Cancún Surf Guide
Learn about the surprisingly active surf scene in Cancún and the surrounding Riviera Maya.
Quick Facts
Inconsistent waves, often with directly onshore winds
Best from October to February, but hit or miss
Lots of other things to do on days with no waves
Plenty of spots around the area to check out
Introduction to Cancún
Cancún is not known as a surf spot, but there is an active surf community in the area. The beaches in the hotel zone are exposed to any eastern swells, while beaches south in Xpu-Ha, Puerto Morelos, and Puerto Aventuras offer better breaks when the conditions are right. The waves are definitely oriented toward beginners, with some days better for beginner-intermediates or intermediates. In addition to surf, the Riviera Maya is home to a vibrant party scene, incredible nature tours, and a whole lotof things to do on days when you’re not surfing.
Surf Season in Cancún
Let’s be honest here. Cancún is not a big surf travel destination for a reason. When the waves are cranking, so is the wind often… And it’s rarely going offshore. However, we’ve caught some amazing waves in Cancún and the surrounding areas. The best time of year to surf is definitely in the winter, from about October through February. The wind will often come onshore, creating a gnarly chop. But when the wind does move from the west, it can be fun. You can also find some serious waves during hurricane season., most often around the peak in September and early October. The water temperature is lovely all year long, and you won’t need a wetsuit ever.
Where to Surf in Cancún
There is no one best place to surf in Cancún. Depending on the conditions, the whole of hotel zone can be surfed. Toward the north, you’ll find Playa Forum or Playa Gaviota Azul, which is a bit more protected and often has cleaner sets. If the wind is offshore, waves tend to be bigger and more powerful down toward Playa Delfines. Up at Playa Forum, there are several small surf schools that rent boards (mostly foamies admittedly). There can be quite challenging waves as they’re peaky and you may experience strong currents, but the morning generally offers calmer surf sessions. There are almost always lifeguards on duty at these beaches, and they tend to get crowded with tourists in the afternoon. Surfing in the morning is advisable if possible. It’s a great place for beginner waves as the ground is pure sand
Crowds - Not much, nice locals
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - E/NE
Ideal Wind - W or Low
Break Type - Beach break
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Sand bar, tons of swimmers in afternoon
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Cancún
The schools and lessons in the area are quite spread out, but there are a few good options:
Academia Mexicana de Surf - With decades of experience, definitely the best surf school in Cancún, located at Playa Delfines. Super friendly, speaks English and Spanish.
Aloha Paddle Club - Paddleboard and surf club in Playa del Carmen. Board rentals (foamies), group lessons (especially for beginners), and a chill spot with live music on the beach. They also have an active SUP community, going out several times a day in groups.
Cozumel Surfing by Nacho - Some better waves more exposed to sea, Nacho has been teaching people to surf in Cozumel for a long time and is awesome. Nacho offers both private and group surf classes.
Nohoch Surf - Surf school catering especially to kids and young adults in Puerto Aventuras. Super legit surfers though and amazing community.
Koko Dogz - Okay, not a school, but Cancún’s original and only surf shop. Family owned, great selection, and awesome people.
Kitesurfing - Okay, admittedly not surfing, but a 5 day kitesurfing class for beginners. It’s hard, but awesome.
Nearby Surf Spots
Cozumel
Located just off the coast, the east side of Cozumel gets pumping in the winter. Nacho has boards to rent, as do a few others. Can get a bit peaky.There are also a fair amount of rocks, as well as a rocky bottom at the breaks on Cozumel.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - E
Ideal Wind - W or Low
Break Type - Beach break
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Rocks, reefs, urchins
Playa del Carmen
About 65 km south of Cancún, Playa gets decent waves in the winter off the pier at Constituyentes. Shallow rock/reef, but solid breaks on good days. Can get a bit crowded if there is offshore wind. Best in morning.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - NE/SE
Ideal Wind - W or Low
Break Type - Reef break, point break
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Shallow and rocky, urchins
Puerto Aventuras
Another 25 km south of Playa, Puerto gets the best break in the area on good days. A legit left breaking off of a point over super shallow reef, often crowded in afternoons. The surf school will have a bunch of kids on the waves.
Crowds - Some during good swells
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - E/NE
Ideal Wind - W or Low
Break Type - Point/Reef
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Shallow and rocky
Xpu-Ha
Another 10km south of Puerto Aventuras, the south end of Xpu-Ha gets nice horseshoe breaks when the swell is coming from the south/southeast. A shallow reef break, so be aware!
Crowds - Never
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - E/SE
Ideal Wind - W or Low
Break Type - Reef break
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Shallow reef, 200m paddle to waves
Other Things to Do in Cancun
The Riviera Maya is obviously a huge tourist area with lots to do. Living here in the area, here’s a few things worth checking out in our opinions.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing - Although not a top surfing destination in Mexico, Cancun is a popular place to practice a number of other water sports. You can try kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet-surfing, wingfoiling and more. There are even dedicated Beginner Kitesurfing Camps! With consistent winds, the nearby beaches in Playa Holbox and El Cuyo are home to tons of windsurfers and kitesurfers. The natural beauty and sandy-bottomed shallow waters make it an ideal place. For wakeboarding, you can head a bit south to the Mayan Water Complex.
Visit Isla Mujeres - Just off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres is absolutely beautiful. Can get there via a nearby ferry, or take a guided snorkeling and catamaran tour. Playa Norte is absolutely gorgeous, with crystal-clear waters. Punta Sur is rocky with some old Maya buildings. Rent a golf cart and adventure around this small island!
Chichen Itza - One of the most famous archaelogical sites in the world, and for good reason. Just beautiful and incredible.
Visit Cenotes - Unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes are heavenly sinkholes you can snorkel and swim in. Definitely worth a visit.
Dive or Snorkel - The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world. Get in the water and dive or snorkel. Our favorite spots are in Cozumel (Palancar, El Cielo), but the entire coast has amazing opportunities to see the wildlife.
Where to Stay in Cancún
Cancún doesn’t really have options for surf camps with lodging, but there are plenty of options for places to stay near the surf. Here are a few we can reccomend.
Hostel Natura
The only surf-oriented hostel
With dorm-style accommodations and private rooms, Hostel Natura will cost from $40-75 a night. They also allow pets if you want to travel with yours, and they’re well-connected with the local surf scene and SUP school.
Good Vibes Surf
Surf school with private condos
Good Vibes is a surf school in Cancun that also owns several private condos right on the beach. Their oceanfront condos are lovely, with incredible views of the sunrise. Super centrally located, with access to bars and restaurants, the sea, and surf rentals.
Krystal Cancún
Resort right on Playa Forum with access to surf
Krystal Cancun is a resort at the north end of the hotel zone in Cancún. They have an all-inclusive resort option, and many rooms and suites. The hotel has great restaurants, pools, and tons of activities for the whole family.
Paradise Beachfront
Apartment-style hotel in hotel zone
Paradise Beachfront offers condo-style housing in Cancún. With both sea-view rooms and lagoon-view, you’ll find rooms with a full kitchen, private terraces, and multiple rooms.
Ventanas al Mar
Hotel near the surf in Cozumel
Down on the island of Cozumel, Ventanas al Mar is the closest place to Machito’s Surf School and the waves in Cozumel. The ocean view suites, sea turtle nesting, and long sandy beach right out front make this a wonderful place for the whole family to stay.
Getting to Cancun
If you’re arriving via plane to Mexico, you’ll likely arrive at Cancún International Airport. From the airport, the hotel zone of Cancún is pretty close and easy to get to.
Taxi/Uber - Ubers do not operate in Quintana Roo, so your option is a taxi. Taxis can be found right outside the airport. They will often try to upcharge you and hassle you to get the ride. It’s a bit unpleasant, but effective.
Private Transfer - You can get a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Cancún for anywhere from $20-50, depending on the type of car. If you’re bringing your own board(s), you’ll obviously want to book a bigger car like a SUV or minivan. This is the most comfortable, fastest way to get there. We live nearby, and always use MDM Transfer. Highly recommend them!
Car Rental - Finally, you can rent a car. A car isn’t entirely necessary to get the short distance to the Cancún hotel zone, but it is nice to explore the area. Many tours and activities will offer transport included from the hotel zone though, so it’s not neccessary if you don’t feel like doing some exploring on your own.
Restaurants in Cancún
Navios - Probably the best seafood in Cancún in our opinion. Definitely not the cheapest, but high quality Mexican fusion seafood. Their pescadillas are definitely the specialty, but the chile xcatic al maracuyá is unique and delicious as well.
Porfirio’s - A Mexican chain, Porfirio’s essentially makes high-end Mexican food. They have incredible steaks and meats, delicious tacos and seafood, and an upscale Mexican atmosphere. It’s fairly expensive/overpriced, but a good place nonetheless.
La Buena Barra - A nice little bar/restaurant on the lagoon in Cancún. They oftne have live DJ’s at night. It’s a good place for cocktails, a romantic dinner, or a dinner with a group of friends. There can be lots of mosquitoes as its on the lagoon, but its truly beautiful and serene.
Primo - Our favorite restaurant. Down in Playa del Carmen, Primo is an awesome take on Mexican meat and fish. They cook everything with traditional Mexican cooking methods, giving their brisket, suckling pig, and local fish a truly unique flavor. Chef Pedro, the owner/chef is also a super nice guy!
Travel Tips
Noise Levels
Like many party towns in Mexico, Cancún can get loud. Especially on weekends and during high travel seasons, music will absolutely blast from the bars and clubs. If you are a light sleeper or have children traveling with you, you might consider staying out of the center of the hotel zone a bit.
Getting Around Cancún
There’s a bus that travels along the Cancún hotel zone regularly to help you get around. Your hotel will also likely be able to call taxis for you, and finding taxis is no problem in this area!
Spending Money and ATMS
As a fairly touristy town, you will be able to spend foreign currencies like Euros and US Dollars in many parts of Cancun. We generally recommend using the local currency, as the exchange rate offered will be better from your bank than a local business. For safety reasons, we always recommend not using the ATMs sitting out on the street, usually from the company Multiva. Instead, try to find an ATM inside a bank. The north end of the hotel zone has a Banamex, and there’s a Banorte toward the south end. You also might consider getting a Wise card for the best currency exchange rates.
Doctors and Hospitals
What type of doctor you need depends on what is going on. At many pharmacies a doctor will be present to assist with illnesses, cuts, and small things. There’s a Farmacias del Ahorro right across from Playa Chacmool that we recommend. As far as doctors go, we do most of our stuff at Costamed. They will work with US insurance companies, and provide solid care.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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