Salina Cruz Surf Guide
Located in the southern state of Oaxaca, Salina Cruz is a growing surf spot offering long and beautiful waves.
Quick Facts
Relatively new town to international surf travel
Tons of schools and classes for beginners
Less crowded than Puerto Escondido
Solid consistency in summer months
Introduction to Salina Cruz
With Puerto Escondido blowing up in the last decade, some surfers have turned toward the town of Salina Cruz as an alternate destination. Salina Cruz is a relatively new spot on the scene, and we HIGHLY recommend getting a surf guide to get you to spots. There is some localism, as well as difficult-to-reach beaches on unmarked roads. However, the payoff is huge. It’s a bit of an industrial port town, but if you’re coming for the surf it will deliver. There is amazing wave selection with point breaks, beach breaks, jetty breaks, and everything you could ask for. The waves will also be much less crowded than some of the more popular surf spots in Mexico.
Salina Cruz Surf Season
There’s so much incorrect information on the internet about the surf season in Salina Cruz. Talking to locals in the area, the best time really to surf is in the summer, from June to August. Aprile to October offers a bigger window, but the most consistent swells can be found in mid summer. This is when the south swells come in, along with more travelers. In winter you will find warmer water, fewer crowds, but less consistent waves. However, there is often still plenty to surf. If one spot isn’t breaking, you can try to head to another nearby spot. If you want the consistent waves every day, head to Salina Cruz in summer though!
Where to Surf in Salina Cruz
The coast here in Oaxaca is full of breaks up and down the beach. It’s one of the most consistent wave zones you’ll find, picking up the strong southern swells from deep in the Pacific. The town of Salina Cruz has a few point breaks right there as well as a couple jetty and beach breaks. To surf here, you’ll most likely need a guide as the surf spots are spread out.
Crowds - Not very
Surfer Level - Beginners, Intermediates
Ideal Swell - S/SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Points, beach, jetty
Consistency - 90%
Be Aware: Be respectful of locals
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Salina Cruz
Salina Cruz has more and more surf camps and classes popping up. For now, there’s one we can wholeheartedly recommend. When we get there to check out the other camps, we will update our list.
MexicoWaves - Located outside Salina Cruz, 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!
Nearby Surf Spots
Punta Conejo
Punta Conejo is a right best left to intermediates and advanced surfers.
Crowds - Fairly quiet
Surfer Level - Intermediate, Adv.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 60% (more in summer)
Be Aware: Some rocks on the bottom, be respectful of locals!
Chivo
Another right hand point break, similar to Punta Conejo.
Crowds - Fairly quiet
Surfer Level - Intermediate, Adv.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 60% (more in summer)
Be Aware: Some rocks on the bottom, be respectful of locals!
Other Things to Do in Salina Cruz
Salina Cruz is mainly a surf area as far as tourism goes. It’s still relatively new to the international tourism scene, which makes it an ideal place to really chill out and relax between surf sessions. If you’re looking for a place to lay low and relax in nature between surf sessions, this is probably the place for you.
Visit Nearby Beaches - The coast here is full of beautiful and quiet beaches. When you’re not surfing, head to Playa Abierta, Playa Las Escolleras, Playa La Ventosa to watch the kitesurfers, or over to Playa Brasil.
Kitesurf - They call Playa Ventosa one of the windiest places in the world. There’s nearly constantly strong winds here, perfect for kitesurfing. You can find some kitesurfing schools and lessons to head out and give it a try. It’s hard, but a ton of fun!
Where to Stay in Salina Cruz
Salina Cruz is not a big resort or tourist area. Accommodations will be more low-key in general, or in newer three star hotels. Here are a few options. We also recommend checking places like AirBNB for more options.
MexicoWaves
Small surf camp just west of Salina Cruz, mentioned in our section here on surf camps
This is the place to be if surf is your focus. MexicoWaves offers some super quiet waves with solid local guides. You’ll get personalized treatment, a real local experience, and get to experience this part of Oaxaca in all of its natural and culinary glory.
Casa Majeva
Surf and recreation hotel
A small Mexican-style hotel right near Punta Chivo and Punta Conejo, a great place to stay if you want to surf in Salina Cruz. Family-friendly, ocean-view pool, hammocks, rooms with air conditioning, and a solid restaurant. They also offer yoga classes and surf guides right on site.
Bungalows Punta Conejo
Beautiful little bungalows with ocean views
Also located between Punta Conejo and Punta Chiva, these bungalows offer big spacious rooms, air conditioning, ocean views, straps for your surfboards, and a cute little garden to relax in. They’re just a couple minutes to the beach, and provide three meals a day.
Getting to Salina Cruz
There are several ways to get to Salina Cruz. You can fly into Oaxaca International Airport if you plan on seeing the city or doing something else, and then head southeast for an almost 4 hour drive. You can also connect through CDMX to Bahias de Huatulco International Airport, which is about two hours away.
Public Transportation - From the airport in Puerto Escondido or Huatulco, you can get a bus that goes right through Salina Cruz. Ask the bus terminal at the airport. They also can take your surfboard easily!
Private Transfer - You can get a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Salina Cruz, although options are limited
Car Rental - Finally, you can rent a car to get to Salina Cruz. If you want the freedom and to explore the surrounding areas, there are multiple car companies. The road is all highway and relatively safe.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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