Surfing in Mexico

About the Surf Spots

Cancun

Not known as a surf spot traditionally, there are some waves in Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya. The hotel zone of Cancun can handle some NE and SE swells depending on the locations. Playa Forum and Playa Chac Mool in Cancun have great whitewater waves and a surf school to take classes. Down in Puerto Aventuras and Punta Brava you’ll find point breaks that can get chest to head high with the right NE swell. Because of its location on the east coast of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula, it generally has the best waves in the winter months. It’s actually on our list of the 4 Best Places to Surf in December in Latin America. The nearby island of Cozumel also gets some OH waves in the winter months, and works best in offshore wind. Be aware, Cancun and the surrounding area doesn’t have high consistency, and is best for beginner or intermediate surfers. Check out our Cancun Surf Guide for more info!

Ensenada

Located in Baja California Norte, Ensenada is just south of Tijuana and the US-Mexico border. This area is chalk full of right handers all the way from Ensenada up to Rosarito. There are often a lot of surfers in the water right in Ensenada due to the proximity to Southern California, but the waves deliver. Baja works best in the summer months in our opinion. There’s more consistency of swells, less crowds, and the water is warmer. In the winter months you might find bigger, stronger swells come through for more advanced surfers.

Los Cabos

A popular tourist destination, especially for people from the US, Cabo San Lucas is home to some solid waves. There are a ton of surf schools and places to rent boards. It’s also a great place for families or if you’re traveling with people who aren’t interested in surfing as there’s plenty of other stuff to do. You will find more of a resort crowd and vibe here in general, with energetic parties and celebrations every night. There’s surf basically year-round because of all the different well angles it can take. In June, July, and August, the S and SW swells make Cabo and Costa Azul a solid surf destination. Check out our Cabo Surf Guide for more info on surfing in Cabo!

Mazatlan

I hate to start with this, but Mazatlan and Sinaloa in general has had relatively high crime rates in recent years. The crime rate is going down currently though. As a tourist in Mazatlan you will generally have no problem. It has several solid breaks that work best in the summer months. Mazatlan is a decent sized tourist city, but has a cute old-town in the center. You can check out our Mazatlán Surf Guide for all the details! I like to say it has a bit of everything for everybody.

Puerto Escondido

Arguably the most famous/best surf spot in all of Mexico, Puerto Escondido sits down south in the state of Oaxaca. Zicatela is often referred to as Mexican Pipe, and can grow to 50+ feet in the summer months. It breaks right on the beach, and is not for the weak. Although Zicatela tends to be the main draw, there are tons of other waves to be found in the area. La Punta is a nice left point break near Zicatela, Playa Carizalillo offers a fantastic beginner wave, and La Barra offers nice OH barrels on the right days. It works best in summer months for more experienced surfers, while beginners or intermediates will find their waves int he winter months. We have a Guide to Surfing in Puerto Escondido with more information on this world-class surf spot.

Puerto Vallarta

The city of Puerto Vallarta is in the northern end of the state of Jalisco, and serves as the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit (like Sayulita and Punta Mita). The city is super fun, with tons of international residents and tourists, and surf to be had. Most of the good surf is up north toward Sayulita and Punta Mita, but staying in Puerto Vallarta gives you access to these breaks. It’s also a great place for families or if you’re interested in doing more than just surfing during your vacation. We have a Guide to Puerto Vallarta Surfing with more information.

Punta Mita

Punta Mita is wild surf spot. The point sticks out in such a shape that it can take swells from almost any direction. The thing I like about Punta Mita is that there is basically always a wave to be caught. There are amazing longboard waves at places like La Lancha, and punchier lefts and rights at places like Burros. There are also several surf schools and surf camps in the area. WildMex has classes and schools in the area (and nearby Sayulita), and are on our list of 7 Amazing Surf Vacations for Families. It’s not the most fun town in Mexico in our opinion, as it is mostly full of high-end resorts (like the Four Seasons, on our list of All Inclusive Surf Camps). But you can stay right in town to get to the breaks or in nearby San Panch if you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe.

Salina Cruz

Located to the east of Puerto Escondido in the southern state of Oaxaca, Salina Cruz is a small surf town that is experiencing some rapid growth in international surf travel. There are a bunch of schools and classes, especially for beginners. In the summer months, you’ll find solid waves every single day and way less crowds than Puerto Escondido. It’s definitely a locals-first spot, so make sure to be respectful. If you don’t know the customs, ask. If you don’t speak Spanish super well or aren’t familiar with surf etiquette in Mexico, make sure to get a surf guide to help you out. Read our Salina Cruz Surf Guide for more info on this awesome spot!

Sayulita

Sayulita is located in the state of Nayarit in what is called the Riviera Nayarit. It’s kinda the hub of (beginner) surfing in Mexico, and for good reason. The relatively gentle and super consistent waves here come in year-round, and offer one of the best beginner waves in Mexico and one of the best places to learn how to surf. It’s also a great spot to longboard if that’s your jam! The town is popping, especially during holiday season. Staying in town can be quite loud at night. If you’re looking for a party, stay near the center of town. If you’re not, make sure to stay on the edge of town. You can see the average swell chart on our Sayulita Surf Guide. The waves here are truly year-round. It’s definitely geared more toward beginners and those looking for classes.

Todos Santos

Located in Baja just north of Cabo, Todos Santos is a rad little town where you can escape the crowds and party atmosphere of Los Cabos. It’s best in the summer months as you get the northwest winds. You’ll find a ton of Mexican and SoCal surfers in the area especially during these months. It’s a mellow town where you can relax, explore, and get your time on the waves.

Troncones

Troncones is a weirdly quiet wave for how good it is. It has some solid wedges, a point break, and a mushier longboarding wave. With its proximity to the airport in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, I personally expect this surf spot to grow in the coming decade. It’s not very beginner-friendly, as the waves can pack quite the punch. It’s certainly not an empty wave, but as it will likely grow in popularity in the coming years, now is a great time to go. It has a huge shoreline that can take waves year round, and is simply one of the best intermediate surf spots in Mexico for us. Check out our Troncones Surf Guide for more details.

Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo, or Zihua, is a relatively chill town on the coast of Guerrero. Just to the south of the aforementioned Troncones, Zihuantanejo may sound familiar as it’s where they go at the end of Shawshank Redemption. It’s a super consistent wave that can take SW, W, and NW swells. The waves are generally fairly mellow and work best for beginners or longboarders. It’s also a super fun little town in our opinion!