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
Introduction to Puerto Escondido
Located on the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita is an awesome surf town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Just an hour from the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is home to a rich surf scene. Enjoy the consistent beginner waves during every season, find local Huichol art, and eat some of the delicious and healthy food. Sayulita has one of the best selections of surf camps in Mexico, and you can also find a ton of places to do yoga and practice meditation in between surfing and eating tacos!
Puerto Escondido Surf Season
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, Classes, and Lessons 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!
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
La Punta
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.
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
Playa Carizalillo
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
This isn’t a bodyboarding website, 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.
Crowds - Not Very
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach Break
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Super fast wave
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!
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
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!
Selina Puerto Escondido
Hostel stays that are fun and lively
Selina is a chain of small hostels around Latin America. The one in Puerto Escondido is one of their highest-rated, with tons of activities, opportunities to meet people, and delicious food.
Casa Ita Surf
Adults-only hotel great for couples
Casa Ita is just a couple minute walk to Zicatela. It’s an adults-only hotel that is beautiful and calm, and we think it’s the place to be for couples who want to surf!
Hotel Surf Olas Altas
Surf hotel right at Zicatela
With a big outdoor pool and some ocean view rooms, Olas Altas is right across from Zicatela Beach. If you want to stay as close as you can to the surf, this is your spot for sure!
Hotel Escondido
Secluded hotel for relaxation
Located up on a secluded beach, the bungalows here are awesome. They have their own little plunge pools, and the vibe is definitely relaxing. If you want some peace and calm out of the water, Hotel Escondido is a great place to stay.
Villas Carizalillo
Villas and suites perfect for families
Villas Carizalillo has 1-3 bedroom suites that are great for people traveling in groups or with families. There are kitchens, pools, a common lounge area with games, and beach toys.
Cabaña Ceiba
Artesan cabaña walking distance to beach
The owner of this place, Venancio, literally designed and build these cabañas himself. The rustic cabins are perfect for couples in my opinion. There’s a beautiful garden and pool, wifi, and a surf school.
Getting to Puerto Escondido
If you’re arriving via plane to Mexico, you’ll likely land at the international airport in Oaxaca City. Puerto Escondido does have an airport, but it only connects with domestic flights. If you can swing it, flying in is certainly the easiest way to get there. You can check Expedia for options. Otherwise, you have a few options.
Public Transportation - The ADO goes direct from the main bus terminal in the city to Puerto Escondido. It can take around 5 hours, so plan accordingly.
Private Transfer - You can get a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Puerto Escondido for around $200 each way, 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.
Car Rental - Finally, you can rent a car. As covered below, you don’t necessarily need a car once in town as you can walk or ride a bike to everything. However, if you want the freedom and to explore the surrounding areas, there are multiple car companies. The new highway is much better, and the drive takes about three hours.
Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
El Cafecito - A staple in Zicatela, El Cafecito serves up local Oaxacan coffee as well as some delicious hearty Mexican breakfasts. Super fun atmosphere, and a great way to start the day!
Cocofam - Our favorite vegetarian place in town. They have smoothie and acai bowls, delicious vegan tacos, and fresh juices. They use organic local ingredients, and everything has a super fresh feel.
Sommo - If you’re looking for something more romantic, Sommo is a great place to check out. It’s described as neo-Japanese food. They have delicious dumplings, sushi, drinks, and a nice atmosphere for couples.
Antojitos Las Juquileñas - You have to get some Oaxacan food while here. It’s the best food in Mexico in our opinion. Try their tlayudas! They’re big, and they’re delicious. I want one now just thinking about it.
Travel Tips
Noise Levels
Especially in recent years, Puerto Escondido has grown as a bit of a party town. If you want to be a part of the party, stay in town. If you want to sleep peacefully, stay out of town.
Getting Around Puerto Escondido
We went to Puerto without a car and had no problem. Even getting rides to the other surf spots was easy. In general, you can walk everywhere you need, and taxis are no problem to find.
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 Puerto Escondido. A lot of places these days take cards as well. If you do need an ATM, use a bank ATM. There are BBVA banks, Scotiabanks, Santanders, and more you can find in town.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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