Punta Mita Surf Guide
A resort-heavy area with some of my favorite breaks in Mexico
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 Punta Mita
Sitting at the north end of the Bahia de Banderas, Punta Mita is a haven for surfers. The actual town is small and quite touristy, as it caters to the resort and luxury all-inclusive crowd. However, there are some awesome breaks here. In our opinion, the best surfing in Nayarit is around Punta Mita. With the wild shape of the point, it gets nearly every swell. Whether you want double-overhead barrels at Barros or mellower longboard waves from La Lancha, it truly has something to offer every level of surfer. Coupled with the surf schools, rentals, and camps available in the area, it’s a solid destination for your next surf trip.
Punta Mita Surf Season
As already mentioned, Punta Mita receives swells year-round. There isn’t really one best time. La Lancha and Burros can get bigger, as the southern swell channels open up. Beginner spots like El Anclote will solid as well. The outer breaks of Lighthouse and Bahia will really pump in summer. In winter, you’ll get more NW swells that cause a wrap-around effect on the south side of the point. The swells are generally smaller, but you can still find plenty of chest high waves. They also are super glassy during this time, and can run for hundreds of meters. Basically, winter is better in our opinion for beginners and intermediates while summer may have more on offer for more advanced surfers.
Where to Surf in Punta Mita
On most of our surf guides we highlight one main break in this place on our website. But that’s just not how Punta Mita works. There isn’t one break; its a collection of different breaks hitting different parts of the area. You can see on the map that the point has an interesting shape; it really handles swells from almost any direction. Scroll down to our section on “Nearby Spots” to read about the different breaks on offer!
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Punta Mita
WildMex - Writing content for this site, I feel like I mention WildMex once a week. They’re one of our favorite beginner surf camps in Latin America. Their 7 day and 10 day surf camps are a solid way to get going on your surfing journey in the area. They’ve been operating for over two decades in Sayulita and Punta Mita, and are simply the best. They have certified coaches, more rentals than most surf schools, and truly offer something for everyone.
Variant Surf -Up on the northern side of Punta Mita, Variant is in Punta Barros. They have a location in Sayulita as well, but Barros is where they take their students. Their whole thing is super personalized surf classes and camps, catering to your specific needs. In addition to their surf camps, they offer surf guide services and private lessons.
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
Okay, buckle up. This page might have the most nearby surf spots of any page on our website. There truly is a wave for every skill level, and if one spot isn’t working another surely is on that day.
Sayulita
Really only a good spot for beginners or during dead seasons in our opinion. Lots of beginner waves! Check out our Sayulita Surf Guide for more info.
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
On the southern end of the point, my personal favorite in the area. It’s a great longboarding spot, or a spot to practice turns!
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
Popular due to its proximity to town, a solid right you can shortboard or longboard. Can pump, or get blown out when too big.
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
Hollow rights, takes a little jungle trek to get to. Much tamer in winter, with solid punch in summer.
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
Bahia
Super consistent break good for advanced surfers in summer or intermediates in winter. A-frames, easiest to access with a boat!
Crowds - Moderate
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 90%
Be Aware: A super far paddle and walk over rocks without a boat
Lighthouse (El Faro)
Another premiere spot like Bahia, gives some beautiful hollow rights. Definitely shortboard territory as with Bahia.
Crowds - Moderate
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Rock Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rocky Reef
Palmitas
Inconsistent for the area, but works best in the winter when the northern swells come in. Super rippable lefts and rights.
Crowds - Rarely
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - N/NW for the good swells
Ideal Wind - E/SE
Break Type - Sandbank
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Some rocks
Litibú Beach
Big long beach south of Punta Mita. Too exposed, and not great breaks, but also no crowds!
Crowds - Nope
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 Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a resort town. Most people that stay here stay at resorts, so the activities can be limited if you’re not staying at one. I recommend checking out our list of Things to Do in Sayulita for some ideas of what to do in the area.
Where to Stay in Punta Mita
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.
Grand Palladium
All-inclusive near La Lancha
The Grand Palladium Vallarta is just up from La Lancha. Enough said. It’s an all-inclusive with plenty to offer for the whole family. They offer surf lessons, yoga, gaming areas, and really all you could ask for in an all-inclusive resort.
Susurros del Corazón
Luxury resort at the surf
This is on our list of places to stay for the simple reason that it’s literally walking distance to our favorite break in the area. The hotel itself is expensive, and absolutely beautiful. It’s top tier from the accommodations to the food, and you won’t be disappointed. If you want a high-end, romantic, beautiful vacation, check this place out!
Casa San Pancho
Boutique chill hotel just south
Located outside of Punta Mita in the town of San Pancho, this boutique hotel is right on the beach. It offers a more tranquil, laid-back vibe than the resorts in Punta Mita for those looking for something more relaxing.
La Casa Cielo
Surf condo with beach access
This VRBO has private beach access right to El Anclote! It’s a solid little one bedroom with a pool and security. If you want to stay close to a break, this is your vacation rental!
Getting to Punta Mita
If you’re headed to Punta Mita from abroad, you’ll fly into PVR in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a relatively big international airport with a lot of connecting flights to CDMX and international destinations. You can check Expedia for options. Once at the airport, you have a few options to get to Punta Mita:
Public Transportation - You should be able to get an ATM bus from the airport up to Punta Mita. It’s super cheap. Last time we went (2023) it was about 40 pesos a person!
Taxi/Uber - There aren’t Ubers at the airport proper, but you can find taxis. You can also find Ubers just across the highway. To get to Punta Mita will cost somewhere around $100 each way.
Private Transfers - Many hotels and resorts in Punta Mita can organize a private transfer for you from the airport. As far as we know, nearly every hotel in the area can help with this. If not, you can get your own private transfer, which is a great option if you have boards or are traveling with a large group.
Car Rental - You can rent a car to get to Punta Mita. It’s a relatively easy and straightforward drive up the coast. Although it may not be the cheapest option, a car is nice to have the freedom to get to the surf spots you want to visit.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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