Mazatlán Surf Guide
Mazatlán was a popular tourist spot in years past, and this old city is home to some solid waves, especially for beginners.
Quick Facts
Reliable swells year-round
Great beginner spot with tons of whitewater
Fun town with historic old town
Can be crowded during peak travel times
Introduction to Mazatlán
Mazatlán is the home of surfing in Sinaloa. In recent years, it has gone through waves of increased crime. The gangs here have made it a no-go for many travelers, but it actually has been safer in recent years. I’ll be honest. We live in Mexico, and have gone to Mazatlán ourselves, and have never had a problem at all. The coast here has beaches facing south, west, and north, collecting swells from all angles. It’s really surfable year round, although the summer is definitely the best. In addition, El Centro is an adorable part of the town with a rich history. There’s also plenty of things to do outside surfing for the family.
Mazatlán Surf Season
For more intermediate and advanced surfers, summer is definitely the time to surf in Mazatlán. The S and SW swells come in with long periods. You’ll find overhead waves regularly, and nice smooth conditions. In the winter, you’ll find waves at the beaches (like Rucos) that get the northern or NW swells. Waves will generally be smaller, but it’s a great spot for beginners during the winter months. Really, you can’t go wrong. You’re likely to find surfable waves any month of the year here.
Where to Surf in Mazatlán
There are a bunch of different surf breaks in Mazatlán, but here we’ll focus on Playa Olas Altas, located right along the old town. It’s not necessarily the best surfing in the area, but it is the closest and has beautiful views of the old town. You’ll find some adequate lefts breaking off the headlands. It’s not protected, so bigger days will make it an absolute mess.
Crowds - During Winter
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Left point
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners on inside
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Mazatlán
PatúLeft - Located up north of Mazatlán near Rosendo Nieblas, PatúLeft is a surf camp right on the beach. They offer lessons and classes, as well as other activities like hinking, fishing, bird watching, and more. The wave is absolutely solid, a zippy left-hander that pumps in summer.
Jah Surf School - Jah Surf School is right in Mazatlán. They offer lessons and classes for individuals or groups. They also organize surf guides or surf trips out to the other spots for more advanced surfers!
Mazatlán Surf School - One of the most popular schools in Mazatlán, Mazatlán Surf School has been doing it a while. They offer group and individual classes, and work with kids starting at age 5!
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
Rucos
Just to the north of the city, Rucos gets some solid waves in the summer. You need a 4WD car to get there. There are beach breaks and a reef break.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Any
Ideal Swell - SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach, reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Some reef out back
Playa Bruja
The best wave in town in summer, but inconsistent in the winter. A nice A-frame that gives lovely lefts.
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - A-frame beach
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Local spot
La Escopama
Good beginner spot, protected from the SW swells. Can be quite mushy, but quieter than the beaches in town.
Crowds - Not much
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - SW/NW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach Break
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Mushy
El Camarón
Needs bigger swells to really work, only in summer. Close to the resort area, can get crowded with tourists during higher seasons.
Crowds - Some
Ideal Swell - SW
Ideal Wind - N
Break Type - Beach Break
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Crowded
Other Things to Do in Mazatlán
Stroll the Malecón - Mazatlán’s boardwalk is over 13 miles long, and is a great free thing to do. You can walk or bike it. It’s a lovely walk along the Pacific Coast full of murals, vendors, and a lively scene for people watching.
Visit El Centro Histórico - An absolute must while in Mazatlán. With parts that are over 400 years old, the old town has cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a popping plaza in the middle. If you’re looking for a stroll to explore, go check it out!
Hike to the Lighthouse - If you like hiking, this is the place to go. One of the highest natural lighthouses in the world, the hike will give you incredible views of the city and the Pacific. I recommend sunrise or sunset for the best view!
Browse the Market - For a look at local life, check out the Pino Suárez Market. There’s some bomb local food, tons of artesans, and you’ll get a glimpse into a traditional Mexican market.
Visit the Aquarium - The Gran Acuario Mazatlán is the largest aquarium in Latin America! It also is the home of studying the nearby Sea of Cortez. It costs around $15, and they have plenty of fish and sea creatures. Our kids absolutely loved this place. They still talk about it.
Go Fishing - Mazatlán simply has some of the best deep sea fishing in Mexico. There are plenty of fish to be found, and you’re nearly certain to come back with an impressive catch.
Where to Stay in Mazatlán
If you don’t want to stay at one of the many surf camps in Sayulita, don’t worry! We have you covered. There’s no shortage of accommodations in Sayulita. Be aware that staying near the center of town means you might hear the loud music playing until the early hours of the morning!
Villa Serena Centro Histórico
Beautiful villas in central location
Villa Serena has multiple locations, but their Centro Histórico one is a great option. It’s right in the old town, and they have jacuzzis and pools, a beautiful terrace and courtyard, and you can walk around old town!
Pueblo Bonito
Beachfront all-inclusive
Pueblo Bonito is a solid all-inclusive right ont he beach in the Golden Zone. They recently modernized the rooms, have rooms with kitchenettes, and is a perfect place to stay with families.
Ocean Residence
Private VRBO house right at the beach
This house is right on the beach, near shopping and restaurants, and steps from surf. It’s a three story house in a gated community with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, great for families or groups!
Getting to Mazatlán
Mazatlán is super easy to get to! You’ll fly into Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), and from there can take a taxi or shuttle right to your accommodations.
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