Where to surf in Mexico
Mexico's Pacific coast has waves all year: south swells in summer, north-west swells in winter and warm water almost everywhere south of Baja. These guides cover the spots our community surfs and shoots, from Ensenada to Oaxaca: what each wave needs, who it suits and where to stand with a camera.
Surf spots by region
Baja California
Cool water and winter north-west swells a short drive from the US border.
Baja California Sur
Desert right points and beach breaks: the Pacific side for winter swells, Los Cabos and the East Cape for summer south swells.
- Scorpion BayBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Point break
Playa Los CerritosBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break, Point break- San PedritoBaja California Sur · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Beach break
- Costa AzulLos Cabos, Baja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Point break
- Nine PalmsEast Cape, Baja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Point break
Riviera Nayarit
Friendly points and beach breaks north of Puerto Vallarta, with surf towns for every level.
- SayulitaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · River mouth, Reef break, Beach break
San PanchoRiviera Nayarit · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Beach break, Reef break
Punta de MitaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Point break, Beach break
La LanchaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Reef break- Punta BurrosRiviera Nayarit · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Point break, Reef break
- El AncloteRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break, Reef break
Colima and Michoacán
River-mouth lefts and heavy beach breaks on a rugged, less-travelled coast.
Guerrero
Long lefts for longboarders around Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and the powerful beach breaks near Acapulco.
Oaxaca
Warm water and swell most of the year: from the barrels of Zicatela to the long right points further south.
- Puerto EscondidoOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Beach break, Point break
- ZicatelaOaxaca · MexicoAdvanced, Expert · Beach break
La PuntaOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break
CarrizalilloOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break- ChacahuaLagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break, Jetty
- San AgustinilloMazunte and Zipolite coast, Oaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break
- Barra de la CruzHuatulco coast, Oaxaca · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Point break
Salina CruzIsthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Point break, Beach break
When to surf in Mexico
Roughly April to October, south swells light up Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán and Los Cabos. From November to March, north-west swells favour Baja and Nayarit.
Autumn
September, October, November
Winter
December, January, February
Spring
March, April, May
Where beginners can surf in Mexico
Gentle points and sandy beaches with surf schools. Surf the smaller days and keep clear of the main peak.
- Scorpion BayBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Point break
- Playa Los CerritosBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break, Point break
- Costa AzulLos Cabos, Baja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Point break
- Nine PalmsEast Cape, Baja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Point break
- SayulitaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · River mouth, Reef break, Beach break
- Punta de MitaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Point break, Beach break
- La LanchaRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Reef break
- El AncloteRiviera Nayarit · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break, Reef break
- La SaladitaCosta Grande, Guerrero · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break
TronconesCosta Grande, Guerrero · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Beach break, Point break- Puerto EscondidoOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert · Beach break, Point break
- La PuntaOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break
- CarrizalilloOaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break
- ChacahuaLagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Point break, Jetty
- San AgustinilloMazunte and Zipolite coast, Oaxaca · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break
Surf photography in Mexico
Heavy barrels, long points and warm water you can swim in with a housing: where to shoot each spot, the light and the lens.
Frequently asked questions
When is the surf season in Mexico?
There is surf all year. From about April to October, south swells from the Southern Hemisphere hit Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán and Los Cabos, and the hurricane season (mid-May to November) can add big, unpredictable swells. From November to March, north-west swells favour Baja and Nayarit.
Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Mexico?
South of Baja, usually not: the water is warm most of the year and boardshorts or a rash vest are enough. In northern Baja the water is cool, so bring a 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm wetsuit, especially in winter and spring.
Is Mexico good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Nayarit, the calmer corners of Puerto Escondido and the sandy beaches of Baja California Sur have gentle waves and surf schools. Avoid heavy beach breaks such as Zicatela or Pascuales until you are an experienced surfer.
What should you check before a surf trip on the Mexican Pacific?
Swell direction for your region, the tide for reef and point breaks, and local conditions on the roads you plan to drive. Check current travel advisories, drive in daylight and ask locally before heading to remote spots.