Mazunte and Zipolite coast, Oaxaca · Mexico
Surfing San Agustinillo
San Agustinillo is a small village on a 1.3 km beach between Mazunte and Zipolite, on the stretch of coast south of Pochutla. Its beach break is softer than Zipolite's, with small, forgiving peaks that make it the local base for lessons, longboarders and relaxed sessions. The one thing to know: the rips can be strong, especially at the eastern end.
At a glance
- Wave
- Beach break · Lefts and rights
- Bottom
- Sand and rock
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate
- Best swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Best wind
- N, NNE, NE
- Tide
- All tides
- Best months
- All year
- Water
- 26–30 °C · Boardshorts and a rash vest
- Crowd
- Usually quiet
The surf in San Agustinillo
Rocky outcrops split the beach into sections, and the surf changes along it. The main beach has lefts and rights over sand with scattered rocks, usually soft and a little mushy, and it works on all tides. In winter, smaller swells bring small, sometimes glassy lefts into the middle of the bay, which is ideal for learning. From about April to October south swells get bigger and the beach offers more push for intermediates, but it does not hold large swells well and can become too powerful for beginners.
The eastern end, Playa Aragón, has stronger waves and a strong undertow. Surf in the morning, before the wind starts brushing across the bay from mid-morning. Crowds are light compared with Puerto Escondido, and the local crew is welcoming, with regular sunset sessions. Surf schools and board rental operate on the beach. Watch for rips, check where the rocks are at your peak before paddling out, and ask a local if in doubt.
Photographing surf in San Agustinillo
The beach faces south, so for much of the day the sun sits off to one side. In the morning it is on your left as you face the sea and lights the faces of the rights; in the late afternoon it comes from the right and lights the lefts. In winter the sun is lower and further south, so the middle of the day gets hazy and backlit over the water. Morning is the best bet, with side light and the cleanest water before the wind arrives.
Waves break close to shore, so 100–400 mm (full-frame equivalent) is plenty from the sand, and a wider lens shows the bay, the rocks and the hillside village. The rocky outcrops that divide the beach give slightly raised angles; stay off them when waves wash over. Water shooting is possible on small days for strong swimmers with fins, but keep out of the rips.
Getting there
Colectivos run along the coast road linking Pochutla, Zipolite, San Agustinillo and Mazunte. From Puerto Escondido it is roughly an hour by car, or longer by colectivo with a change at the junction on Highway 200. Huatulco airport is about an hour and a quarter away by car. The village has small hotels, cabañas, restaurants, surf schools and board rental along the beach.
Surfing or shooting here?
Surfing in San Agustinillo?
Post your surf plan with your dates. Photographers in the area can see it and offer to shoot your session.
Shooting in San Agustinillo?
Share your photos with the beach tagged. Surfers looking at San Agustinillo find your work and can message you.
Nearby spots
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf San Agustinillo?
For learning, November to March, when swells are smaller and the bay often has small, glassy lefts. From about April to October south swells are bigger and better for intermediates, but the beach does not hold large swell well. Surf early, before the mid-morning wind.
Is San Agustinillo good for beginners?
Yes. On small and moderate days it is one of the friendliest beaches on this coast, with soft peaks, surf schools and board rental on the sand. Stay away from the eastern end, Playa Aragón, where the waves and undertow are stronger, and ask about rips before you paddle out.
Where can you photograph surfing at San Agustinillo?
From the sand in front of the main peaks with a 100–400 mm lens, or from the rocks that divide the beach when the sea is calm. Morning side light is best and usually comes with glassy water. Sunset sessions are popular, with low, warm light from the west.
Is San Agustinillo better for surfing than Mazunte or Zipolite?
For most learners, yes. Zipolite's beach break is punchier and notorious for rips. San Agustinillo is generally softer and is often described as the centre of the surf scene around Mazunte, with surf schools and rentals on the beach, so it is where most learners in the area start.
How can I get photos of my surf session in San Agustinillo?
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