Puerto Vallarta Surf Guide
A fun party town with access to the Riviera Nayarit and tons of fun breaks to the north
Quick Facts
Relatively accessible surf spot from the capital
Lots of options for different surf levels
Can get quite peaky and messy
Surfable almost 365 days a year
Introduction to Puerto Vallarta
Not necessarily a surf spot in itself, Puerto Vallarta offers access to the entire Bahia de Banderas. From Sayulita up through San Pancho and into Punta Mita, you’ll find plenty of breaks just north of Vallarta. There are a couple places to surf in town, but the best surf is out of town a bit. Although you may need to travel an hour to get to the good breaks, rides are relatively reasonable. The town itself is popping with nightlife, delicious food, traditional Mexican culture, and plenty of things to do for the whole family.
Puerto Vallarta Surf Season
Like the rest of the Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta has surf year round. This is partially due to the sheer number of different surf spots available while staying in Vallarta. Winter will generally have more crowds, especially at beginner breaks like Sayulita. For the bigger waves and less crowded lineups, summer is the time to be there. Punta Mita's best spots get pumping during this time. The southern swells come from deep out in the Pacific and offer some solid waves up in the Banderas Bay in Punta Mita.
Where to Surf in Puerto Vallarta
As mentioned, the best surfing is actually outside Puerto Vallarta. However, there is Playa Varadero located at the north end in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s a relatively small wave that is great for beginners especially. You’ll see lots of surf schools in the water here.
Crowds - Especially in winter
Surfer Level - Beginners/Intermediates
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Lots of newbies
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Puerto Vallarta
WildMex - Simply the best surf school and surf camps in the area. They’re located up north in Sayulita and La Lancha near Punta Mita. They’re one of our favorite beginner surf camps in Latin America. They have been around for decades, offer classes, rentals, surf camps, and guides all over the area, and have experienced and certified teachers. Their 7 day and 10 day surf camps are a solid way to get going on your surfing journey in the area.
Xinalani Retreat - Located right in Puerto Vallarta on the beach, Xinalani Retreat offers yoga and surf camps at their boutique hotel. They have gorgous cabins overlooking the sea, space for meditation and yoga, healthy meals, and can organize as many eco tours as your heart desires!
Variant Surf - Another one up north, Variant is in Punta Barros. They are located in Sayulita, but surf in Punta Burros. They’ve been around for over 10 years and really excel at offering personalized lessons and classes. In addition to their surf camps, they offer surf guide services and private lessons.
Sayulita Cruz - This is more of a personalized, wellness-based surf camp. If you want to really design your own surf camp and tell them what works for you, contact them. Their guides will help set everything up, take you out for activities and meals, and really work with what you envision for your surf trip.
Puerto Vallarta Surfing - If you’re just looking for lessons or rentals in the area, hit up Puerto Vallarta Surfing. Run by Pepe, the surf school can work with everyone from beginners looking to catch their first whitewater wave to more advanced surfers who want to go check the bigger waves in the area.
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
As mentioned, the best surf is really out of town, especially up north. Many of these places are 30-60 minutes away, but worth the day trip if you’re looking to catch some solid, consistent waves.
Sayulita
Beginner-filled bay with tons of surf schools and classes. A real surf town with waves nearly year-round. Gets super busy in the winter with new surfers.
Crowds - Crazy crowded
Surfer Level - Beginners
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Sandbar beach break
Consistency - 90%
Be Aware: Sand bar, crazy busy
La Lancha
At the south end of Punta Mita, La Lancha is my favorite spot in the area. Generally a nice intermediate spot with long and mushy waves full of loggers.
Crowds - Fairly Crowded
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Left reef
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Beginners, reef
Stinky’s
A popular shortboard break, with lots of beginners on the inside. Gives a fairly long ride for the area. Also up near Punta Mita!
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - S for the good swells
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Reef and Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rocks and reef
Punta Burros
Super consistent waves and less busy than Sayulita. Can get hollow in the summer, and wedges nicely in the winter.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - S in summer, NW in winter
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach Break
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Can have rips
Other Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has plenty to offer as a tourist hotspot. You can of course party at night, hang by the pool, and surf. But when you’re looking for something else to do, we have some ideas:
Walk the Malecon Boardwalk - This isn’t our favorite thing to do, but should probably be done at least once by anyone visiting the area. The long boardwalk known as El Malecon is about a mile long. There’s tons of street food in the afternoons here, and offers some solid people-watching.
Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens - El Jardin Botanico Vallarta is a little bit out of town, but worth the visit for a chill activity. They have tons of trails through the rainforest where you’ll find rivers, waterfalls, cactus gardens, and much more. There’s a restaurant there as well.
Play at Playa de los Muertos - A super touristy beach, Playa de Los Muertos is where you’ll find all the action. You can parasail, rent jet skis, and do all the other fun tourist activities here.
Walk Through Viejo Vallarta - Sometimes referred to as the romantic zone, Viejo Vallarta is the old town. It’s very green with cobblestone streets, plenty of street art, and a mellowew vibe. It’s super touristy despite its looks, but you can find some solid street food as you wander farther from the beach.
Explore Isla Cuale - Another thing we think everyone visiting Vallarta should do at least once. There’s a little island that was formed years ago by the river, and today it’s home to a cute little market and art scene. Check out the River Cafe if you’re looking for some food or a coffee!
Hike - The hike up to Mirador de la Cruz isn’t very long, but it is super steep. There are literally stairs. But the view is well worth it. It’s often full of runners headed to the top.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
If you don’t want to stay at one of the many surf camps in Jacó, don’t worry! We have you covered. There are seriously a ton of hotels in town. The town can get rather rowdy with parties at night. This may be what you’re looking for, or not, so keep that in mind.
Casa Bay Villas
Beautiful oceanfront villas in Vallarta
Casa Bay Villas isn’t one place, but a collection of villas they manage. They have beautiful places on the sea, and offer villas for nearly every need. There are romantic villas, family villas, and group villas.
Susurros del Corazón
Luxury resort at the surf
Located up in Punta Mita, we included Susurros del Corazón partially for its location. It’s literally at La Lancha. This high end resort will give you the best access to my favorite wave in the area, as well as a luxurious and outdoor style that will have you relaxed and at ease during your vacation.
Velas Vallarta
All-inclusive resort in Vallarta
If you’re looking for the general all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Velas is a great bet. We stayed there with the kids and it was perfect. It’s not the most expensive, there’s plenty to do, and you can get up to the surf spots in Punta Mita fairly easily.
Punta Mita Surf Lodge
Surf lodge up near the waves
As the name gives away, this is a surf lodge up in Punta Mita. They have several diffierent units in suite or apartment style living. It’s beautiful and clean, and you’re right next to El Anclote Beach where you can find plenty of beginner waves.
Plazamar
Private condo on the sea
Plazamar is a collection of 30 condos in old town Puerto Vallarta. It’s a few steps from the beach, right near the galleries and restaurants, and there’s a farmer’s market literally across the street!
Getting to Puerto Vallarta
Getting to Puerto Vallarta is pretty easy! There’s a major international airport with plenty of flights around the world. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or rent a car into town and you’re golden! If you’re staying in town, it’s extremely walkable. Actually, we think it’s best experienced walking. However, to get to the surf you’re going to either need to get a taxi or rent a car.
Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
Street Tacos - Living in Mexico, street tacos are basically a staple for us. Vallarta has some pretty solid street taco options. There are probably a hundred places we’ve never tried, but there are some great options int he Zona Romantica or Vallarta Viejo!
Tuna Azul - Great place for fresh tuna caught locally. They have ahi and poke bowls, as well as shrimp and octopus cocktails. We recommend the ceviche de mango!
Planeta Vegetariano - A super popular vegan buffet style restaurant in town. They have a salad bar, fresh soups, and a rotating menu. It’s relatively reasonable and a fun place to meet other travelers.
Puerto Café - Our favorite coffee shop in town. They have delicious coffee, shill vibes, and plenty of other local things on sale.
Tacos Revolución - Finally, a taco spot! They have some delicious tacos at their location in Zona Romantica, including vegetarian options!
Travel Tips
Noise Levels
Puerto Vallarta is a party town, simply put. If you stay in the middle of town, you will hear music going until the wee hours of the morning (the madrugada as it’s known in Spanish). If you want something a little quieter, stay outside the center of town.
Getting Around Puerto Vallarta
Although it’s not the smallest city, Vallarta is super walkable. We love walking around town and catching a taxi when we need. You don’t need a car at all. However, a car is useful to have the freedom to get to the surf spots that are 40+ minutes away.
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 town. 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. When we use ATMs, we look for an actual bank ATM. You also might consider getting a Wise card for the best currency exchange rates.
Doctors and Hospitals
Puerto Vallarta is home to one of the biggest medical tourism industries in Mexico. You’ll find top quality care in town. There’s a Hospiten, which may be the most expensive but will also take US insurance. It’s not great for emergencies due to their pricing in the ER, but they do offer solid care (our kids were born in a Hospiten hospital!). For smaller things, remember that pharmacies like YZA and Farmacias del Ahorro will have doctors on staff to help you!
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