Oaxaca · Mexico
Surfing La Punta, Puerto Escondido
La Punta is the left-hand point at the southern end of Zicatela, where the headland takes the edge off the swell that makes the main beach so heavy. It is Puerto Escondido's wave for improvers: long, manageable walls, a busy lineup and some of the town's best sunset sessions. Start on a small day, watch where the rocks are at the takeoff and keep an eye on the current.
At a glance
- Wave
- Point break · Left
- Bottom
- Sand and rock
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate
- Best swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Best wind
- NNE, NE, ENE
- Tide
- Mid to high tide
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- Water
- 26–30 °C · Boardshorts and a rash vest
- Crowd
- Crowded
The surf at La Punta
Swell wraps around the headland and peels left along the beach over cobble, rock and sand, starting near the rocks and finishing on the sand. On a good day the rides are long enough to link several turns and ride all the way to the beach. It breaks noticeably smaller than main Zicatela, because the point shelters it, and it likes south to southwest groundswell, with southwest angles wrapping best. Local schools take beginners out on small days at higher tide, when the wave is slower; at low tide it gets faster and hollower, and the rocks are closer.
The usual Puerto pattern applies: a glassy, lightly offshore morning, then an onshore breeze from late morning. The main season runs from about April to October, while winter is smaller and suits lessons. Expect a crowd of locals, schools and travellers, especially at weekends and early in the morning, so sit wide, wait your turn and do not drop in. The hazards are exposed rocks at the point, a strong current along the beach on bigger days and loose boards.
Photographing surf at La Punta
The beach at La Punta faces west-south-west, and the left peels toward you if you stand on the sand north of the point, so you see the open face and the surfer's whole line down the wave. Morning sun comes over the land behind you and lights the faces evenly, usually with the cleanest water of the day. Late afternoon puts the sun over the sea: backlit spray, silhouettes and the warm sunsets the beach is known for.
From the sand, 200–500 mm (full-frame equivalent) frames a single surfer, while a 70–200 mm is enough for the inside sections. The Punta Zicatela lookout on the headland gives an elevated view over the lineup. Several lesson providers here offer photos or video of your session. Shooting from the water is for experienced swimmers only, because the lineup is crowded and the rocks are close.
Getting there
La Punta sits at the southern end of Zicatela, about 2 km from the main peaks: walk along the sand or take a taxi to the Punta de Zicatela neighbourhood in Brisas de Zicatela. The streets behind the beach have cafés, hostels, surf schools and board rental, and lessons are easy to arrange on the spot. The airport (PXM) is a short taxi ride away. Paddle out from the beach rather than scrambling over the rocks.
Surfing or shooting here?
Surfing at La Punta?
Post your surf plan with your dates. Photographers in the area can see it and offer to shoot your session.
Shooting at La Punta?
Share your photos with the beach tagged. Surfers looking at La Punta find your work and can message you.
Nearby spots
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf La Punta?
The most reliable surf comes from about April to October, when southern swells wrap around the point. Winter is smaller and suits lessons. On any day, go early: around 7 am there are fewer schools in the water, and the wind is usually offshore until late morning.
Is La Punta good for beginners?
It suits improvers, and beginners on small days with an instructor, usually at higher tide when the wave is slower. Complete first-timers are better off at Carrizalillo: La Punta has rocks at the takeoff, a current along the beach and a crowded lineup where a loose board can hurt someone.
Where can you photograph surfing at La Punta?
Stand on the beach just north of the point so the lefts peel toward you, and shoot in the morning with the sun behind you. Use 200–500 mm on full frame. For a wider view, the Punta Zicatela lookout on the headland looks down over the lineup.
What is the difference between La Punta and Zicatela?
They share the same beach but surf very differently. Zicatela is a heavy sand-bottom beach break that mostly closes out and suits advanced surfers. La Punta, at the southern end, is a sheltered left point that breaks smaller and peels, so intermediates can link turns.
How can I get photos of my surf session at La Punta?
Post your surf plan on Makai with the dates you will be here, so photographers in the area can offer to shoot you, or browse surf photographers and message one before your session. Agree on what you will get before you paddle out.
Updated September 2026