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.
MexicoWaves - Located a bit outside Puerto Escondido, MexicoWaves is run by Joaca, a local to the area. He has spent 15+ years as a guide, and is passionate about both surfing and protecting the local culture. MexicoWaves offers private classes, surf guides, and surf camps. Their prices are super reasonable (~$900 for 6 days), they include all housing, driving, and delicious meals made by the couple, and you’re simply going to get top-notch personalized surf instruction. The waves Joaco will take you to will be much quieter than Puerto Escondido or even Salina Cruz, and the surf camp maxes out at 6 or 7 people. If you’re looking to score some awesome waves, get a local and personalized experience, and work with a small local business, MexicoWaves should be atop your list. They especially love working with couples!
Oasis Surf and Language School - Tons of offerings, decades of experience in town. Simply one of the best beginner-friendly surf camps. They have an 8 Day Budget Camp, and surf camps for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 4 weeks.
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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