Puerto Escondido Surfing

One of the best surf spots in Mexico, Puerto Escondido is home to some absolute bombs, a great beginner’s wave, and a town with an awesome chill vibe.

Quick Facts

Playa Zicatela has of the best beach breaks in Mexico

Can be dangerous for beginners sometimes

Becoming a bit of a “spot” (no judgement)

Mostly a summer spot for the heavier waves

Surf Season in Puerto Escondido

Surf season in Puerto Escondido depends on your skill level. For advanced surfers, it’s the summer months (May-October), while beginners and intermediates will find better waves from November-April. During the summer months, the town is popping with amazing surfers and tons of action. In the winter, the town is a bit more quiet, but still plenty active. The waves in the winter are much mellower, but still can produce both rights and lefts off the point (more in the surf spots section below).

 

Where to Surf in Puerto Escondido

The main surfing spot in Puerto Escondido is Playa Zicatela. Note that this is a break we would say should be approached with extreme caution and only by advanced and confident surfers. With sets coming in over 10 feet regularly in the summer, these beautiful bombs can give you the ride of your life. They don’t peak very cleanly and you may have to be patient or paddle around to catch the barreling lefts. Again, a fucking intense wave, but an absolute beauty. Even if you’re not advanced, go check out some of the people shredding.

  • Crowds - Super crowded

  • Surfer Level - Advanced only

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Beach break

  • Consistency - 90%

  • Be Aware: Sand bar, SUPER strong waves

Surf Camps and Classes in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has been a surf town for decades. You won’t have a problem finding schools, classes, or accommodations here.

  • Barbarenas - Located right at Punta Zicatela, Barbarenas offers more of a health and wellness retreat with yoga, tons of surfing with the local pro, and spas.

  • Selina - If you’re not familiar, Selina is a hotel/hostel and coworking space all over Mexico. A great place to meet other travelers, surfers, and nomads.

  • Schools - There are so many schools in Puerto Escondido. Talk to a few different ones if you just show up. See who you vibe with!

Playa Carizalillo

  • Crowds - Super Crowded

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Left point

  • Consistency - 80%

  • Be Aware: Rocks, rips, and a lot of people

La Punta is just the south point of Zicatela. It still packs force, but not near as much as the main break. Some strong rip currents can be found here, but it’s a fantastic wave for intermediate surfers with the right conditions.

Nearby Surf Spots

La Punta

Playa Carizalillo is really the learning spot in Puerto Escondido. In a nice bay west of Zicatela, it’s just a gorgeous beach. Can get up to chest high, tons of schools and surf rentals. A good place to mess around, learn, or just chill at.

  • Crowds - Fairly Crowded

  • Surfer Level - Beginner+

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Left reef

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Beginners, reef

La Barra

Located in La Barra, southeast of Zicatela, this is a fairly heavy beach break. With offshore winds, it can barrel suprisingly well. A more popular spot during the dry season. See the “Be Aware” section below for why!

  • Crowds - Somewhat

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Beach Break

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Sand bar, crocodiles in rainy season!

Punta Colorada

  • Crowds - Not Very

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Beach Break

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Super fast wave

This isn’t a bodyboarding site, but they’re kinda like our cousins. Punta Colorada is the bodyboarding break nearby, often regarded as too fast of a wave for surfers. Fun to check out, and you may find some people trying to surf.

Other Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

You’re going to surf. If you’re like us, you’ll use all your free time to surf and return home feeling like you need a vacation. But if you want to try something different, there’s a ton to do in the area:

  • Dolphin Watching Tour - Honestly, you might see dolphins if you’re up early enough surfing. But you can also take a tour to give you the best chance at an amazing encounter with them.

  • Horseback Riding - I’m admittedly not a big fan of horseback riding, but if you are, there are great tours through the surrounding areas that people love!

  • Snorkeling Tour - It’s not the Caribbean, but there’s some amazing snorkeling here, especially if you like sea turtles!

  • Mezcal and Coffee Tasting - For a more chill, adult day. Taste some local coffee and mezcal. Also sure to make some friends doing this!

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