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.
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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
Rosarito:
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.
Ensenada:
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 Todos 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.
Cerritos:
Break type- Point break and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
Monuments:
Break type- 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.
El Tule:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
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:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
East Cape:
Break type- Point breaks and reef breaks.
Skill level- Intermediate.
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
Mazatlan:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
San Blas:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
Sayulita:
Break type- Reef break and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
Cuyutlan:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
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.
Pascuales:
Break type- River mouth.
Skill level- Advanced.
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.
La Ticla:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
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.
Troncones:
Break type- Point break and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
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.
Acapulco:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
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:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
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:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
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!
