Surfing Barra de la Cruz

Swell bends around the rocky headland at the south end of the bay and peels right, running north along the beach toward the river mouth. The bottom is sand banked against rock: the river brings sand down after the rains, and the banks change from year to year, so one season can be far better than the next. The top of the point gives the hollowest sections, followed by steep walls that hold size through the bay, and the rides are long enough to make the paddle back a workout.

It needs a proper south swell, from south-south-east to south-west, and most guides rate it best from low to mid tide with offshore winds from the north-west to north. The season runs from about April to October, with June and July often the most consistent; winter is usually small. On good swells the lineup fills with locals, travellers and surf-camp guests, so patience and etiquette count for more than anything. Watch the rocks at the top of the point.

The beach faces east-south-east, so mornings put the sun over the sea and behind the waves: good for backlit spray, but the wave faces sit in shadow. From early afternoon the sun moves west, behind the beach, and starts lighting the faces as the rights run toward the river mouth; the late-afternoon light is the one to wait for.

The strongest angle is from the sand down the line, looking back toward the point, with 300–600 mm (full-frame equivalent) for surfers at the top of the point and 100–400 mm as they come closer. Contest photos made the wave famous, and the setting of palms, headland and bay rewards a wide frame too. Shooting from the water is for experienced swimmers only, given the crowd and the length of the point.

From Huatulco, drive east on Highway 200 toward Salina Cruz for about 20 km and turn south at the Barra de la Cruz sign; the road runs through the village to the beach, 5–10 minutes further on. Huatulco airport (HUX) is roughly an hour away. The community runs the beach: you pay an entry fee at the gate, and there is a car park with toilets, showers and a restaurant. Community rules apply, so ask locally about hours. Cabañas and small surf camps are in the village.