huatulco. If you plan to surf in this area of Oaxaca it is a great idea to contract a local surf guide, regardless of your skill level.

These guides know the area and can take you to beaches you would not find on your own and help you catch some great waves.

Where to stay in Barra de la Cruz

A great accommodation option if you want to surf this area is Las Palmeras Surf Resort in Salina Cruz. Located near the Punta Conejo surf spot, these cabins are ideal for surfers and they can take you to different surf spots in the area.

If you want to stay in Huatulco check out Cafe Surf which has local surf guides that will show you around the area and help you find the best waves. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by René Maciel (@salinasurfing)

16. Cancun, Quintana Roo 

Cancun is famous for its white sandy beaches and the water offers plenty of opportunities for great wave action.

In Cancun, you can surf, kitesurf, and windsurf. Here you will not find the huge swells of the Pacific, but surfers can still enjoy catching waves.

The size of the wave here depends on the wind. 

The best beaches for surfing in Cancun are Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Marlin, and Playa Delfines.

Surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy catching waves in these beautiful blue waters all year round. 

There are surf schools in Cancun that you can check out whether you are a beginner looking for surf lessons or you are a pro surfer looking for tips on the location and board rentals.

Good Vibes surf school is one of the highly rated surf schools in Cancun.

Where to stay in Cancun

The Cancun hotel zone has countless hotels to choose from. Surfers who want to stay near the beaches on a budget should check out the Hostel Natura , which offers surf classes as well.

If you are looking for something a bit more upscale with more amenities, but you don’t like staying in an All inclusive hotel, check out the Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel .

Also check : the best Adult Only all-inclusive hotels in Cancun

View this post on Instagram A post shared by tulum.surf.movement (@tulum.surf.movement)

17. Tulum, Quintana Roo  

Located to the south of Playa del Carmen , Tulum has become a vacation hot spot in recent years. The beach beaches have attracted travelers away from the traditional hotel scene of Cancun.

If you are new to surfing, Tulum is a good spot to take classes. The waves here are much smaller and more manageable than the super swells in the Pacific, and you can surf all year. 

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum has a ton of different accommodations to choose from. Check out Casa Ganesh and Selina Tulum for great accommodations on the main beach, near the waves. 

Also check : Where to stay in Tulum

18. Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Last on the list but not least as one of the best spots to surf in Mexico, Cozumel is an island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, across from Playa del Carmen.

Similar to Cancun and Tulum, the waves in Cozumel depend on the wind. During the winter months as wind storms blow in from the north, there can be good waves to surf.

During the summer months passing tropical storms can send large swells to the island. 

Surfing on Cozumel takes place on the east side of the island, opposite from where the town is located.

The best surf spots are Punta Morena, which is great for beginners and intermediate surfers, and Chen Rio. 

Chen Rio is the local surfers’ favorite spot. This is where you will find the biggest and longest waves on Cozumel, but be careful because it has a rocky entrance.

Beginners can take classes or practice at Playa Bonita, which offers mellow waves and plenty of whitewater to practice on. 

Surfing in Cozumel is not consistent enough to plan a surf vacation there, but if you are traveling in the area and the conditions are good, you can have a fun day in the waves. 

Surfers who come to Cozumel should plan to stay in downtown San Miguel. The Tamarindo Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful spot with newly remodeled rooms, a beautiful garden, swimming pool, and they offer yoga classes on-site.

If you want a budget option, check out the Hostel Auikyani , which is on the main road, across from the ocean, and steps away from restaurants and bars. 

Also check : Cozumel Travel Guide

Surf Camps in Mexico

No matter your skill level, spending time at a surf camp in Mexico will help you improve your skills and have a great time. Instructors at surf camps are experts in the local surf scene and will be able to help you find the best waves and make the most of your vacation. Check out these surf camps for your next vacation:

🏄🏽 10-Day Progressive Surf Camp in Sayulita, Nayarit🏄🏽

This 10-Day Surf Camp in Sayulita is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. Instructors will cover basic surf theory and water safety, and their focus is always on fun and safety.

Beginner surfers will practice in the white water before advancing onto green waves. This surf camp offers three different accommodation choices, depending on your budget. 

When you are not surfing there are plenty of other activities to explore in Sayulita, including snorkeling, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and enjoying the great town. 

🏄🏽‍♀️8 Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca🏄🏽‍♀️

The 8-Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido is a great choice for any level of surfer.

The instructors will divide students based on skills and maintain a 2:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

Guests will stay in comfortable apartments that are within walking distance of the beach and town center.

In addition to surf lessons, this camp focuses on the fitness needed for surfing and will help you improve flexibility and balance. 

🏄🏽‍♂️3-Day Personalized Beginners Surf Camp in Cabo, Baja California Sur🏄🏽‍♂️

The 3 Day personalized beginners surf camp is a great way for new surfers to pick up skills and enjoy plenty of relaxation time on vacation.

In addition to surf lessons, guests will enjoy making their personalized schedule that can include early morning beach walks and time in town. Guests will stay in a mixed dormitory. 

The Best Surf Spots in Mexico: final thoughts

Whether you are a hardcore surfer looking for tubes or a beginner who wants who is excited to start surfing, Mexico has great surfing options for you.

Mexico is a world-class surf destination where you can find some of the best waves in the world. Use this guide to help you decide where to plan your next Mexican surf adventure!

Adrienne Banka is a Michigander and fell in love with diving at 16 years old. Now she is living in Cozumel Mexico and works as a dive instructor turned brewmaster, turned mom (and awesome writer).  When she is not in the water she enjoys riding her bike and chasing after her dog and her newborn daughter.

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Surf Spots in Mexico- The Complete Guide to Surfing in Mexico

Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 07:46 pm

If you are looking for the best surf spots in Mexico, you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your next surf trip to Mexico, including general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Mexico.

* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

About Surfing in Mexico

Mexico is definitely one of the best surf destinations in the world. With almost 5,000 miles of coastline on the Pacific Coast, Mexico is a true surf paradise. In fact, it offers beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks for both left and right and for all surfing levels.

If you are looking for powerful barrels, surfing in Mexico will give you just that. On the other hand, if you are a beginner looking for some mellow and friendly waves, you will find plenty of that, too. For that reason, surf trips to Mexico became popular among surfers from all around the world. It’s just that kind of place that has something for everyone, especially for surfers.

The Best Surf Spots in Mexico

Mexico faces both the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the East. However, only the Pacific side is good for surfing, so we will focus on this one only.

So, in detail, those are the main surf spots in Mexico, from North to South:

Surf Spots on Mexico’s Northwest- North Baja California

Break type- Beach break and point break.

Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.

Description- This is a very famous spot in Baja California North, only about 30 KM south of the US border. When American surfers want to surf in Mexico without driving too far, this is where they usually go. Therefore, all the breaks in the Rosarito area are always crowded. You will find the best surf conditions during the summer months, between May to October. However, the waves are surfable almost 365 days a year.

The main spot at Rosarito is Baja Malibu , a powerful beach break. Then, you have Rosarito Beach , Calafia right-hand point break, and finally, K-38 , which is also called “ El Morro ”, and produces fantastic tube rides.

Break type- Beach break.

Skill level- All levels.

Description- This spot is also located about 110 KM south of the US border. It is one of the first “surf towns” discovered in Mexico, performing at its best during the winter months.

When surfing in Ensenada, you can choose between 3 major spots. First, the break at Playa San Miguel offers a surprisingly open wall and long rides. Second, you can surf Playa Hermosa , a beginner spot with a mellow break over a sandy bottom. Finally, you can surf the monsters at T odos Santos , or maybe you know it by the name “ killers ”. This is where the big wave’s riders hang out to surf Mexico’s giant mountains.

Surf Spots in South Baja California

In this area of the Baja, much further from the US border (about 16 16-hour drive), the water is much warmer, and the crowds are smaller. Actually, this area hosts some of the best surf beaches in Mexico:

Scorpion Bay:

Break type- Point break.

Skill level- Intermediate.

Description- This perfect right-hand point break is next to the town of San Juanico. Amazingly, this is one of the longest waves you will ever surf, with an open lip that goes on and on. Despite its high quality, Scorpion Bay does not always work, so wait for a big swell of at least 6 feet. When such swell hits, this is definitely one of the best surf spots in Mexico.

Break type- Point break and beach break.

Description- Next to Todos Santos, you will find the beautiful surf town Cerritos, which offers both a beach break and a right-hand point break. This beach produces good surf all year long, but especially during winter. The waves are very gentle, and many surf lessons take place here. On a good day, there are incredibly long rides on the point break.

Skill level- Advanced.

Description- Situated next to the party town of Cabo San Lucas , the waves are steep and break to the left side over a sharp reef. Luckily, this spot is exceptionally consistent and always bigger than anywhere else, so you can surf here even when all the other spots are flat.

Break type- Reef break.

Description- This is a fast right-hander between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. The reef is pretty flat and not dangerous, but be careful with your feet when you get off a wave.

Costa Azul:

Description- Just next to San Jose Del Cabo, this beach has 3 beautiful surf spots. Old Men’s break is the ultimate longboard break, which is also called Acapulquito . Next to it, you can surf La Roca (the Rock), and finally, Zippers , which is more of a “local” spot and hosts many surf competitions.

Break type- Point breaks and reef breaks.

Description- Keep driving east from San Jose and you will get to the East Cape. This is where the desert meets the ocean and is home to some wonderful uncrowded surf spots. The most famous ones are Shipwrecks , a fast right-hand break, and Nine Palms , a bit slower break, which produces long rides.

All the spots in the area of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose, and the East Cape perform best during the summer months, between May and October. Moreover, this is when the water is super warm and only shorts are needed.

Surf Spots on Mexico’s West Coast

Description- Situated in Sinaloa State, which is primarily famous for its drug cartels, Mazatlan is home to a few fantastic surf spots, especially between May and October. The main one is Playa Olas Altas , which means “big waves” in Spanish. As you can guess by its name, this spot is only for advanced surfers. However, Mazatlan also has Playa Los Pinos , which better suits novice surfers.

Description- Further down in Mainland Mexico, this spot is located in the Riviera Nayarit area and produces the best waves between May and October. Las Islitas , the famous spot in Matanchen Bay of San Blass, is where the documented Guinness record was broken for the longest surfed wave ever. In fact, this historic ride was actually 5,700 feet (about 2 KM). Next to it, you can also surf Stoner’s Point , a slightly more aggressive wave.

Break type- Reef break and beach break.

Description- You will find this magical surf town further south in Nayarit, close to Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita  is one of those places where you come for a few days and stay for a few months. The vibe here is chill and relaxed, and the town breathes surfing. The reef in Sayulita is flat and user-friendly and offers 2 point breaks, one to the left side and one to the right. Regardless of which one you choose, you will get a long, mellow ride. Since the break in Sayulita is so soft, it is an excellent place for surf lessons.

The surf season in Sayulita starts in November and lasts till April, so this is a winter spot. If you happen to be here during summer, you can drive 10 minutes south to Punta Mita and find several great spots that perform better during summer.

Description- Situated in the state of Colima, Cuyutlan is famous for its green water. In order to break properly, this spot requires a big south swell. Once such swell hits, you can expect some incredible tube rides over a sandy bottom.

Break type- River mouth.

Description- Also in Colima, this river mouth break produces some giant barrels all year long, but mostly in winter. In fact, this is one of the most powerful surf spots in Mexico, so surf it only if you know what you are doing. Due to its great power, not all surfboards survive this wave, so bring an extra one just in case.

Description- Located in the state of Michoacan, this is an incredible surf beach. It performs best during wintertime but, in reality, is consistent all year long. This long wave breaks to the left side and is perfect for goofy footers. It has several sections; some are hollow, and some are mellow. Despite its high quality, La Ticla’s crowds are minimal, making it a perfect place for a surf trip.

Description- In the State of Guerrero, this beautiful area hosts some great surf spots, especially during summertime. While Troncones Point is a left point break, Playa Troncones is an A-frame break that goes to both sides. Further north, you can surf The Ranch , and finally, there is La Saladita , the Longboard wave of the area.

Description- This is the capital of Guerrero and is primarily famous as a tourist destination. However, it actually offers some pretty good surf as well. Therefore, other than enjoying the crazy nightlife that the city has to offer, you can surf Playa Revolcadero and Bonfil if you are a beginner or Playa Pie de la Cuesta for a little more adrenaline.

Surf Spots on Mexico’s South Coast

Puerto escondido:.

Description- Puerto Escondido , the “Mexican pipeline” is the most famous surf spot in Mexico. In the south of Oaxaca State, this is the break that put Mexico on the world surfing map. Zicatela Beach, right in front of town, is an insane beach break that picks up massive swells and produces incredible barrels. This is the perfect tube ride. In fact, in the summer months, the swell here can get up to 30 feet, so this is no joke; paddle out only if you have the skills to deal with this kind of wave.

If Zicatela is too much for you to handle, you can walk south on the beach until you get to La Punta . This is a mellow left-hand point break that suits all levels.

Barra de la Cruz:

Description- This is a world-class wave situated next to Huatulco in Oaxaca State. It is a right-hand point break that barrels almost regularly. On a good day, you can stand here on a wave for about 1 full minute, while half of this time is inside the barrel. Back in 2006, this spot hosted the ASP World Tour and provided some unforgettable conditions for the competition. During the summer months, this is where you want to be to catch some long tube rides.

If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves , check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Mexico .

Surf Seasons in Mexico

In general, you can surf in Mexico all year long. However, depending on the time of the year, you will need to choose the most suitable beach.

Mexico produces the biggest and most consistent swells during the summer months, between May and October. This is when you want to visit beaches such as Puerto Escondido, Barra De La Cruz, La Ticla, and the East Cape in Cabo San Lucas.

However, Beaches such as Todos Santos in Baja California or Sayulita are more exposed to the north swell and, therefore, perform better during the winter months, between November and April.

The weather on the mainland is hot and sunny all year, and the water temperature varies from 25°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Therefore, no wetsuit is required, just bring your shorts.

In Baja California specifically, the winter months are chilly, and you will need to bring some long sleeves. Accordingly, the water temperature goes down to 21°C, and you must bring a wetsuit (a short one will do).

Surf Camps in Mexico

If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf spots in Mexico is at a surf camp . In detail, these are few of the most recommended ones:

1. Oasis Surf & Spanish School, Puerto Escondido – This camp combines surfing and language teaching. Here, you will find packages for any type of surfer. The certified instructors will teach you everything from popping up to getting barreled based on your current skill level.

For more details about surf camps in Puerto Escondido, please click here .

2. Sayulita Surf Camps – The Camp customizes surf programs and adventures for all types of surfers. Here, you can choose the right program for your needs as a solo traveler, big family, or even a group of friends.

For more details about Sayulita Surf Camps, please click here .

3. Cabo Surf Retreat – The camp offers 3 to 6-night programs, which include accommodations, surf lessons, and local activities in the Baja area.

For more details about surf camps in Los Cabos, please click here .

Surf Hotels in Mexico

When coming to surf in Mexico, you want to ensure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best surf spots. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:

1.   Beach Front Resort Mykonos, Los Cabos –  Located in San Jose del Cabo, just 50 m from Hotelera Beach, Beach Front Resort Mykonos provides beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and free WiFi. Featuring free private parking, the apartment is where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and tennis.

2.   Azul Pitaya Beach Front Hotel, Sayulita –  Set in Sayulita Beach, Azul Pitaya Beach Front offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. The accommodation provides a private beach area, a shared lounge, and a garden. The resort features pool views, a barbecue, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available.

3.   Selina Puerto Escondido –  Selina is set in the quiet area of Zicaleta Beach, in the surf town of Puerto Escondido. It features free WiFi throughout the property, an extensive garden with a swimming pool, and a restaurant/bar.

For more surf hotels in Mexico, check out our post about   surf resorts in Mexico , or simply look for the best deals on Booking.com .

What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Mexico

There are many wonderful surf beaches in Mexico and waves of all kinds. Therefore, surfers of all levels can find surf spots that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Sayulita . Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves at beaches like La Ticla and Los Cabos . And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride epic barrels at Puerto Escondido and Barra de la Cruz .

Which Location in Mexico is Best for a Surf Trip

There are so many surf spots in Mexico that sometimes it can be hard to choose where to stay. In a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling.

So, considering the waves and the general vibe, these are some of the most recommended towns to stay:

1. Puerto Escondido – This is the most popular surf spot in Mexico, mainly because of the crazy barrels at Zicatela Beach. However, the town also welcomes less experienced surfers and offers various hotels, bars, and shops.

2. Sayulita – Although the town is quiet and authentic, it is very tourist-oriented and a fun place to stay and meet people. The waves are fantastic for beginners and intermediate surfers.

3. Los Cabos – In summer, you can access several great breaks next to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose, and the Eastcape. In winter, though, Cerritos produces the best waves.

Mexico- Travel Information

Language- Spanish.

Currency- Mexican peso.

Population– about 130 million.

Calling code- +52.

Time zone- GMT -6/-7, depending on the area.

Pros- world-class waves, variety of surf spots, warm water, close to the US.

Cons– some areas are not safe.

Conclusion- Final Thought

To sum up, surfing Mexico is any surfer’s dream. It is probably the safest bet you can make when choosing a surf destination. The sun is up, and the waves are incredible, what else does a surfer need? We hope this article helped you in your search for the best surf spots in Mexico. Have an awesome surf trip!

Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

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Surfing In Mexico: 25 Best Surf Spots In Mexico 2024

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Are you looking for the best guide to surfing in Mexico on the internet?

You are in the right place. I have lived in Mexico since 2009 but I have been surfing in Mexico since the 1980s. This is your local guide to the most famous surf spots in Mexico for beginner surfers.

It is no surprise that Mexico is such an established surfing destination. Surfing in Mexico has had an allure since the 1960s. Mexico has always had a close relationship with Southern California and all it took was a few stories of ideal Mexico waves with nobody out to create the modern Mexican surf mythology. Surfing big waves in Mexico is one of life´s great travel experiences.

One of the key differences between the United States and Mexico is the percentage of the population that lives on the coast. The three principal cities in Mexico are Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City, none of which are on the coast.

There are no cities like Los Angeles or New York near any surf spots. In Southern California, surfing became mainstream and big business. In Mexico, it stayed a counter-culture endeavor for much longer than it did in the United States. 

To this day, many of the best surfing regions are rural in nature. Most Mexican states have small coastal cities and long stretches of undeveloped beaches. This is changing quickly. Baja California, Nayarit, and Oaxaca are all growing exponentially. Now is the time to visit. 

Surfing in Mexico: An Overview Of The Best Mexico Waves

Mexico is enormous. There are almost 7,000 miles of coastline and much of that has consistent swells. The Pacific coast of Mexico is home to the premier surf towns. From California to Guatemala, there are waves for every skill level.

If you are willing to search, you can find waves where everyone says there are no waves. Both the Sea of Cortez and the Caribbean have waves when the conditions come together.  If you are willing to search, there are a lot of waves to be found.  

Because the coastline is so long and faces two different oceans, there are several distinct seasons. Baja Norte tends to favor wintertime north swells that form near the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands.

Baja Sur and most of mainland Mexico tend to prefer summertime south swells. Summertime in Mexico is wintertime in the southern hemisphere when massive low-pressure systems form between Australia and Antarctica. Those storms send swell energy marching all the way across the Pacific Ocean before detonating on Mexican shores.

The Caribbean loves hurricane season which runs between late summer and early fall. Hurricanes are also common in the Pacific Ocean and will light up the surf spots that have a more westerly swell window like Nuevo Vallarta.  

Yes, it is possible to score in the off-season, but it is a lot less likely. If you have to book your tickets well in advance it is best to choose the high season rather than hoping to get lucky. If you have the flexibility to plan a strategic strike mission when a huge swell hits the radar, you can score some of the best waves on the planet with very few people out. 

I’m not going to be talking about any secret spots. These are all well-known Mexico waves with some tourist infrastructure.

Water Temperature in Mexico

The water temperature is going to vary enormously from north to south. Additionally, climate change is altering averages with bigger variations and unseasonal weather. Hurricane season is taking on a new meaning as the average storm is significantly stronger than in the past. 

The winter months in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Tamaulipas, and Sonora are cold. Most people will not be able to get into the water without some type of wetsuit. Northern Baja is significantly colder than Southern California and booties and a hood are a nice addition on the coldest winter dawn patrol mornings. 

Climate change is creating some outlying conditions. In 2021 Nayarit had a month-long cold spell that saw most of the locals wearing full suits. Most of the tourists were able to still get in the water with just a jacket but the water was significantly colder than most years. 

In the summer it is more likely to struggle with dehydration because the warm water temperatures are in the high 80s and not refreshing. Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade when not in the water. 

The Hazards of Surfing in Mexico

Make sure to choose your Mexico waves appropriately. There are waves for both beginners and experts alike so make sure you know your limits. If in doubt, don’t go out. Rescue services and medical care are not the same in small towns as they are in big cities. 

I stepped on a stingray in rural Colima and there was nowhere to find a bucket to fill with hot water. I had to settle for a cup of hot water and a piece of cotton to apply the hot water to the wound. It was not an enjoyable experience. 

The hazards of surfing in Mexico are the same as the hazards of surfing anywhere. There are big waves and serious currents when the waves are large. Getting in and out of the water when the waves are big can be difficult especially if the high tide pushes up against the cliffs. 

Sharks are not as much of a concern as stingrays and jellyfish are. Shark attacks are rare. Jellyfish stings are quite common. The stingray shuffle should be standard practice when surfing warm water breaks like in Mexico. In California the stingrays are small. In Mexico, there are more types of rays like bat rays, eagle rays, and even manta rays even though the manta rays don’t have stingers. 

When surfing the reef breaks make sure to keep an eye out for sea urchins. It is very important to swim out of the shallows rather than putting your feet down on the reef when urchins are present. That is a quick way to ruin a surf trip to Mexico. 

If you want to get off the grid and explore rural areas it would be best to employ the services of a surf guide. Google Maps doesn’t say which areas are sketchy and which are safe. I have taken the family to a couple of neighborhoods that my wife will never let me forget, both in Hawaii and in Mexico. Just because Google shows a dirt road heading to the beach doesn’t mean that there is 2-wheel drive access or that it is safe. Do your research before going off the grid.  These guys learned the hard way not to drive down an unknown dirt road looking for exotic birds . 

Transportation To The Best Mexico Waves

This is where things get complicated. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The easiest Mexico waves to access will have the largest crowds. The most isolated waves are going to require some form of private transportation. You can provide for that in the form of a private vehicle brought to Mexico, a rental car, or a surf guide. 

Each region is going to have a different set of circumstances. If you have a family, the best bet is going to be a nice hotel within walking distance from a quality break. Make sure there is a nice pool for the kids so Mom and Dad can spend a couple more hours in the surf.

A surf road trip through Mexico is a common coming-of-age tale for young surfers. Mexico is the perfect place to explore and improve one’s skill. 

The Best Surf Camps In Mexico For Beginners

Beginners who choose the correct equipment and the correct surf spots will catch more waves than those who don’t and thus improve more quickly. It is the difference between catching 30 waves and catching 3. The people catching 30 waves per session are going to become intermediate-level surfers more quickly and graduate to surfing better waves and utilizing more specialized equipment. 

The ideal conditions for a beginner are slow-breaking, medium-sized waves, predominantly sand bottom with few rocks. The fewer people the better but the beginner spots can usually handle a huge crowd because the waves do not break in one specific spot but rather all over a large area with enough space to spread out. Competitive reef breaks with a well-defined take-off spot will present trouble for beginners. 

Many times, beginners do not yet own their own equipment. These beaches have some sort of surf rental and instruction available.

• Punta de Mita and Sayulita, Nayarit
• Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca in the winter and NOT in the summer
• Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

Surfing In Mexico Map

The surf spots on this list are organized by state and will work from north to south. I grew up in San Diego and the Baja Peninsula is one of my favorite places to explore so I figured that would be a good place to start. Let’s go check out some Mexico waves. 

Baja California Surf Spots

The motto around here is “Aquí inicia la patria” or here begins the homeland. There are a lot of waves up and down the Baja California Peninsula and a lot of people surf. The state of Baja California is the upper half of the Baja Penisula. The vast majority of the population of Baja California lives in the area between Tijuana and Ensenada. South of Ensenada, the landscape turns to farmland and then desert. There is a four-lane toll highway from Tijuana to Ensenada with a heavy concentration of excellent waves. There are some of my favorite Mexico waves. 

The water temperature in Baja California is strikingly different from the rest of Mexico. It is really cold most of the year. It is colder in Baja California than it is in Alta California. I recommend a full wetsuit and booties just in case. It is better to be prepared for long sessions than to be sitting on the beach watching perfect waves because it is too cold for board shorts. 

1) Playas de Tijuana

This is where  Tijuana  goes to the beach. Playas de Tijuana is the northernmost territory on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. There is a bull ring right on the corner of the beach and the border with the United States. 

Mexican surfers in the 1960s would paddle over to Imperial Beach to get ding repair supplies. I don’t know if they still do that anymore 😉

The water quality is suspect in the winter because of runoff from the Tijuana River. If you are coming in from San Diego, this is probably not the best wave in the region. It is a great place to learn to surf for beginners but experienced surfers will enjoy the surf spots further south along the coast. 

2) Baja Malibu

The break at Baja Malibu is nothing like the setup at Malibu in Los Angeles. Baja Malibu is a heavy beach break like Black’s or Moss Landing. A steep, offshore canyon, focuses swell energy into thumping A-frame waves so perfect that one surfer can take off going right and another surfer can take off going left and they will both get barrelled. 

This is where I got my first double in-and-out barrels. I got two clean in-and-out barrels on the same wave. 

On a negative low tide and a huge swell Baja Malibu turns into a left point break with an insanely strong current pushing north. 

Baja Malibu is an advanced surf spot best suited for a more experienced surfer. It is a difficult and large playing field and the paddle out is a challenge. It requires a lot of duck diving to punch out through the breakwater to the outside. 

There is a little bit of parking up by the arches and a little cafe with some food and cold beers. Sometimes there are tacos and sometimes there are not. 

3) San Miguel

A lot of people like to compare San Miguel to Trestles but that is a little bit of an overreach. San Miguel has good waves but it is only a right and it is only one wave that can’t handle a crowd like Trestles and the San Onofre State Park can. 

That being said, San Miguel is a great wave. It is a right point that breaks over round river rocks. Getting in and out can be a little complicated for novice surfers if they are not wearing booties. I like to wear booties here even when it isn’t that cold because it makes getting in and out so much easier, especially on the low tide. 

This is considered to be one of the best waves in the region so it will be incredibly crowded on the weekends because it is an easy day trip from San Diego and  Orange County. It is hard to get waves when it is crowded because it is not super consistent and the wave connects for so long that it is hard for two guys to share the same wave. 

San Miguel works best on a northwest swell. Punta Banda, where the Bufadora blowhole is located, blocks most of the swell energy from the south. 

There is a campground and parking costs about USD$5 per car. 

4) Punta San José

Baja California is a different place south of Ensenada. There is no toll road, just a two-lane country highway. There is not nearly as much development here as there is closer to the border. The feeling of a surf trip to Punta San José is much different because of the wilderness and open space. It is much harder to do a day trip south of Ensenada because of the traffic in Ensenada and the border wait to get home. Most people who make it this far are going to stay for a little while. 

The area south of Ensenada is wine country and vineyards are visible from the highway. The turn-off for Punta San José is in the town of Santo Tomás which is named after the Dominican mission that brought grapes to the region. If you get a chance, you should check out the Santo Tomas winery a few minutes out of town. It is one of the largest wineries in the country.

As the name would imply, Punta San José is a point break. A right-hand point break, to be specific. It is a reef break and there are a lot of sea urchins. Getting in and out of the water at low tide without booties can be a little complicated. The wave needs a solid northwest swell to start working. It is not worth the drive out here unless the buoys are less than 4 ft. 

There is a rustic campground with a bathroom and not much else. Campers need to be self-sufficient around here. Bring plenty of water and whatever you want to eat. Remember not to set up camp next to the cliff and have a few too many tequilas before bed.

Baja California Sur Surf Spots

The Baja Peninsula is comprised of two different states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and the majority of the population lives on the gulf side. The Pacific is still wild and desolate. There are a lot of dirt roads required to reach the remote surf spots and 4 wheel drive is an advantage. 

Then there is Cabo. Los Cabos feels like a cross between Las Vegas and Orange County. There is a lot of money and the community is very international. The area may be developing much more quickly than the water supply but the developers keep planning more golf courses. However, it doesn’t take long to get out of town and into the desert. There are a lot of outdoorsy and back-to-nature types of activities in Baja California Sur. Surfing is just the tip of the iceberg. 

5) San Juanico AKA Scorpion Bay

Old men with longboards absolutely love Scorpion Bay. The wave is fickle but with modern surf forecasting, it is pretty easy to score. A big south swell is going to light up the coast and a series of point breaks will connect rides for hundreds of meters. 

The bottom is a mixture of sand and rock. The waves don’t get too big around here so this is a great place to surf in Mexico for beginners. Just make sure to bring a board with a lot of volume because the wave is slopey (horizontal not vertical) and doesn’t sand up and barrel like the Bonzai Pipeline or Puerto Escondido.

There was a time when San Juanico was a lonely fishing camp in the middle of nowhere. It takes a long time to get here. There are three different routes to take into account depending on one’s level of off-roading experience and how outfitted the vehicle is. Coming in from the north is the shortest in terms of distance but many amateurs realize that the difficulty level is more than anticipated. Off-the-grid navigation combined with some technical sections of tidal mud flats could require some recovery gear. Coming in from the east requires some significant off-roading but it is a little faster and less technical. The southern route from Ciudad Insurgentes is the easiest drive but is much longer in distance.

Those washboard roads are not meant to be driven quickly. Sedans and unmodified pickup trucks will not be the same after taking a washboard road at 40 mph. 

There is a reason that people put so much effort into getting here: Long, right-hand point break waves. It is an easy wave to surf and will make beginners feel like a pro when they kick out of a wave 500 meters down the line. Scorpion Bay is one of the world’s classic waves that everyone should surf at least once in their life. 

6) Punta Conejo

Leaving La Paz, Highway 1 heads west for a little while before turning north again. Highway 1 gets within 20 kilometers of the Pacific. There is an unmarked dirt road off the highway that takes you the rest of the way. Four-wheel drive is not needed. I saw a guy in a Honda Civic going real slow down the trail. 

There is something about coming through the desert and cresting the last hills before seeing the ocean. Punta Conejo is beautiful. Like so many Baja surf spots, there is a small fish camp with some simple houses and some trailers. There will always be some surfers camped out on the bluff. 

The wave reminds me of Upper Trestles with the softball to basketball-sized round rocks. It takes some time to get in and out of the water at low tide. There is a long left and a faster right. The wave is playful and stands up quickly with a couple of barrel sections. It isn’t a particularly strong wave like Baja Malibu or Pascuales but very, very fun. 

The camping out here is rustic. Pack your trash. 

7) Todos Santos

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur is a great spot to learn how to surf because the waves are mellow, the water is warm, and there are amazing accommodations in town. The town was named a Pueblo Mágico by the Secretary of Tourism because of the mission, 19th-century buildings, and artsy community. It is actually like three towns because Todos Santos, Cerritos, and Pescadero are all just a few minutes away from each other. And there are waves all up and down the coast. 

On the south end of the beach at Todos Santos, Playa Punta Lobos which is a fun beach break. A little bit further down the coast is Playa San Pedrito which is a super fun river mouth right that breaks over a cobblestone reef. 

Playa Los Cerritos is the most famous break in the region because of the Cerritos Beach Hotel which looks like a crown sitting at the top of the point. It really is a great place to take surf lessons and catch your first waves.

Additionally, there is amazing food and drink in this area. Chef Javier Plasciencia has a restaurant called Jazamango. Agricole Cooperative runs a farm and a world-class kitchen. There is more specialty coffee and craft beer than a town this size should have. Todos Santos is definitely worth a visit not just for the surf but for the whole experience. 

Where to stay in Todos Santos

📍Luxury Option – Serendipity 📍Luxury Option – Casa Colibris Casitas

8) Los Cabos

The Baja Peninsula is surreal because of the exotic landscapes and natural beauty, but Los Cabos is surreal because of what has been built. It is a very young town when compared with Veracruz or Acapulco and the lack of zoning restrictions probably helped the recent growth. 

There are green golf courses where there is no water. There is an over-the-top nightclub and entertainment industry that attracts talent from across the globe. International direct investment only increases as the peso devalues. There is immense wealth and eccentric behavior all around. 

First off, Los Cabos refers to the San Jose del Cabo and the Cabo San Lucas Metro Region with a population of about 350,000. Most of the population of the region is located along the 40 km corridor. 

It is a very quick flight from the United States to San Jose del Cabo so the place is full of English speakers. Spanish might be helpful but one could easily spend a weekend in a hotel without ever considering a word of Spanish. 

There is a very particular color to the water in Los Cabos because of the geology. The bottom is mostly decomposed granite stone and sand which does not get cloudy or murky.  The visibility in Los Cabos is excellent and there is plenty of sea life in the area. 

It is always interesting surfing a new spot with crystal clear water and a shallow reef. You can see every rock and every fish below and the water magnifies the vision making the reef look even closer than it is. Those are the sessions you never forget. 

There are a ton of great Mexico waves along this section of the coast. Monuments in Cabo San Lucas is one of the few lefts in the area. Punta Palmilla is closer to the airport in San Jose del Cabo. It is a super fun right-hand point break that gets crowded with both locals and tourists alike. 

There is one fun wave after another as you head east out of San Jose del Cabo. The highway turns into a maintained dirt road and the golf courses fade into the distance. The interesting thing about the east cape is that the beaches face east. In order for these waves to work the swell needs to be approaching from a south or southeast angle but that is common all summer long. This is what surfing in Mexico is all about. 

Best Surf Hotels in Los Cabos

📍Mid-Range Option – Rústico Lounge 📍Luxury Option – One & Only Palmilla

Sonora Surf Spots

Sonora is not known as a surfing state. It is like Arizona but with a big sandy bay, except this is a gulf. 

San Carlos and Guaymas are famous beach towns but for boats and jet skis rather than surfers. Last year there was a hurricane that went straight into the Gulf of California. The whole time I was following the storm I was thinking there have to be some waves that only break on rare hurricane swells. You don’t get that much swell energy and not find a wave or two.

If you happen to be driving down the 15 from Nogales to the surf spots in southern Mexico, consider stopping in  Bahia Kino for some seafood . The scallops, clams, and oysters are some of the best in the world. 

Sinaloa Surf Spots

Sinaloa is such an amazing place it is a shame that the first thing that comes to mind is crime. The  seafood is spectacular . It is farm country and the breadbasket of Mexico for that matter. Mazatlan is one of the few coastal cities in Mexico with a well-preserved historic downtown.  

In addition to Mazatlan, there are a series of excellent point breaks in the north of Sinaloa but you are going to need a surf guide to access the best spots. I am still saving up to take a trip with  Sinaloa Surf Adventures . Those point breaks look like a lot of fun. 

When driving down the 15, I always  stop in Culiacán to stay the night . I know the area has a bad reputation for sensational events but those are rare. The food is incredible, there is a world-class botanical garden, and the baseball team is one of the best in Mexico. 

9) Mazatlan

Mazatlan has a long boardwalk that the locals and tourists enjoy to the fullest. The town is a swell magnet and has super consistent summertime waves all up and down the coast. I love surfing in the city. There are plenty of hotels that have waves out front and do not require getting in a car to surf. 

Playa Los Pinos is nestled between the Oceanography campus of the University of Sinaloa and an old navy party venue. The beach is a zoo in the afternoon but the waves are good in the morning when it is empty. The wave is a fun left that breaks off the rocks over a shallow sea urchin garden. Do not put your feet down. 

One of the most easily identifiable landmarks on the Mazatlan boardwalk is Valentino’s Nightclub on a little outcropping of rocks that separates The Zona Dorada from the older part of town. There are great waves on both sides of Valentinos. You can surf a right on the south side and a left on the north side. And there are plenty of hotels within walking distance. At the Hotel Playa Mazatlan, you can leave the wife and kids at the pool and sneak off to have a surf without anybody getting worried about a three-hour surf session. 

Isla de Piedra, AKA Stone Island, is another great Mexico wave. The name is kind of a misnomer. It is not an island but the tip of the peninsula on the opposite side of the Mazatlan harbor. The Isla de Piedra beach has a much more relaxed feel than the boardwalk does in Mazatlan proper. There are great waves, enramada restaurants on the sand, and some watersports activities for the whole family. This is another great family beach. 

Best Surf Hotels in Mazatlán

📍Mid-Range Option – Gaviana Resort 📍Luxury Option – Hotel Boutique Casa Lulu

Nayarit Surf Spots

Nayarit has become one of the premier destinations for surfing in Mexico. Surfing has helped define what the Riviera Nayarit is famous for.

Nuevo Vallarta was originally developed as a complement to Puerto Vallarta but the Nayarit side of the Ameca River lacked the charm of the Jalisco side. Further up the coast in Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho a different type of tourist infrastructure took root.

As the Riviera Maya battled a seaweed infestation, the Riviera Nayarit absorbed the excess demand.

10) Nuevo Vallarta

The town of Nuevo Vallarta is known for very large resort properties with excellent all-inclusive options. Many people rarely leave the resorts because there is so much to do at the hotel. 

Because  Nuevo Vallarta is located in the back of a large bay , there isn´t a lot of surf around here. However, there is a slab that comes to life when a large west swell, usually a  hurricane swell , enters the bay. Keep that in mind the next time you are stuck in Nuevo Vallarta for hurricane season. 

Best Surf Hotels in Nuevo Vallarta

📍Luxury Option – Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

11) Playa La Lancha

The north shore of the Banderas Bay is growing too quickly. There are still a few stretches of undeveloped beachfront but it looks like there are plans to develop most of the remaining areas. 

La Lancha beach is located in Punta Mita  and is considered to be a great surfing spot for beginners. The wave is mellow and doesn´t stand up too fast. There is a lot of room to spread out and the better surfers will congregate on the north side of the beach where the reef creates a long and consistent wave. 

Currently, there is a public access trail that winds through an estuary to get to the beach. There is a surf shop next to the gas station that will rent equipment and give lessons. Makai, the restaurant next door to the surf shop, is excellent and should not be missed.

Playa La Lancha is one of the best beaches in Mexico to take surf lessons. WildMex has great instructors , tons of equipment, and they are very well organized. They offer daily lessons, week-long surf camps , and adventure tours of the region. 

Best Surf Hotels in Punta Mita

📍Mid-Range Option – Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort

12) Playa Sayulita

It would not be an article about surfing in Mexico if it didn´t include a section about  the surf in Sayulita . Sayulita is the premier surf town for beginning and intermediate-level surfers. Hodads have just as much fun as the surfers because of the party and yoga scene. 

Several generations ago this was considered a fishing village. Ten years ago the terms hippy surf town or boho-chic might have been appropriate. Not much of that bohemian authenticity remains. Sayulita is a commodity for sale. 

The town has grown faster than the infrastructure and water and sewage have become important local issues. Right now the water quality is fine but two years back, when the wastewater treatment facility was under construction, the entire town became violently ill. The reputation stuck even though the problem was resolved.

The wave at Sayulita breaks in front of a small river mouth. Most of the year the right is what people surf but during hurricane season the left is an absolute gem. The bottom is a mixture of river rocks and sand. The wave breaks over rocks and can get shallow at low tide. The beginners tend to congregate over the sand bottom closer to the shore on the inside. 

The nice thing about Sayulita is the restaurant and bar scene and the wide variety of waves within a short drive. Yes, you can surf on the main beach of Sayulita but I probably wouldn´t travel internationally just to surf this wave. 

You are going to want to rent a car and surf the world-class waves in the vicinity and make it back to Sayulita for dinner and drinks. If you get back early you can get a surf out front. 

Sayulita is one of the best places to take surf lessons in Mexico. I recommend WildMex.

Where to stay in Sayulita

📍Mid-Range Option – El Pueblito de Sayulita 📍Luxury Option – Hotel Ysuri Sayulita

13) Stoner´s Point

The  town of San Blas  is located about three hours north of Puerto Vallarta and 2.5 hours west of Guadalajara. It sits on the northern edge of the Matanchen Bay between the beach and an estuary. Matachen Bay was awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest surfable wave. The estuary inlet helps form the wave at Stoner´s. 

There is a  long history of surfing  in this area it is surprising there isn´t more tourism these days. The bugs have a bad reputation and scare away a lot of potential visitors. 

Stoner´s Point is one of the best waves in Mexico but it rarely works. It is a long right-hand point break that only comes to life on the biggest south swells of the year. 

To access Stoner´s it is possible to walk over from San Blas but that requires a quick swim across an estuary inlet that sometimes has crocodiles. Most people drive around the estuary to Las Islitas and walk the last kilometer into the point. Vehicles with 4-wheel drive can drive right up onto the beach and camp out all day. When it’s on, it’s on.

Where to stay in San Blas

📍Mid-Range Option – Hotel Garza Canela 📍Mid-Range Option – Quinta Alberto Boutique Hotel

Except for the airport, Jalisco is not one of the premier destinations for surfing in Mexico. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport is right on the Nayarit border and is the most commonly used airport to access the surf spots along the Riviera Nayarit. The Guadalajara Airport is commonly used to access the beaches of Colima. 

Jalisco is one of the most Mexican parts of the country with great beaches. Unfortunately, the surf around  Downtown Puerto Vallarta  is not the main attraction but may be a byproduct. If you happen to be in the area then you might score some waves. I don’t think most people are going to travel internationally to surf the waves in Jalisco . There are relatively few well-known waves for surfing in Jalisco when compared to all of the other phenomenal tourist activities.

The coast of Jalisco is virgin in many places and access is limited. While there not be a lot of well-known world-class waves, I suspect there are a lot of secret spots for hard-core searchers. The Costa Alegra has all the basic qualifications for excellent surf. With a little motivation and time, I think some explorers could strike gold.

14) Quimixto

Puerto Vallarta  and the Banderas Bay do not see a lot of surf. One exception to this is the village of Quimixto. 

Quimixto is a remote village more famous for a waterfall hike and beachfront restaurants/beach clubs than surfing. However, the wave is really fun and picks up a surprising amount of swell considering it is inside the bay. 

The Quimixto waterfall leads to a river that forms the wave. The wave is a left-hander breaking over rocks at the river mouth. The best swells for Quimixto are northwests that are common in fall, winter, and spring.

It is a bit of a trek to get to Quimixto because there is no road. The road goes as far as Boca de Tomatlan before heading away from the coast. Water taxis shuttle visitors to the beaches along the southern part of the Banderas Bay. The water taxis leave from Boca de Tomatlan and the Los Muertos Beach Pier.

15) Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad is on the southern border of Jalisco with the state of Colima. The main surf spot is on the inlet jetty that separates Jalisco from Colima. Surfers can easily paddle across the inlet to the Grand Isla Navidad Resort or the Colimilla Restaurant for excellent seafood.

The harbor at Barra de Navidad is famous for launching the Spanish trade route with China back in 1564. 

Colima is an underground surfing powerhouse. Some of Mexico´s best surfers grew up surfing the black sand beach breaks. The state is small but there are a lot of great waves and enthusiastic surf culture of real watermen. 

16) Boca de Pascuales

The Armeria River deposits black sand from the Colima Volcano on the edge of an underwater canyon. That underwater canyon picks up swell energy from all directions but absolutely loves a good south swell. During the summer months, those south swells create legendary A-frame barrels. The barrels are big and powerful, and attract jetskis for assisted take-offs. 

The beaches of Boca de Pascuales and El Real are located just a few kilometers from Tecoman in an agricultural community. The coconut palm orchards are a tell-tale sign that big barrels are on the way. 

Many people compare  Boca de Pascuales  to Puerto Escondido and the waves do share some similarities. The towns however are quite different. Tecoman is an agricultural town and Pascuales is a collection of enremada thatched-roof restaurants and a couple of simple hotels. Puerto Escondido is a major international tourist destination not just for surfers but for other holidaymakers as well. 

17) Cuyutlán

Cuyutlán  is the name of the lagoon and the village. The village sits on a sand bar between the lagoon and the pacific ocean. The lagoon is famous for  gourmet salt production . The port of Manzanillo is just 25 minutes away but Cuyutlán feels like it is a world away. 

Time moves slowly in Cuyutlán. During the week the beach and boardwalk are empty. On the weekends and holidays, local families from Armería, Colima City, and Guadalajara make their way down to the beach to eat seafood and play in the water. 

The wave at Cuyutlán is powerful. Much like Pascuales, the wave is biggest in the summertime. However, the river mouth at Pascuales continually shapes the sandbars which sculpts better-formed waves. There aren´t as many makable waves at Cuyutlán as there are at Pascuales. Cuyutlán still has some excellent waves but it is not as consistently good as Pascuales is. There are also a lot fewer people surfing in Cuyutlán. 

The Cuyutlán boardwalk is lined with simple enremada restaurants that serve their food under umbrellas on the sand. The place will be packed on Sunday and empty on Monday. 

Michoacan is a magical place . It has a long and rich history dating back well before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. The food and agriculture are regarded to be among the best in Mexico. 

The coast of Michoacan is incredibly rural. The port of Lázaro Cárdenas has a significant population but that is the only city on the coast. Lázaro Cárdenas is about a four-hour drive from the  capital of Morelia . 

Most of the inhabitants of the region live in villages or small towns. 

Unfortunately, Michoacan has a reputation for insecurity. Everyone has a different tolerance for security issues in Mexico. I have never had a problem with safety in my travels through the region. 

My in-laws’ people are from Tierra Caliente, Michoacan, and counsel me to take extreme caution when traveling to rural parts of Michoacan. My recommendation is to err on the side of caution. It may be cliché to say but don´t drive at night along the coastal highway. 

18) La Ticla

There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Mexico but La Ticla has to be one of the best surfing spots in the country. This is a small village where the wifi is slow and the cellular signal is hard to find. The beach is the main attraction around here. People come here to lounge in a hammock and watch the waves rather than lay in bed and watch tv.

La Ticla has a river flowing through the town. The river mouth creates some really great waves. There is a short, fast right and a longer left. The waves that break on the outside are great for advanced surfers with ramps perfect for launching airs and little tube sections. The wave doesn’t barrel as consistently as Boca de Pascuales but it is close enough that you can surf both on the same trip. 

19) Barra de Nexpa

I hope I am not being desensitized to the spectacular waves in Mexico. There are so many different styles of waves for both beginners and advanced surfers alike. Nexpa is a left that every goofy footer should train on. The long, long lefts will improve a surfers style the same way that Rincon does in California. 

Nexpa is an hour north of Lázaro Cardenas yet still in the southern half of the state. Just a few minutes down the road is the much more established beach town of Caleta de Campos. Nexpa is all about surfing. It is like a surf camp. The accommodations are rustic but most folks are spending 6 hours a day in the water and returning to the room to sleep and drink as much water (or Modelo) as possible. 

The Nexpa River moves some serious water during the rainy season. The river rocks form a well-organized reef that picks up south swell all summer long. The wave is a proper left point break with some steep, strong waves. The wave isn’t perfect and has some mushy sections. It is very easy to gain speed on a wave like this to push through the flat sections and catch the steep section again. This is a great place to improve one’s turns on big open sections with lots of speed.

On my first trip to Mainland Mexico, I was surfing Pascuales with guys from all over Mexico: Cabo, Mazatlan, and Nexpa. The guys from Nexpa were so proud of their wave and so inviting that I had to drive down there to check it out. That surf trip was a life-changing experience and I often say it was responsible for moving to Mexico for school and ultimately setting down roots. 

Driving the coast of Mexico and surfing is magical.  

The coast of Guerrero is very similar to the coast of Michoacan. The vast majority of the coastal road is rural and off the grid. It reminds me a lot of Big Sur in California with a different temperature. There are a lot of rugged landscapes and striking cliff-top views.

The area also has some security concerns. We have a lot of friends in Morelia and their favorite beaches are in the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo area. None of our close friends have had any problems but it is always a friend of a friend that has a horror story. Don’t drive at night. I prefer to drive early in the morning about 30 minutes after sunrise. 

20) La Saladita

This is one of the longboarding world’s favorite waves and where professional longboarding’s favorite event is held. The  Mexi Log Fest  has been in Nayarit for the last couple of years but La Saladita is where it became legendary. The coolest longboarders from across the globe would make their way to Mexico for the type of event that brings the underground guys and gals out. 

At La Saladita everyone surfs. Little old ladies, young kids, and sponsored veterans of the sport.

This is an ideal left-hand point break for a longboard. The waves are slopey (more horizontal than vertical) but run on for hundreds of meters. It is easy for a dozen surfers to all share the same wave doing turns around each other like they were tieing a braid. Even when the waves are big the style of surfing complements the turns of a longboard or maybe a fish. 

The bottom is a mix of sand and rock. 

There isn’t much to do in La Saladita except hang out at the beach. 

21) Troncones

Troncones is another authentic Mexican surf town. The waves are consistent and surfing draws a lot of tourism to the region. Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo might be a little more upscale and La Saladita a little more rustic. Troncones is still a small town but there are a number of restaurants and hotels to choose from. There is a surf shop and even an ATM.

The surf is great for beginners in the wintertime and excellent for shortboarders in the summertime. The waves are not as powerful as they are in Pascuales or Puerto Escondido but there is still a good push. The north side of the beach has a point break that is within walking distance from the town. 

This is classic Mexico. You should check it out before it turns into Sayulita.

Oaxaca is the premier surfing in Mexico destination for advanced surfers. There are waves for beginners in the off-season but during the summertime, they should be reserved for the experienced surfer. 

When I was young I heard a statistic, a rumor really, that 75% of the surfers paddling out at Zicatela for the first time will break their board before they actually catch a wave. I know that was made up but it is supposed to highlight how strong the waves are in Oaxaca when compared to Florida or Santa Monica. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Oaxaca is the center of the world for the surf industry during the summertime. There is a yearly pilgrimage of photographers and professional surfers hoping to get some images published in the magazines. 

The competition is fierce and mistakes will be punished.  Dropping in late  on a surfer that is already up and riding when the waves are big is very dangerous. Perpetrators will be made aware of their transgressions and may be invited to leave early. 

One thing that traveling surfers oftentimes miss is the Oaxcan food culture. There is  exotic seafood , traditional moles, and lots of  distilled agave spirits . Try to spend a little time getting to know the local culture.

22) Puerto Escondido

If Sayulita has the best Mexico waves for the beginning to intermediate surfers then Puerto Escondido is the place for the pros to be seen by the surf world. Video of great rides and huge swells are quickly uploaded to the internet. 

One great photo published on the cover of Surfer Magazine or the Surfer´s Journal could be the difference between a sponsorship contract for an aspiring young surfer or going back to a restaurant job. 

The town of Puerto Escondido has grown up with the surfing industry. Nowadays there are far more wannabes than big wave chargers. There are plenty of surf-themed restaurants, boutique Airbnbs, and juice bars that a digital nomad may decide to take up the sport. Everyone surfs around here or at least purports to. There will be a lot of people in the water even when the waves are big.

There are a couple of different Mexico waves in Puerto Escondido but the two most important places to surf are Playa Zicatela (AKA The Mexican Pipeline) and La Punta. Zicatela is across the bay (maybe 250 meters) from the town of Puerto Escondido. Punta Zicatela, or simply La Punta, is another 3 kilometers down the beach. La Punta and the Brisas de Zicatela neighborhood have grown into one of the coolest places to stay in the Puerto Escondido region. 

The main beach at Zicatela is famous for big beach break barrels. A-frames stand up tall and break both right and left. La Punta is a left-handed point break and the waves are a little smaller than they are at the Zicatela beach break. 

Watch out for the rocks on the inside. On my first wave, I did a big roundhouse cut back in the wrong part of the wave and finished my turn looking at some dry reef on the inside. The wave broke my leash throwing the board onto the rocks and snapping it in two pieces. I rode the wave 300 meters and did a dozen turns but it ended in tragedy. I love that wave even if you have to pay your dues. 

23) Barra de la Cruz

Barra de la Cruz is a rustic village some 40 kilometers east of the Huatulco International Airport. The wave is said to be not as hollow as it once was but it is still a treat. Because the wave is outside of the urban areas there are far fewer people surfing here than in Puerto Escondido. 

It would be hard to find a wave as good as Barra de la Cruz in Southern California with only a handful of people out. Trying to get a wave at Rincon when it’s firing is difficult, to say the least. Barra de la Cruz is no secret and the weekends are packed. The weekdays are an absolute dream. 

Rip Curl used to run a WSL (back then it was called the ASP) championship tour contest that changed locations every season. It was called The Search and was an extension of their philosophy and marketing campaign. The Search contests scored a lot of great waves and made Portugal a regular stop on the tour. The waves at Barra de la Cruz were legendary and every surfer on tour in 2006 voted Mexico as the best stop of the season. 

That much publicity created a tourism boom even if the event was billed as just “Somewhere in Mexico”. One guy decided to build a hotel on the other side of the river which changed how the sand entered the ocean, ultimately shifting the sand bars and the wave. The wave is still excellent just not like it used to be. 

Quintana Roo

It is pretty common to forget that the Gulf of Mexico has some surf too. For much of the year, the ocean is completely flat. However, there are moments storms pass through sending small waves to the coast. 

There are waves right on the strips in the Zona Hotelera in Cancun. You can find fun waves to learn how to surf on Playa Chacmool along with a couple of surf schools. 

25) Cozumel

Cozumel is a small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The far side of the island doesn’t have a lot of development with makes it a perfect surf destination. The waves are surprisingly strong during hurricane season because the swell window opens up to the Caribbean Sea rather than the Gulf of Mexico. However, the region does not represent the best surf conditions because it is consistently windy. 

Surfing In Mexico FAQs

These are some of the most commonly asked questions that I get in my inbox. 

Is it safe to go surfing in Mexico?

Mexico is as safe as you want it to be. Flying into Puerto Vallarta and surfing in Punta Mita is safer than a surf trip to Venice Beach. Getting off the grid in Michoacan or Oaxaca will require some additional safety planning. 

I have written extensively about safety in Mexico. I recommend reading the full article about the  safest places to visit in Mexico  on how to prepare. While there are real safety concerns in Mexico, it is usually easy to avoid problems when you know where the true dangers are hidden. 

What month is best to surf in Mexico?

The surf season in Mexico coincides with the rainy season. The Pacific Coast of Mexico receives consistent south swells from April to September. 

June is the best month to surf in Mexico because the rainy season is just getting started but the waves should be in full swing. My birthday is in May and I have scored a lot of surf trips around this time. 

By the time July comes around, the rains are more like tropical storms. By September, hurricane season is in full swing and the weather conditions are more of a risk. 

Is Cancun a good place to surf?

Cancun is a great place to learn how to surf and take surfing lessons. The waves are small but they do not have great form. The weather is often windy when there is surf. There are no world-class waves in Cancun and it is not a destination for intermediate to advanced surfers. 

If you happen to be in Cancun with the family it is possible to find some wind swell waves. I would not plan a surf trip to Cancun unless you are a hurricane hunter. 

What is the surfing capital of Mexico?

Much like California, there are two surfing capitals of Mexico. Puerto Escondido is the global surfing industry headquarters during the summer months. Sayulita is the surfing capital of Mexico for beginners. 

During the summer months, surfers from across the globe head to Mexico. It reminds me of the wintertime pilgrimage of surfers to Hawaii’s North Shore. The place is full of professional photographers looking to publish photos in surf magazines across the planet. 

Puerto Escondido is a fun town with lots of great restaurants, surf shops, and hotels. There is a small airport and lots of fun things to do out of the water. 

Sayulita is the favorite surfing destination for beginning and intermediate-level surfers in Mexico. The waves are much smaller than they are in Puerto Escondido and there are surf camps all over the place. The whole Riviera Nayarit region is full of fun waves that are not as dangerous as the waves in Puerto Escondido.  

Some Final Thoughts on Mexico Waves and Surfing in Mexico

Surfing and  backpacking through Mexico is a phenomenal experience . There are so many different styles of waves that everyone can find something that is right for their unique circumstances. 

If the boys want to go feral and stay remote in the desert for a month, it is easy to do. If you have a family and need a nice experience for the non-surfing members of the family, that too is an easy fix. 

There are Mexico waves all year long and you should come and get some. 

Buen provecho amigos. 

Paul Hudson is a food, travel, and surf enthusiast who writes about Mexico on his blog Playas y Plazas. Originally from Southern California, Paul has lived in Guadalajara since 2009. He has a BA in Global Economics from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) and speaks English and Spanish fluently. He can often be found exploring the Pacific Coast of Mexico looking for isolated beaches, fun waves, and exotic foods.

11 Best Surf Towns in Mexico | Where to plan your next vacation

Best surf towns in mexico.

Mexico is known for its long, white beaches, beautiful weather, and amazing landscape. Along with a pristine coast, you ’ ll find some great waves for surfing.

Mexico is one of the best places in the world to surf and if you get the chance to do so, you absolutely must! Whether you ’ re a novice surfer or an expert rider, you ’ ll find the right beach and surf town in Mexico for your lifestyle.

With almost 6,000 miles of coastline, you ’ re bound to find the perfect waves nestled into the perfect surf town.

When is the Best Time to Surf in Mexico?

Mexico has pretty consistent waves year-round which makes it a very attractive place to surf. The best time to surf in Mexico, however, is from April to September when the swells are the largest and the weather is warm.

Mexico has the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico on its coasts, but the Pacific Ocean is the best coast to surf in Mexico due to its great breaks and swells.

If you are wanting a more consistent wave, you will want to head to the Pacific side of Mexico.

Characteristics of a Surf Town in Mexico

A surf town always has great waves for surfing because that’s the number one most important thing.

Surf towns are hubs where surfers hang out, vacation, and come to visit to try out the surfing waves of the area.

They usually have a small oceanfront downtown with shops, restaurants, and various accommodations.

Some surf towns are well-known and sought after by tourists and others are word-of-mouth must-visit towns near some gnarly waves.

Even if you aren’t a surfer, most travelers still enjoy surfer towns. They are laid back and usually full of ex-pats.

They are always beautifully situated along the coast and have pristine sandy beaches, quaint establishments, and culture that make them unique and highly praised.

Surfer towns have a great bohemian vibe to them, and you are also likely to find surfers hanging ten.

Below you ’ ll find a list of some of the best surf towns in Mexico.

If you get the chance to visit one (or more) you won ’ t be disappointed!

They’re all great and offer something a bit different which makes each of them intriguing in their own way.

11 Best Surfer Towns in Mexico

1. sayulita .

Sayulita is located in the Mexican state known as Nayarit on the Western side of the country. It ’ s located on the Pacific Ocean and has some great breaks right downtown.

You can also travel just outside Sayulita for some larger waves where you’ll also find fewer people.

The town itself is quaint and isn ’ t as commercialized as some larger cities.

You can enjoy a relaxing and low-key vacation filled with authentic restaurants, cute shops, and a low-key environment.

The great thing about Sayulita is that it ’ s great for all surfing levels.

On the main beach, Playa Sayulita, the left side is great for beginners and the right side is better for more experienced riders because of the point break.

There are also various surfing schools in the area where you can rent a board, learn to surf or work on your skills, and stay during your time in Sayulita. Sayulita is a great surf town to visit.

Besides surfing, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Sayulita to keep you busy during your vacation.

It is a great laid-back town that should be added to your Mexico list.

2. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is in the state of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico.

It ’ s definitely one of the best places to surf in Mexico with 20-foot wave curls. If that sounds a bit scary for you, don’t worry there are still plenty of other great spots for all levels of surfers.

Playa Zicatela is the most well-known beach in Puerto Escondido for surfing.

It is recommended for more advanced riders who can handle some large waves. There are also great spots for beginners in the area.

The waves and conditions are quality and consistent, what more could you ask for?

Puerto Escondido is a cute surf town worth checking out. There are surfing schools that you can stay at to work on your skills or you can rent a board from various places in the area and try it yourself.

You ’ ll find excellent bars, restaurants, and shops and it ’ s definitely a surfer’s paradise.

Need advice on how to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido ?

If you are looking for a slower pace vibe while traveling, this is your place.

3. Ensenada

Located not too far from the US border on the Baja California peninsula is Ensenada. Which is known for having some great waves.

For SoCal people, it ’ s only 70 miles from the border and could make for a great weekend or even day trip.

Playa Hermosa is the best beach for beginners and San Miguel is an awesome beach for experienced riders.

All in all, the breaks and swells are reliable and great.

Ensenada is a bit more touristy because it ’ s so close to the US and it ’ s easy to travel to. But still worth checking out.

If you ’ re looking for a vibrant nightlife and other things to do besides surfing, this is definitely the place to visit.

You ’ ll find plenty of options in Ensenada after you ’ re done surfing for the day!

4. Punta Mita

Located on a small peninsula in the Nayarit state of Mexico, Punta Mita is a gorgeous surf town.

There are some great breaks with its only downfall being it can get pricey since it ’ s in such a remote location.

However, if you ’ re looking for more of a luxurious Mexican surfing vacation , this is the place to be.

There are some gorgeous accommodations that overlook the surf break in Punta Mita. If you want an easy-to-access wave, right outside your window.

This is your place!

There are great waves within walking distance of the town which makes it very accessible.

Also, if you ’ re hoping to get away from the crowds, this is the perfect place to be!

5. Rosarito

Rosarito, I am sure you have heard one or two songs written about this surfer’s paradise.

Located in the state of Baja California on the peninsula, Rosarito is a magical town.

Since it ’ s super close to the US border, it ’ s popular as a weekend and even day trip from the US as it ’ s only a 30-minute drive from San Diego.

It has a large nightlife scene and lots of things to do.

If you ’ re looking to visit a surf town in Mexico, where you can do more than just surf, this is a great place to consider.

You ’ ll have the opportunity to meet some cool people and eat delicious food.

Rosarito is also known for getting great barrels. Go on get in that green room!

As well as many different beaches to explore.

The best break in Rosarito is Baja Malibu which has consistent breaks. Rosarito Beach is another great spot but it can get busy at times.

If you ’ re looking for a place close to the US border with lots to do and good waves, Rosarito is definitely your place.

6. Salina Cruz

Salina Cruz located in the southern state of Oaxaca has been attracting surfers for years.

What used to be a secret spot, is not a common destination for surfers.

Probably because of the consistency of the wave and the enticing warm water.

Be sure to follow proper surf etiquette when in the waters here, as locals aren’t too fond of the stream of tourists coming in.

The town itself is full of restaurants, bars, shops and just about anything else you can think of. Plenty to keep you busy on your vacation.

7. Mazatlán

Mazatlán is not often thought of when you think of surfer towns in Mexico.

It is not so much on the radar as far as Baja California and Oaxaca go.

However, Mazatlán is pumping with epic waves and should be considered for your next holiday.

It is known as the land of the left-hand waves and although Mazatlán is on the larger scale of places to visit in Mexico, it still has a lot of charm and is worth checking out.

8. Pascuales

Pascuales is a surf town in the Mexican state of Colima. It ’ s not normally known as one of the best surfing regions in Mexico but it ’ s definitely underrated and has some great spots.

Since it ’ s not very touristy, the beach isn ’ t crowded and you ’ ll enjoy some great waves to yourself. Which is all the better.

Pascuales has some amazing breaks, but they ’ re more on the advanced scale.

Definitely consider this if you ’ re a novice or intermediate rider as the waves can reach more than 25 feet.

If you ’ re experienced, however, you may love this off-the-beaten-path location in Mexico.

The waves are some of the most visually appealing in Mexico with their rolls and barrels. If you want the picture-perfect experience, this is the place.

There isn’t much to do here besides go to the beach and surf, so if you are looking for some nightlife in your surf town, this is not the place.

This is for serious surfers only!

9. Zihuatanejo

Located in the Mexican state of Guerrero, Zihuatanejo has great beaches including Playa La Ropa and Playa La Saladita being two of the most popular.

You ’ ll find palm trees, restaurants, and a lot of wildlife in this area.

It ’ s the perfect surf town to explore, enjoy wildlife, visit surrounding areas, and relax.

The town is small and is dedicated almost entirely to surfing which truly makes it one of the best surf towns in Mexico.

The breaks at Playa La Saladita is great if you are looking for a longwave.

Also known as the Wave Machine, because this beach has a great long, slow, rolling wave that people dream of.

It ’ s one of the longest left waves in Mexico and rides can last over a minute. All skill levels can enjoy this wave and join in at different positions.

The town itself is also full of great reggae beach vibes that you will surely fall in love with.

10. Puerto Vallarta

Located in the state of Jalisco on Mexico ’ s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a great surf town to check out. It has beautiful beaches nearby with great waves for surfing, a nightlight scene, and many things to do.

The central downtown area has cobblestone streets, a quaint church, and many restaurants, bars, and shops.

It ’ s the perfect little area to stay and explore during slow mornings and afternoons in between sessions on the water.

El Malecón is a popular promenade where you ’ ll find a lot of things to do.

Puerto Vallarta is more bustling and lively than some of the other surf towns on this list.

So if you ’ re looking for a bit more of a city feel and lots of things to do, this is the spot for you.

As for the waves, they ’ re good in the city, but even better if you go out of the city a bit and get away from the crowds.

Puerto Vallarta is great because it ’ s such a versatile place to stay. You can explore neighboring cities to surf and have a great time in Puerto Vallarta itself.

11. La Saladita

This off-the-beaten-path secret surf spot in Mexico is becoming more and more popular with the long-boarding community.

It hosts Mexico’s longest wave, it has remained somewhat of a secret spot, due to its location. Besides surfing there is not much to do in this small surf town, so if you are looking for nightlife you might want to skip this spot.

However, if you are a hard core surf or inspiring to be one, this might be the perfect spot for you to practice your skills.

Final Thoughts on the Best Surf Towns in Mexico

Hopefully, this list has helped you consider some new surf towns you may want to check out.

There are so many unique places in the world that deserve to be seen and there are definitely other great surf towns in Mexico but this list includes some of the best.

For beginners to advanced riders, there is something for everyone. Go out there and get surfing!

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2 thoughts on “11 best surf towns in mexico | where to plan your next vacation”.

What a list! Surfing towns are the bomb! They are so simple yet amazing destinations especially when you travel to surf! I’m sure you will also enjoy this list of surfing destinations around the world.

Sayulita and Puerto Escondido are my favorite surf towns in Mexico https://www.mywavefinder.com/destination/sayulita-mexico-surf-guide/

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La Saladita Surf Guide- Everything You Need to Know

Curious about La Saladita Surf? You’ve come to the right place!

Over the past decade, La Saladita has become an increasingly popular surf destination for surfers of all skill levels, due to its friendly point breaks, amazing Mexican cuisine, and chilled out vibes. 

It has become one of my favorite spots to visit over the years and seems to be quickly evolving into an eclectic little surf town. 

The La Saladita surf break is primarily known as a longboarding wave due to its mellow shape and slow cruisy sections, although there are plenty of punchier waves in the surrounding areas that often call for smaller boards, if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Below, I will give you a first hand run down of the town, the surrounding waves, and where to stay and eat during your future trip to this dreamy spot. 

** This article contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Meaning, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission anytime you purchase any of the linked products. Thanks for your support of Gathering Waves!

How to get to La Saladita 

La saladita surf overview , the different la saladita surf breaks , where to stay for a surf trip to la saladita , best swell(s) for la saladita: , la saladita surf seasons , la saladita surf faq’s , other tips for la saladita surf , la saladita surf guide- final thoughts .

To get to La Saladita, you will fly into Zihuatanejo airport in Guerrero, Mexico. From there, your best bet is to either rent a car or take a taxi. 

If you plan on staying in the beach town of La Saladita, you won’t need a car to get around as everything is located within walking distance. 

However, if you plan on checking out the surrounding surf breaks and exploring other towns, a car is much needed.

It will take you about 40 minutes to get from the airport to Saladita and usually costs $40-$50. Once there, there’s not a whole lot to do except surf, eat, sleep and repeat, which is sort of a dream if you consider yourself a beach bum like me!

La Saladita surf town is home to one of the best and longest left hand point breaks in Mexico. 

Ideal for longboarding and working on that fancy footwork, you will be in awe of the quality of local surfers that this wave has produced. Whether you’re just getting into surfing or have been at it for decades, there’s plenty of opportunities to catch some of the longest rides of your life. 

Mellow take offs and slow peeling sections make this wave super forgiving. If you consider yourself to be a beginner surfer, you can sit on the inside break closer to the shore and catch the smaller reforming waves. The more comfortable you get during your stay, you can start inching slowly closer to the main peak crowd once you hone your skills. 

Unless you feel comfortable paddling out and catching waves on your own, I recommend hiring one of the locals to give you a lesson. Most instructors are also La Saladita surf legends and will help you take your surfing to the next level! 

In terms of paddling out, be sure to take advantage of the large channel that sits to the North end of the break and be mindful of the locals – they run the point. Often, taking off a lot deeper than everyone else, riding all the way to the beach, just to paddle right back and reclaim their seat at the main peak (because they have earned it). 

Due to this break’s growing popularity with longboarders traveling here from all over the world, the wave can get quite crowded and you will often see collisions. Therefore, be aware of other surfers already on the wave, wear a leash if you aren’t fully comfortable holding on to your board, and be respectful of the locals who have been surfing this wave before any of us knew it existed. 

You can surf La Saladita Point all day; from dawn till dusk, as long as the wind stays light or offshore. The tides don’t affect the wave too much, although lower tides obviously make the wave a little faster than when there is more water filled in. 

While you will be surfing your brains out, you will definitely need to take a couple breaks to eat some food! There are plenty of little spots to eat right on the beach, which is incredibly convenient as you can always keep an eye on the waves. 

Some of my favorites include Ilianet’s, Paco’s, Bennys, and Mareta which are owned by a lot of the local surfers you will encounter in the water.

If you are interested in nightlife, Mareta often has musicians or Dj’s playing.

Barracuda’s, a local bar, hosts music nights once a week, and Lorde’s / Loot does a pizza night with live music once a week as well. It’s a small town, so it’s fairly easy to make friends and accidentally run into familiar faces every single day of your stay, which is what makes this place so special. 

There are zero grocery stores or markets in town, so make sure you do a large shop in Zihuatanejo on your way in from the airport, or prepare to be eating out every day, which is relatively reasonable in this area. 

Los Llanos is a 10 minute drive away from the beach and offers small markets for basics, but you would need to Taxi or drive your own car as it’s too far and usually way too hot to walk. 

La Saladita Point 

Straight out front of the main beach, sits the point. It’s walking distance to most of the little cabanas and hostels where you will most likely be staying. 

Your best and safest option is to paddle in and out using the large channel just to the north of the break as the bottom is sandy there and you will avoid most waves breaking over the reef. 

If you paddle out at the right spot, I can almost guarantee you will reach the point with dry hair! 

If you find yourself too far south when the tide is low, you’ll have to bare a slow walk over the sharp reef back to the beach, often finding little cuts and scrapes on your feet once you get home.

 I will often bring a log and midlength with me in case we got a bit of swell. However, if you don’t want to deal with hauling boards and dealing with airlines mishandling your quiver, there’s a couple spots right on the beach to rent for $15-$20/day depending on the type/condition of the board. 

The Ranch 

The Ranch is an incredible reef break offering many different peaks about a 30-45 minute drive north of La Saladita. 

You will need solid directions and a vehicle to get there as it can get a little confusing for first timers. The other option is to hire a local to take you by boat straight from Saladita beach. 

Once there, there is nothing except a few expat homes and a local restaurant/shack on the beach that serves a killer breakfast. 

Bring everything you need if you’re going to surf for the day; including plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, extra leash, etc. Straight out front of the little restaurant you will see most people surfing the left, but if you walk south along the pebble lined beach towards the river mouth (make sure to bring shoes or sandals), you will encounter additional peaks and often nobody else in the water . 

Troncones 

Troncones is a super mellow up and coming surf town that lies about 15-20 minutes south of La Saladita surf break.

Its 2.5 mile stretch of beach is known to host perfect waves for all skill levels. 

This part of the coast has a mixture of sand, rock, and reef bottoms and loves a south/southwest swell. The best time for waves here is from the beginning of March to the end of October. 

It works best on low to mid tides pushing, and is a perfect spot to ride all sorts of boards (longboard, shortboard, mid length, etc.) Aside from the solid waves, there are also plenty of places to stay and eat close to the beach! 

Manzanillo Bay 

Manzanillo Bay is an absolutely stunning area that lies just north of Playa Troncones. 

It features several trendy little beachfront hotels and restaurants.

It can be a very fickle wave and needs a lot of swell from the Southwest to really do its thing; but when it does, it forms a solid left off a rocky point. 

The take off can get quite tricky as the wave initially bowls up near exposed rock. It’s important to make this first section or else you can easily be in a gnarly situation with jagged rock and reef all around; therefore, it is a better spot for more advanced surfers. 

On the bright side, the paddle out is fairly easy as there is a large channel to the north of the point, so you will be able to conserve some energy! 

Escolleras 

Las Escolleras is close to 45 minutes south of Saladita and just 7 miles from the Zihuatanejo airport in the Ixtapa region near the hotels. 

The wave is described as a wedgy right hand beachbreak that can get very hollow and is popular among the bodyboarder crowd. It works best on southwest swells and can work on all tides depending on the size of swell. 

Playa Linda 

Playa Linda is about 30-45 minutes south of La Saladita and offers a user-friendly left and right point break style wave near a river mouth that’s perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers. 

The bottom consists of sand and rock and can work on all tides. A great place to ride all types of boards with a pretty friendly crowd. 

There are various lodging options in La Saladita. It’s best to reserve something online before you arrive, as spots can fill up quickly due to the growing popularity of the town. 

If you’re looking for a cheaper option and want to be close to the point, Chucho’s hostel is a great spot to check out as it’s right in front of the main peak and offers a plethora of longboards to rent if you choose not to bring your own.

 There are a few spots to tent or van camp along the beach. However, due to the hot climate, I would try to stay away from camping and look for something with air conditioning or a fan. 

A few years back, I lived in La Saladita for over a month and found a spot walking distance to the beach for $400 a month. This type of price may not be available

anymore, but it is still Mexico; things are cheaper. You can always find deals if you plan ahead and want to stay for a while! 

If you’re traveling with a group of friends, renting a house will often be your best and cheapest bet. You can split the costs and take advantage of having a full kitchen and extra space. 

Stock up on groceries while in Zihuatanejo or Los Llanos, cook your meals, and save a lot of money by not eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Summer southwest swells will produce the best and longest waves for this area. 

The best season is during “Summer” which is early April into October. The “Winter” season here begins in November and continues until March, bringing in swells from the northwest. This is a better time for beginners as the waves are usually smaller with a lot less energy behind them. 

Curious about other surf breaks in Mexico? Check out our surf guide to Puerto Escondido to learn about the Mexican Pipeline, or our surfing guide to Sayulita for more cruisy longboarding waves!

How long is the La Saladita wave? 

If you get it right, this wave will offer over 100 meter rides. 

What is the water temp in Saladita? 

The water temp sits at a lovely 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Everyone is usually trunking it with either a t-shirt or wetsuit top to help block the sun. Pack your surf hat if you own one, as the Saladita sun is not very forgiving. 

What are the best conditions for surfing in La Saladita? 

There’s fun surf year round, but the main season is late April into October, which provides consistent and often bigger waves coming from the southwest.

The sun is hot and the vibes are high! 

Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen , wax and a bit of extra foam. If you’re riding a small board on this wave, you’re most likely not getting the wave count you could if you were riding something with more volume. 

90% of the people out in the lineup will be riding longboards so plan accordingly or rent something when you get there! 

You’re stoked! La saladita is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited during my travels; both geographically and culturally.

 It is why myself, as well as many others, often make their way back to this spot. So be sure to enjoy and welcome everything and everyone Mexico and this town has to offer, you won’t regret it!

Paloma is a writer for Gathering Waves. She has been surfing for over a decade + traveling all over the world in search for new waves and cultures. Having immigrated from her home country of Colombia to the US when she was young, she never quite felt like she had found her forever home. Therefore, in November 2022, she decided to sell everything she owned in California and set out on the adventure South in search of a place to settle. As a goofy footer, she quickly fell in love with Nicaragua (the land of lefts) and bought some land to one day build her dream house on. While her travels are far from over, she is happy to have found her homebase and loves sharing knowledge from every wave and place she visits so that others can have a positive experience too!

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The Ultimate Guide to Oaxaca Surf

There are some seriously awesome Oaxaca surf towns – Puerto Escondido chief among them. On top of that, the region has swell-blessed points and beaches that are still only just being discovered. It’s a Mexican gem.

An introduction to Oaxaca surf

Don’t be fooled by the booming crowds of surfers that head down Puerto Escondido each year – Oaxaca surf remains right on the Mexican frontier.

Not including that legendary big wave on Playa Zicatela, we’d say this region is undiscovered and untapped swell territory. That’s mainly down to just how massive and how undeveloped it is.

You can drive for hours on end on the 200 coast road and not pass a single major town. It’s a true mecca for those who don’t mind scouring dusty shoreline tracks and empty bays for hidden waves that they aren’t quite sure how they break. Good fun.

Of course, the Oaxaca surf scene in PE (that’s everyone’s fav at Puerto Escondido) is a whole other story. That’s a mega famous spot with barreling tubes that have given rise to the nickname Mexican Pipeline.

Pros break boards and bones on that monstrous beachie every summertime, but there are also a few other spots in the vicinity that are for the learners and improvers, hence why you find some of the finest surf camps in Mexico around thatta way.

Drift out of there and Oaxaca saddles up some pretty nice right-hand points, along with a good range of beach breaks. South-facing is the name of the game, so summer reigns supreme. Winter can see mellower shoulders when there’s a wrap-around, so it’s December, Jan and Feb is you’re looking to learn in these parts.

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing Mexico

Oaxaca surf at a glance

• Still largely undiscovered (except for Puerto Escondido, of course)
• Right-hand point breaks that are cracking
• Strong summer swells
• Not loads for beginners
• Rewards those willing to drive
• Winter means less predictable swells

What’s in this guide to Oaxaca?

Where is oaxaca.

Oaxaca is one of the largest states in Mexico. It’s in the south-west of the country, with a huge coastline that runs roughly east-west and then bends a little to the north.

The main town is the city of Oaxaca itself, which is famed for its indigenous cultures and food. That’s about six hours in the bus from where you will surf – just to give you an idea of quite how large the state is!

More generally, the coast of Oaxaca is about 280 miles south of Mexico City and more than 760 miles to the west of Cancun.

How to get to Oaxaca?

A lot of the time, people will jet into Mexico City and then get a connecting flight to Oaxaca, followef by an onward transfer to the coast from there. If you’re booking into a Oaxaca surf camp, it’s worth asking for help with all that (some offer transfers to and from the airport as part of the package).

Or…even better, score yourself one of the few internal flights that go to Puerto Escondido International Airport, which is the gateway to the Oaxacan coast. It’s not got many options but there are links from Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and Guadulajara.

The way we see it, there are two ways to do a surf trip here: 1) Choose a surf camp in Puerto Escondido or base yourself there and surf only the local beaches, 2) Get a car and go adventuring.

The latter is better for confident intermediates, since it means surfing breaks of unknown quantities, and you’ll need the confidence to read the oceans, the tides, the swells etc. Driving in Mexico also brings its own risks, though most people tell us it’s pretty safe, so long as you don’t drive at night and stay on the main highways.

Use RentalCars to book a hire if you plan on doing that. We reckon they have the most competitive rates and like the late cancellation options to boot…

Where to surf in Oaxaca?

Oaxaca clocks up nearly 540km of coastline. That’s more than a whole load of small countries.

The point? There’s no shortage of working surf spots. And there’s no shortage of variety. Check it out…

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is unquestionably the most famous of the Oaxaca surf towns. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s one of the most famous surf towns in the whole world.

Because of that reason, we’ve got a dedicated guide to its various breaks and beaches.

For now, let’s just say it’s armed with a mega XXL beach break on the main Zicatela Beach – we’re talking a curling tube that’s fodder for surf magazines from May until September (when it works best).

Where to stay? Choose Oasis Surf House   and the guiding hand of Roger and Francisco, who have a very intense 2-week surf camp that all but guarantees you’ll improve. It’s one of the highest rated in Mexico for us.

We’ve got a full guide to Puerto Escondido surf

Mark our words: Manzunte’s star is rising. Out of the spotlight because most of the attention goes to Puerto Escondido, this small town is gaining fast on the Oaxaca surf scene.

Chilled and easy going, it’s a gathering spot for yoga practitioners and New Age healers. The surf scene relies on mainly dumpy shorebreaks, but some hold up well to give rights and hollow rides. It’s generally better for a casual surf trip.

We’ve got a full guide t o Mazunte surf

Much like Manzunte before it, Zipolite is an upcoming Oaxaca surf town. It’s set along a large, long south-facing beach that has the effect of stretching out the swell and offering multiple peaks with a bit less punch to them.

It’s still hardcore in summer, and the point breaks to the west can be positively slabby in August. The main star is next-door San Agustinillo playa, which has lot sof neat little peaks that can suit all levels.

We rate it as a fine place for R&R, yoga camps, and chilling, with a little bit of surf on the side.

Check our full guide to Playa Zipolite right now

Huatulco/San Augustin

The uber-wild stretch of shore around the Huatulco reserve and the Bahia de Huatulco isn’t well known at all. There are tales of epic right-hand point breaks that hoover up all the consistent summer S swells to fling off long rippable shoulders.

You will need to know where to go, though, so enlisting the help of a local guide is a good idea. And you’ll need your own car (preferably a 4X4) to make it to the hard-to-reach beaches and points.

One standout spot is San Augustin, which delivers nice waves in the middle of the summer. Needs to be big though, so keep an eye on those forecasts.

Check our full guide to surfing in Huatulco (coming soon)

Barra de la Cruz

Barra de la Cruz is one of the world-class right points that the southern half of Oaxaca state is known for – and there are lots of them so for this to stand out it has to be quality!

It’s pretty remote, so doesn’t suffer from big crowds like up in Puerto Escondido. What’s more, we remember it being a pretty rumbly drive through the jungles on the 200 coast road.

The break itself is a hollow and fast right that’ll have performance riders frothing at the mouth. Manage to paddle in with the shorty and it’s a skyrocket of a ride that borders on closeout when it’s big but comes with steep shoulders for all your cutback needs when it’s mid-sized.

Check our full guide to surfing in Barra de la Cruz (coming soon)

Salina Cruz

Salina Cruz is located in the eastern half of Oaxaca state. That puts it right in the middle of the some of the best south-facing spots the region has to offer.

The creme-de-la-creme of them are right-hand point breaks, and there’s now a whole load of Oaxaca surf camps here making a living of touring surfers who come on the hunt.

The most iconic break in the area is the photogenic right at Punta Conejo. Coming off a rugged headland to the west of the center, that really finesses itself on headlong S swells with long rides that can cruise across the bay for more than half a click. It’s sectiony and rippable and lovely for a shortboarder that knows what they’re doing.

Check our full guide to surfing in Salina Cruz right now (coming soon)

Surf camps in Oaxaca

You can score some fantastic all-inclusive surf packages in Oaxaca.

Most revolve around the town of Puerto Escondido which is great for all levels (despite the main break there being a pumping overhead beach tube!). Others offer more remote camps and access to the famous right-hand point breaks around Salina Cruz and beyond. We’d say they generally lend themselves to more experienced riders who are confident in the water and like seeking out remoter spots.

We have a dedicated guide to the best surf camps in Mexico – a couple of which are in Oaxaca – that we update every year. But here’s just a sneak peek at what this amazing region can offer…

• 2 Week Surf and Stay in Puerto Escondido – Run by Oasis, this program is nothing if not comprehensive. The overarching philosophy is both fitness and elite surfing. You do sessions in core training and flexibility, all specifically designed to up surfing ability. Surf lessons are two hours per day and there’s never more than two students per instructor. It’s the one we’d go for if you’re intermediate or advanced and want something to really push the skill level in PE.
• 8 Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido – Go for this if you’re tight on cash. It’s also run by the acclaimed Oasis Surf and Language School (the same that runs the 2-week course above) but it’s focused on all levels of surfer and is way easier on the bank account.
• 7-Day Private Camp with ISURFMEX. Surf Huatulco – This week’s surf intinerary is for those more advanced surfers who want to sample the right-hand points that southern Oaxaca is so famed for. They include daily surf coaching, transport to hidden breaks, and even a drone/photography session. Accom is in lux cabanas by the beach.

A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com : Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.

Want more Oaxaca surf camp options? Search the whole shebang below right now and book in a few clicks.

Where to stay when surfing in Oaxaca?

Your search for the top Oaxaca surf camp can end here. We’ve got our eye on the best the region can muster. They’re below…

Villas Carrizalillo

Villas Carrizalillo is pretty awesome. Just 1.5 miles from Zicatela Beach, these sleek suites come with a Spanish hacienda feel, snake plants and ferns in the nooks and crannies, and salt-washed balconies filled with hammock that overlook the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a curvy pool out back for post-surf chills.

Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva

A Manzute classsic, the Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva is everything you could want from a proper Mexican surf town: Palm-frond roofs, whitewashed walls, creaking decks and salt-washef balconies, all within earshot of the waves along the main beach and close to San Agustinillo (better for surfing).

Bungalows Punta Conejo

Bungalows Punta Conejo are just along from what’s arguably the very best right-hand point break in the whole region. They’re slickly decorated in modern styles, have self-catering facilities, on-site parking, and outdoor hammocks for post-surf chills.

Step-by-step guide to planning your Oaxaca surf trip right now

Step one: Book flights to the Oaxaca surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!

Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com . That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.

Step three: Get insurance This is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.

Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.

Step five: Enjoy!

For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account . They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.

When to surf in Oaxaca?

There are only two seasons to consider if you’re planning a surf trip to Oaxaca. The first is the Mexican summer and the other is the winter. There’s a pretty quick transition between the two, although it’s not as immediate as the monsoon changes that happen in other parts of the world (Asia, we’re looking at you!). Here’s a look at both…

Summer (April-October)

Summer is the peak season for surfing in Oaxaca. It’s the time of the year when the southern swells start kicking and you’ll be able to notice that right away. Famous spots like Puerto Escondido will fire up almost overnight. They can be mid-height rollers one morning in April and booming triple overhead XXL swells the next.

The middle of the summer is when crowds in the lineup are biggest. Most days are shortboards only, because mellow isn’t in the summer vocab. Early session trump the lot on account of rising onshores. It’s also super hot, so bring plenty of sunscreen and mozzie spray!

Winter (November-March)

The winter seasons sees the main southerly swell systems start to wind down. That’s not a major problem, and you’ll still find some of them raging in to mid November.

After they’re done, you’re relying on westerly groundswells and NW wrap-arounds, which understandably won’t have the same moxie as they do up in Cabo San Lucas . Still, winter and the spring combine to give smaller waves in general. They’re great for beginners and improvers wanting to switch to the point breaks up the Oaxaca coast. Pros should hold on for summer.

Surf lessons in Oaxaca

Lots of people choose Oaxaca for a straight-up holiday. We can see why. The beaches are to die for, the weather is great, the food is epic. If you’re on of them but this guide has tempted you to try surfing then a surf lesson could be what you’re after. Puerto Escondido has loads of schools. We’d reccomend…

• Chingon Surf Lessons – 5/5 on Google can’t be wrong, eh? Chingon Surf Lessons are one of the highest rated surf schools in Puerto Escondido. For around just $50 per person, you can score a 2-hour guided lesson that includes a 30-minute theory session and in-water practice. They have top beginner gear and even provide zinc so ya don’t burn!

Top surf shops in Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s surf shops are mainly concentrated in the town of Puerto Escondido. However, there some others stretched along the coast by other surf spots…

• Surf Shop Puerto Escondido – We really liked this small little establishment in PE. It’s not got racks and racks of hardware. It’s just a chilled, locally owned pitstop for some nicely designed surf gear and a good chat. A mug with a print of someone ranging through a Zicatela barrel anyone?
• Surf Shop Swell – Surf Shop Swell is located on the main road of little Manzunte. It’s small but that’s all you need in this upcoming wave destination. There are rails filled with boardshorts and rash vests, but the main thing we’d come here for is the small second-hand rail. They’re actually rarer than you think in this region, so can be a gift if you want something cheap to surf on.
• Huatulco Surf Co – These guys have some great gear, cool branding, and an all-round good vibe. Working hard to put Huatulco on the map. They have a lovely shop with boards, surf-skate stuff, accessories and clothes just behind Tangolunda Beach.

Things to do when you’re not surfing in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is pretty damn famous in Mexico. It’s considerd a culinary hotspot and one of the cultural powerhouses of the country. Believe it or not, we’d reccomend taking at least a week away from the coast to see it all. Some of the must-do activities are…

Monte Alban

Cancun has Chichen Itza, Mex City has Teotihuacán, Oaxaca has Monte Alban. This is one seriously jaw-dropping pre-history site located up on the mountains jsut west of Oaxaca City. A day trip is the best option cos they will sort you transport and give the background to the site, which is pretty amazing to be quite frank.

Oaxaca City is famed for its food. There’s a local cheese here that’s DIVINE, plus moles, tamales and mezcal that will blow your socks off. We did a food tour in the city before heading to the coast to surf and it was great – not so great for the stomach line!

Hit the beach

Oaxaca has some of the most lovely coastline on the Mexican Pacific. There, we said it. The beaches are simply lush. We particularly like the long, wide bay at Zipolite, which has sunsets that will have you drooling, and the hidden cove of Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido.

Santiago Apoala

There’s hardly a better way to balance out all that salt water and sand than a trip to Santiago Apoala. Hidden up in the wild mountains of Oaxaca state, the village is becoming a hub for eco tourism. You can go there to hike trails, see traditional weaver workshops and swim in roaring waterfalls. Sadly, it’s more than nine hours by road from Puerto Escondido and the drive in isn’t for the faint hearted.

Joseph Richard Francis

Joe “Rich” Francis has been surfing for the best part of 15 years. He’s nowhere near as good as he should be at the end of all that, but hey ho. Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales (the current base of The Surf Atlas), Joe is a seasoned adventure travel writer with completed publications in the surf-travel and adventure-travel sphere for major publications like Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip.

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Mexico's Best Surfing Spots

From Baja California to Oaxaca, the Pacific Coast of Mexico is home to some of the planet’s most sublime surfing spots. “Mexico is a dream destination for a surfing trip,” raves Dane Sharp of iconic surf company Rip Curl. “The water is warm, there are waves everywhere and much of the coastline is largely unexplored.” Here are our top 10 spots to hang ten in Mexico.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

This low-key fishing village and port offers an unpretentious beach experience that’s all about the waves including the legendary pipeline that put Mexican surfing on the map, the beach break Zicatela.

• Best For: Advanced surfers.
• Where to Stay: The reasonably priced and superlatively situated Villas Carrizalillo , strung along a clifftop overlooking a beautiful beach, is the town’s top pick. Check rates
• Where to Eat: Carmen’s Cafecito is a buzzy breakfast spot serving pastries, juices, and local specialties.

Sayulita, Nayarit

Fast cementing its reputation as one of Mexico’s hippest surf towns, Sayulita, just north of Puerto Vallarta , is all good vibes and great beaches. An entrenched surf community gathers for the dependably good waves, particularly the north swell from December through April.

• Best For: Surfers at all levels seeking a fun lifestyle after the sun goes down.
• Where to Stay: Check Sayulita Life for a selection of privately rented villas.
• Where to Eat: Stop in at the famous Don Pedro’s, a convivial seafood restaurant right on the beach for pizza, fresh seafood, and buzz-inducing cocktails.

Troncones, Guerrero

A former fishing village turned artsy surfer hangout near Zihuatanejo, the main draw for surfers is the sought-after break at the beach community of Troncones Point. Several surf shops in town rent out boards and offer lessons.

• Best For: Both intermediate and expert surfers , but beginners are also catered for.
• Where to Stay: Abadia (The Abby) is a tranquil five-room B&B right on the beach, with its own palm-fringed swimming pool.
• Where to Eat: Cocina del Sol, the restaurant at Manzanillo Bay’s Hacienda Eden, offers gourmet grub from the wood-fired oven in a romantic beachfront setting.

Pascuales, Colima

Not for the faint of heart, Boca de Pascuales in the tiny state of Colima is a legendary monster of a river mouth beach break with barreling tubes breaking from both left and right, sometimes reaching heights of 10 meters.

• Best For: Experienced surfers only.
• Where to Stay: The barebones Hotel Real de Pascuales is hugely popular with surfers, possibly for its friendly service and rock-bottom prices.​
• Where to Eat: The restaurant at the famous Las Hamacas hotel dishes up deliciously fresh seafood and is open year-round.

Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Boasting excellent conditions year-round, the alluring city of Mazatlan , known as the "colonial city on the beach," has several top-notch surf beaches, including Playa Brujas, Olas Altas, and Los Pinos.

• Best For: All levels.
• Where to Stay: The Melville is a 20-suite boutique hotel housed in a neoclassical former post office on Constitución. 
• Where to Eat: Try Puerto Viejo in the Old Town for fresh-caught seafood and beer with ocean views.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon 

The stretch of coast between Los Cabos and Todos Santos is famous for world-class surf. During summer months the impressive swells draw crowds to San Pedrito, where the big-wave action is, while beautiful Playa Los Cerritos is a big hit with camping surfers looking for a warm-weather escape.

• Best For: Intermediate surfers.
• Where to Stay: The fun Pescadero Surf Camp has everything a boarder needs off the beach: comfortable palapas, organized surf safaris and a swim up pool bar.
• Where to Eat: The much-feted Café Santa Fe dishes up wood-fired pizzas and outrageously fresh seafood.

Ensenada, Baja California

This good-time town 70 miles south of the border was once the haunt of singer Jim Morrison, who used to hang out at San Miguel, a surfer’s beach north of town. Santo Tomas, also in the north, is another popular spot. The best surfing is had during the winter months, so pack a wetsuit.

• Best For: Intermediate to Expert.
• Where to Stay: The whimsical​ Hotel Bahia is colorful, comfortable and cheap, with a pool and complimentary margaritas at check-in.
• Where to Eat: Try the fish tacos at Casamar, a friendly family-owned joint near the port.

Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca

The newish planned resort town of Huatulco is laid-back and unspoiled, with clear water, fine sand and seafood palapas strung along the beachfront. The best surfing beaches are La Bocana, at the mouth of the Rio Copalita, and Barra de la Cruz, about 12 miles east of town.

• Best For: Experienced surfers.
• Where to Stay: ​Mision de los Arcos is an elegant, Spanish Colonial-style whitewashed hotel with a beach club.
• Where to Eat: The chilaquiles at Terra-Cotta come highly recommended.

Punta de Mita, Nayarit

The gentle, long waves at the resort community of Punta Mita , particularly on the beach at Banderas Bay, are ideal for novices.

• Best For: ​Beginners .
• Where to Stay: The 11-suite​ Imanta Resort is a stunning retreat on a private half-mile beach. The restaurant, with its focus on seafood, is worth staying in for.

San Blas, Nayarit

This chilled-out fishing village has a beach, Las Islitas, that was once famous for the longest wave in the world: as a result, it’s something of a surfer’s Shangri-La, although most of the action is now centered around Borrego Beach.

• Best For: Beginner and intermediate until September/October, when the serious surfers move in.
• Where to Stay: ​​Stoner's Surf Camp is the hangout for campers and budget travelers wanting a piece of the action. They also give lessons.
• Where to Eat: Drop by cheekily named Casa de Canibal for retro dishes like shrimp cocktails and stroganoff.

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The Best Surf Spots in Baja California, Mexico

A surfing hub since the 1940s, both the northern and southern tips of Baja California offer incredible right-hand swells and barreling beach breaks. And the best bit? Despite worldwide recognition, lineups still remain beautifully empty. So, whether you’re new to surfing or a wave-riding veteran, here’s where you should be heading for the best breaks in Baja.

Hop between these surf spots by chartering a yacht for the week through Dream Yacht Charter – no sailing experience necessary.

Northern Baja

Baja California Norte may not have the glamour and glitz of the south, but it has something even better: uncrowded lineups, year-round surf and the biggest waves on the peninsula. Remote beaches, fast point breaks and epic reef breaks make northern Baja the perfect spot for intermediate to experienced surfers. The water here can be pretty chilly all year round and facilities limited, so you’ll need to come prepared with your own wetsuit, board and, in some cases, camping gear.

Producing some of Baja California’s largest waves, Baja Malibu is a right of passage for many experienced surfers. During winter – the most popular season for this beach – expect huge barrels with a strong northwest swell. In the summer, it’s also possible to surf a decent beach break, although swells will be a lot lighter. Due to its chilly winds and lack of facilities – only basic camping and no board rental nearby – this is one of Baja’s least busy beaches, meaning you’ll likely have this surfing paradise to yourself.

Just a short drive south from Rosarito, K-38 has been luring keen surfers over the border since the 1950s. And it’s easy to see why: this wild beach has an almost perfect swell which can be surfed in any direction, if the conditions are right. As one of Baja’s most popular surf breaks, lineups can get busy during the summer. However, if you come during the winter or avoid the weekends, chances are you’ll still find your own spot.

With a long stretch of varied beach breaks, Rosarito is a great option if you want surf suitable for all levels. The biggest waves – which will keep even the experienced surfer entertained – break at the south end of the bay, but there are also some fun beginner waves on the north side. In the summer, Rosarito is one of Northern Baja’s most popular tourist beaches. This means that, whilst you may not have the place to yourself, there’ll be a lively nightlife scene and plenty of board shops, restaurants and places to stay nearby.

For those brave enough to take it on, San Miguel offers some of the best right-hand point breaks in Mexico. Waves here are consistently fast and break over a reef, so should only be tackled by experienced surfers. Despite its difficulty – or maybe because of it – San Miguel sees a lot of surfers, particularly during July and August. However, compared to lineups in US waters, this is still relatively quiet. Please note there is no board rental here and only a very basic campsite, so come prepared and stock up on supplies from the nearest town, Ensenada.

Southern Baja

If you’re looking for warmer waters, a lively après surf scene and some luxury accommodation options , Southern Baja is your ticket. The south is also a better option for beginners and improvers, as there are smaller, slower beach breaks on offer. Be warned though: with a growing number of tourists every year, expect busier lineups and pricier accommodation.

Cerritos Beach

Playa Los Cerritos, just half an hour from artsy town Todos Santos, is a hugely popular surfing spot for beginners due to its fun beach break. When a big swell hits, this can also be a great place for more experienced surfers, too. With a consistent, varied surf that’s easily accessible also comes the large crowd. However, the more experienced surfers will usually find a spot out the back.

Isla Natividad

For those hardcore surfers in search of the perfect empty wave in the middle of nowhere, Isla Natividad is the answer. If conditions are right, you’ll be met by one of the best beach barrels in the world, known as Open Doors. However, you’ll have to work for it: the wave can only be accessed by a small private plane or boat ride. The break here is extremely powerful, fast, hollow and can reach up to double overhead, so it goes without saying – this is strictly for the pros.

Punta Abreojos

Known for its epic right reef breaks and 200m-long (656ft) rides, Punta Abreojos is always on the top of every Baja surf veteran’s list. If you’re just starting out, there are also some easier beach breaks here. After your surf, make sure you stop by the local fishermen boats to buy the fresh catch of the day for your barbecue back at the campsite.

Playa La Pastora

Known as Cabo San Lucas’ premier big wave, La Pastora has been known to reach triple overhead. In other words, huge – and usually reserved for the pros. Those who do manage to take on this break, however, say it’s absolutely perfect. The best time to surf here is during mid-low tide. Expect both left and right breaks over a sandy bottom.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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10 Things You Didn't Know about Mexico by Surftrip.com

(1) The ancient Maya of Mesoamerica calculated the solar year at 365.2422 days and the moon's period at 29.5209 days. Both figures are so accurate that it was only in the 20th century that scientists came up with measurements infinitesimally more exact. (2) Mexico is one of the few remaining countries in Latin America where bullfighting is still practised. The Plaza Mexico in Mexico City is the biggest bullring in the world, seating 50,000 spectators. (3) The world-famous resort of Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula was a government-planned creation. Before 1970 the huge holiday centre was not even marked on maps. (4) Mexico City's two most famous volcanoes, Popocatupetl (5,452 metres) and Iztaccahuatl (5,286 metres) are affectionately known as Popo and Izta. According to legend, Popo (Nahuatl for "Smoking Mountain") was a warrior in love with Izta ("white lady"). (5) Under Mexican law, at least 51 percent of any tequila must come from the tequila weber agave plant, which grows only in the region around the town of Tequila , to the northwest of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. (6) Papantla is a village near the Port of Veracruz in Mexico. Vanilla is produced in the area. One main tradition in Papantla is the Rito de Los Voladores (Rite of the Flyers). (7) Mexico City is the largest city in the world. It was built on the site of the ancient city of Tenochtitlán. Tenochtitlán was built in 1325 by the Aztecs. It was destroyed by the Spanish when they conquered Mexico. Hernando Cortez first entered the Valley of Mexico in 1519. With fewer than 200 soldiers and a few horses, he conquered the Aztecs. In 1521 the Spanish destroyed the city of Tenochtitlán. (8) Corn is the main food crop grown in Mexico. It is grown on half of the cultivated land. The Indians living in what is now central or southern Mexico ate corn from wild plants about 10,000 years ago. About 5000 B. C. the Indians learned how to grow corn themselves. Corn is used to make flat pancakes called tortillas. They are sometimes folded and stuffed with different foods to make tacos. (9) Mexican children are given both their father's last name and their mother's maiden name. This tradition helps preserve the heritage of both parents. Fathers would often weave a God's eye when their children were born. At each birthday for five years the father would weave another God's eye. (10) According to the 1995-1999 figures, the "quality of life" in Mexico was as follows: Population that lives in poverty (1999): 44 to 60%, Houses with electricity (1995): 93.52%, Houses with running water (1995): 87.0%, Houses with sewage (1995): 76.7%, Houses with an earthen floor: 15.40%. Credit: #1-5 Insightguides.com Credit: #6-9 Indianchild.com Credit #10 PvMirror.com

Airlines Serving Mexico

Aero California

Tel. (800) 237-6225

Comment La Paz based airline with extensive route system throughout Mexico. Gateways in US include Los Angeles and Tucson. In addition to non-stop service from Los Angeles to Loreto, Manzanillo, La Paz, and Los Cabos other destinations in Mexico with direct service from the US include Hermosillo, Tepic, Durango and Torreón.

Service to: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Ciudad Victoria, Colima, Culiacan, Durango, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Loreto, Los Cabos, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Mexico, Monterrey, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Tepic, Tijuana, Torreon.

AeroCaribe/AeroCozumel

Tel. (800) 531-7921

Comment Mexicana's regional carrier serving secondary markets and major cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Cancun.

Service to: Bahias de Huatulco, Cancun, Chetumal, Ciudad del Carmen, Cozumel, Leon - El Bajio, Los Cabos, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

Tel. (800) 237-6639

Comment Aeromexico's US-Mexico service originates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Ontario CA, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego and Tucson.

Cities in Mexico with direct Aeromexico service include Loreto, Hermosillo, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancun, Leon (Bajio Airport) and others.

Service to: Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Bahias de Huatulco, Campeche, Cancun, Chetumal, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Ciudad Victoria, Colima, Cozumel, Culiacan, Durango, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Guerrero Negro, Hermosillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, La Paz, Lazaro Cardenas, Leon - El Bajio, Loreto, Los Cabos, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico, Monclova, Monterrey, Morelia, Oaxaca, Palenque, Piedras Negras, Poza Rica, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Reynosa, Salina Cruz, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Tapachula, Tepic, Tijuana, Torreon, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Uruapan, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

Tel. (800) 426-0333

Comment Following its western tradition, Alaska's non-stop Mexico service originates from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Phoenix.

Mexico destinations currently served include Cancun, Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Manzanillo/Costa Alegre, and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo..

One stop service is offered from Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, BC to various cities in Mexico with daily connections from over 70 cities throughout the West.

Alaska was awarded the right to serve non-stop between Los Angeles and Mexico City after Delta Airlines dropped the route in January 2005. Alaska plans to start service in August 2005.

Service to: Cancun, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta.

America West

Tel. (800) 235-9292

Comment Using its Phoenix and Las Vegas hub systems, America West serves Mexico City and the resort cities of Acapulco, Cancun, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. Through its America West Express affiliate, flight service is provided to Guadalajara, Guaymas and Hermosillo and Monterrey.

In June 2004, daily non-stop service between Los Angeles and Puerto Vallarta was initiated through the America West Express affiliate.

Service to: Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Mexico, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta.

Tel (800) 433-7300

Comment American Airlines was one of the first US airlines to transport passengers and cargo to Mexico. American US-Mexico routes use the Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami gateways and serve Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun, Acapulco and Leon. Through its regional affiliate, American Eagle, American also serves Aguascalientes. Seasonal service includes departures from Chicago, St. Louis, Boston and New York gateways and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Cozumel destinations.

Service to: Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cancun, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Leon - El Bajio, Los Cabos, Mexico, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta.

ATA Airlines

Tel. (800) 435-9282

Comment Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, ATA operates non-stop scheduled and charter service to Mexico from US gateways that include San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago's Midway airport. Mexico destinations include Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Scheduled service between Chicago/Midway and Guadalajara was increased in early June 2004 from daily flights to 13 flights per week. Convenient inbound and outbound ATA connecting flights are in place from Boston, Charlotte, Dayton, Ohio, Grand Rapids and Flint, Michigan; Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Moline, Illinois, Newark, New York's La Guardia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Washington, DC.

Service to: Cancun, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta.

Tel. (800) 735-5396

Comment Mexico City based airline with convenient schedules to popular cities throughout Mexico. Present U.S. gateways include Houston, Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.

Service to: Acapulco, Cancun, Chetumal, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Leon - El Bajio, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico, Monterrey, Morelia, Oaxaca, Tapachula, Tijuana, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Villahermosa.

British Airways

Comment Offering three flights per week between London and Mexico City.

Service to: Mexico.

Canadian Airlines

Continental

Tel. (800) 231-0856

Comment Continental's routes into Mexico originate in its Houston, TX and Newark, NJ hubs. In May 2004, daily service to Mexico City was added from San Antonio and McAllen, Texas.

Continental offers service to 28 cities in Mexico - more than any other US airline. Cities added since December 2003 include Manzanillo, Puebla, Oaxaca, Ciudad del Carmen, Monclova and Toluca.

Subject to Government approval, service from Houston to Durango will commence on July 1, 2004.

Service to: , Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Bahias de Huatulco, Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad del Carmen, Cozumel, Durango, Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Leon - El Bajio, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico, Monclova, Monterrey, Morelia, Oaxaca, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Saltillo, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Toluca International Airport, Torreon, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

Tel. (800) 221-1212

Comment Delta's Mexico experience began with its purchase of Western Airlines in the early 80's. Delta currently serves Mexico City, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Cancun. US gateways include Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta.

Service to: Cancun, Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta.

Frontier Airlines

Tel. (800) 432-1359

Comment Based in Denver, Colorado, Frontier Airlines has daily service from Denver to Cancun, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. Frontier has filed an application to serve non-stop between Denver and Cozumel. If approved, service will commence November 19, 2005. An additional application has been filed for service from Salt Lake City and Kansas City to Puerto Vallarta, also due to commence in November 2005.

Service to: Cancun, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta.

Comment German airline with seasonal flights to Mexico. Flights out of Dusseldorf to Cancun.

Service to: Cancun.

Comment Mexicana's gateways in the US include Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Chicago, San Antonio, New York (JFK), Miami, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Portland and Denver. Canadian gateways include Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Latin American gateways include Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Guatemala, San Jose Costa Rica, Panama City Guayaquil and Havana. Some routes are operated under code-share agreements with other airlines. Destinations in Mexico with direct service from the US include Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Morelia, Leon, Zacatecas, Cancun, Mazatlan and Los Cabos. Mexicana was the first international carrier to serve Los Angeles when flights were inaugurated in the 1930's.

Mexicana holds one of the best safety and on-time performance records among international carriers and has received prestigious travel industry awards for its customer service.

Service to: Acapulco, Bahias de Huatulco, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen, Cozumel, Durango, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Leon - El Bajio, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico, Minatitlan/Coatzacoalcos, Monterrey, Morelia, Nuevo Laredo, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Saltillo, Tampico, Tijuana, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Zacatecas.

Tel. (800) 225-2525

Comment Northwest flies to Cancun from Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Memphis and Tampa/St.Petersburg.

Tel. (800) 241-6522

Comment United serves Mexico City all year round out of San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Miami. Seasonal service out of Denver.

In May 2004, United applied for service to Cozumel, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. If approved, service will commence in December 2004.

Tel. (800) 428-4322

Comment USAir serves Cancun and Cozumel out of Charlotte, NC where it connects to an extensive route system to secondary cities in the Eastern US. In Fall 2003, USAir initiated non-stop flights between Charlotte and Mexico City.

Service to: Cancun, Cozumel, Mexico.

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Top 5 beginner surf beaches in mexico.

With over 9,000 miles of coastline to explore, Mexico surf trips are increasingly popular for all standards of surfer. Whilst many people associate Mexico’s surfing with the gargantuan barrels that crash onto Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido, many are surprised to hear that you can find some of the best beginner surf beaches in Mexico, from long and slow point break walls to fun beach break peaks that consist of some of clearest water you can imagine. The incredible waves, beautiful weather, rich cultural history, inviting locals and delicious food come together to make a surf destination that must be visited. The best time of the year to visit is between April and October, although you will still score extremely fun waves in the off season where you will be hard pressed to find a crowded line-up! Here are the top 5 best beginner surf beaches in Mexico that provide you with all the ingredients to take your surfing to the next level.  

Best Beginner Surf Beaches in Mexico      

Here is the best place to stay if you want to surf La Punta:   Puerto Surf House & School

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Explore our available surf packages, surf & stay now, 4 weeks surf oaxaca - puerto escondido mexico, 5 day all-inclusive s... zihuatanjo and troncones mexico, 2 weeks surf oaxaca - puerto escondido mexico, explore our surf packages, surf guides, know before you go find the best surf spots and accommodation in the world's top surf locations..

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Destination Surf Trip : à la découverte du Mexique

Envie de pures vagues et d'évasion ? « Destination Surf Trip » vous donnera des idées pour réserver votre prochain surf trip. Cette rubrique vise à partager avec vous quelques bons plans et à vous simplifier la vie lors de votre préparation mais aussi sur place. Bon voyage !

Nous revoilà parti pour de nouvelles aventures surf à l'autre bout du monde. Cette semaine, c'est avec un immense plaisir que nous retournons sur le continent américain. Après Puerto Rico , la Namibie , ou encore le Pérou , c'est aujourd'hui le Mexique que vous allez découvrir.

Ce pays d'Amérique Centrale est une région étonnante pleine de richesses où vous ferez de somptueuses découvertes. Au fil des siècles, de nombreuses civilisations s'y sont succédées pour y laisser un héritage culturel exceptionnel . On parle bien sûr des Mayas, des Olmèques, des Toltèques ou encore des Aztèques. Vous y trouverez également des plages magnifiques, des paysages à couper le souffle, des déserts arides ou encore une jungle profonde. Malgré des inégalités bien marquées, c'est un pays chaleureux et fascinant qui comporte tout ce qu'on cherche lorsqu'on part en surf trip.

Côté surf, vous ne serez pas déçus. Le Mexique ne vous a pas attendu pour se faire une réputation internationale. De Baja California à Puerto Escondido, vous trouverez une qualité de vague absolument incroyable.

Monnaie : Peso

Langue : Espagnol

Capitale : México

Décalage horaire : UTC/GMT -6

Préparez votre voyage

Quand partir ?

Le printemps (mars, avril) et l'automne (septembre, octobre) sont les périodes idéales pour un voyage au Mexique. Les températures oscillent entre 24° et 35°C et les pluies sont rares. En été, les touristes affluent du monde entier et envahissent les plages. De février à avril, les fêtards viennent du côté de Cancun pour profiter du spring break. Il vaut donc mieux éviter la période si vous voulez être au calme.

Vous pourrez surfer toute l'année. Les vagues sont souvent puissantes et les beachbreaks mexicains sont réputés pour être très violents. On distingue tout de même une meilleure saison pour aller surfer qui s'étend de juin à septembre.

Quel budget ?

Un vol Paris-Mexico n'est certes pas donné mais rassurez vous, il représente le plus gros du budget pour un voyage au Mexique. Et contrairement à certaines destinations où nous avons pu nous rendre, l'hébergement ne vous demandera pas un budget exorbitant. La preuve sur les graphiques suivants qui vous donneront un ordre d'idée :

source :  ou-et-quand.net

source :  bourse-des-vols.com

Pour vous procurez de l'argent, nous vous conseillons d'é viter les retraits au guichet automatique. Au Mexique, les banques s'octroient une commission supplémentaire à celle prise par votre banque pour le retrait à l'étranger. Mieux vaut donc retirer beaucoup en une fois, mais surtout éviter d'utiliser de nombreuses fois les machines. Vous ne pourrez pas toujours compter sur votre carte bleue pour effectuer des paiements. A vrai dire, les mexicains ont plutôt l'habitude d'utiliser du liquide. Autant faire de même. Pour changer de l'argent liquide, le plus simple et le plus rapide reste les bureaux de change, aussi appelés casas de cambio . Logiquement, vous en trouverez dans toutes les villes et zones touristiques. En cas de problème, les banques peuvent également changer vos devises mais pas toutes et les taux ne sont pas toujours plus intéressants.

Où loger ?

On commence avec les auberges de jeunesse qui sont nombreuses au Mexique. Vous trouverez des auberges privées et d'autres faisant partie du réseau Hostelling International . Il est conseillé de jeter un oeil avant de poser ces affaires : certaines auberges sont modernes et très bien entretenues, d'autres sont déplorables. Même constat pour l'ambiance.

Pour les adeptes des petits prix , vous trouverez également en centre-ville des petits hôtels à prix bon marché. Il ne faut pas s'attendre à des pépites niveau confort mais ça devrait largement faire l'affaire pour des surfeurs qui préfèrent passer le plus clair de leur temps à l'eau.

Bref, rien de bien exceptionnel à dire pour le Mexique côté hébergement. Vous trouverez quelques surf camp du côté des spots de surf les plus réputés. Ça peut être une très bonne alternative pour rencontrer des surfeurs venus du monde entier, mais les prix ne sont pas nécessairement les moins chers.

Comment se déplacer ?

Si vous êtes nombreux, il peut s'avérer intéressant de louer un véhicule. L'une des meilleures solutions pour rendre votre surf trip inoubliable peut être de louer un van ou minibus. A partir de six, ce type de location peut être parfaitement rentabilisé. De plus, l'essence n'est pas très chère au Mexique. Si vous partez seul ou à deux, la location d'une voiture pourrait faire vite augmenter votre budget… Mieux vaut opter pour les transports en commun.

Pour relier une ville à une autre, le transport aérien est peu répandu. Le bus reste le seul vrai moyen de transport terrestre entre les villes. En ville, plusieurs catégories de bus existent selon le confort exigé. Vous pouvez également prendre des taxis qui est un moyen de transport pratique et économique. L'auto-stop est à éviter en raison de l'insécurité .

O ù aller rider ?

Vous trouverez de nombreuses vagues tout au long de la côte Pacifique mexicaine. Parmi ceux que vous connaissez sûrement se trouve Puerto Escondido . Situé sur les côtes de Oaxaca , vous y trouverez des vagues exceptionnelles. De quoi vous offrir un véritable Pipeline mexicain ! La région de Puerto Escondido peut également s'avérer idéale si vous êtes ou venez accompagné de riders débutants. D'autres très bons spots vous attendent en basse Californie, notamment sur les plages de Colima ou sur l'île de Todos Santos.

Clay Marzo Does Baja California His Way from Superbrand on Vimeo .

Bienvenue au Mexique

Une publication partagée par SurfBR® (@surfbr_oficial) le 11 Mars 2017 à 4h30 PST

Une publication partagée par Sunset Point Resort (@sunset_point_puerto_escondido) le 13 Mars 2017 à 7h24 PDT

Une publication partagée par Lucano Hinkle (@lucano_hinkle_photo) le 13 Mars 2017 à 6h21 PDT

Une publication partagée par Fish At Sea (@fishatsea) le 12 Mars 2017 à 16h01 PDT

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Une publication partagée par (@shawnlaidlawmedia) le 7 Mars 2017 à 7h18 PST

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Kitesurfing in Mexico

Kite Season

• include not specified

Isla Holbox Main Beach

Isla Blanca Dos Sue Os

Isla Blanca Ikarus Kite Camp

Playa Delfines

Coco Beach (Playa del Carmen)

La Guadalupana (Sian Kaan)

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Playa Central La Ventana

ChiloChill La Ventana

Mexico, with its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and stunning coastlines, offers kitesurfing enthusiasts an exhilarating playground for wind and waves. From the Pacific shores to the Caribbean delights, Mexico as the kitesurfing destination has a lot to offer.

The best season for kitesurfing in Mexico depends on the region. Generally, the kite season lasts from November to April , coinciding with the dry season and the arrival of the “Nortes,” strong northwesterly winds. These winds are a kitesurfer’s best friend, offering consistent conditions.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are great areas for kitesurfers of all levels, with flat water lagoons and exciting wave breaks. Also the nearby Cozumel island with crystal-clear waters.

La Ventana , located on the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula, is another kitesurfing paradise. The strong winds, warm waters, and variety of kite conditions make it a top spot for riders seeking adventure.

Isla Holbox , off the Yucatan Peninsula, offers a tranquil escape with excellent conditions. Known for its flat water and shallow lagoons, it’s an ideal place for beginners and freestyle.

On the Pacific Coast Puerto Vallarta provides kitesurfers with a unique blend of kiting and vibrant city life. The picturesque beaches and favorable winds create an enticing combination.

Mexico’s kitesurfing scene caters to every level of rider, from those taking their first lessons to seasoned pros looking for a new challenge. With warm waters, stunning beaches, and a lively cultural backdrop, kitesurfing in Mexico promises a memorable experience both on and off the water. Whether you’re chasing wind, waves, or tacos, Mexico has it all!

Kitesurf Vacation

5 Day Learn and Relax in Style Kitesurf Camp in Sisal, Yucatán

5 Days • Available all year • by Yuckite Sisal

Embrace the wind: kitesurfing excellence in Mexico’s windy haven! Discover the thrill of kitesurfing with Yuckite in this exclusive camp. Get ready for an unforgettable holiday you will treasure forever!

5 Day Kite, Eat, Sleep, Repeat: Kitesurf for All Levels in Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico

5 Days • Available Jan - Aug, Dec - Dec • by Yuckite

Learn to kite in the windiest place in Mexico! In this kitesurf camp you will get a wonderful kitesurfing experience with Yuckite. All lessons are taught individually ensuring that your training progresses at your own pace and guaranteeing the most effective learning experience.

Beginner Kitesurfing Camp in Cancun

5 Days • Available Feb - May • by Ikarus Kiteboarding

Learn to kite one of the best beginner spots in the world – Isla Blanca near Cancun. Experince, you will never forget. Includes six hours of kitesurfing lessons and four nights’ stay in a comfortable double room with private bathroom and shower. Pack your bag and book your holiday before it’s too late!

Zero to Hero Private Kiteboard Camp for Complete Beginners in Los Barriles

7 Days • Available Jan - Mar, Nov - Dec • by Vela Baja Adventure Sports

Designed for complete beginners eager to learn to kitesurf and become and independent kiteboarder. Includes “one-on-one” classes with instructor. Vela Baja offers perfect kite conditions for all styles, in the safety of big bay. Come and enjoy the steady wind of “El Norte”.

Private Kiteboarding Camp in Progreso, Yucatan

8 Days • Available Feb - Jun • by Yuckite

Learn to kite in the windiest place in Mexico! In this kitesurf camp you will get yourself a wonderful kitesurfing experience with private clasess. Calm atmosphere, great diving and Mayan ruins nearby.

Kite Schools in Mexico

Strong Kiteboarding

Elevation Kiteboarding

4 Elements Kiteboarding

LVX Bajamex

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