Summary
Mexico seamlessly continues from the USA, traversing through some of the most wave-abundant regions in the central Pacific. Upon crossing the state line with California, travelers will encounter Baja, a region characterized by vibrant party towns, desert landscapes adorned with cacti, and point breaks that captivate professional surfers. Further exploration leads to lush jungles edging close to the coastline; first at the well-known longboarding hotspots of Nayarit and then down into Oaxaca, a relatively undiscovered surfing region in Mexico.
Undoubtedly, Mexico—famed for its tacos, tequila, and tamales—ranks among the world’s premier surf destinations. With exceptional point breaks, tremendous XXL waves, and a diversity of peeling cruisers, this guide will unveil the eight most remarkable surf spots in Mexico.
Having embarked on a comprehensive surf journey throughout Mexico, I was fortunate to explore the celebrated beach breaks of Puerto Escondido along with the picturesque surf bays of Sayulita. I firmly believe this location ranks among the best for those looking to wax their boards and paddle out. Here are my selections for the eight best surf spots in Mexico…
1. Sayulita
Sayulita enjoys unparalleled recognition as a premier surf destination in Mexico. This vibrant, lively town, recognized as one of the country’s Pueblo Mágicos or “Magic Villages,” is celebrated for its distinctive charm and aesthetic appeal. Nestled along a crescent of golden sand, it boasts two consistent surf breaks…
The first, the Sayulita Sandbar, offers an ideal setting for novice surfers. Its gentle waves and soft sandy bottom make it a forgiving location for learning. Just up the beach lies the Sayulita Right, where the river meets the ocean, providing shorter, more challenging rides suitable for advancing surfers.
As such, Sayulita represents an optimal blend of beginner-friendly and more advanced surfing opportunities. You can start at one break and later progress to a more challenging one, with a variety of enticing waves around the Punta Mita headland, including La Lancha and the invigorating shore breaks of San Pancho.
Consequently, Sayulita has established itself as the hub for surf camps in Mexico, offering a vibrant atmosphere complete with beachfront cantinas serving margaritas, an abundance of attractive accommodations, and a lively nightlife scene for those seeking entertainment.
2. Todos Santos
The Bahia de Todos Santos, a significant indentation along the northern Baja Peninsula, hosts Ensenada, one of the original surfer retreats for Californian ex-pats. Located just an hour and a half south of the U.S. border, it has served as a favored destination for American surfers aiming to escape the crowded beaches of San Diego.
Sufficiently close to the famed cobblestone point breaks of Southern California, the region features notable surf opportunities. Highlights include the right-handers of Salsipuedes, which can resemble Lower Trestles, and San Miguel, known for its smooth take-offs, credited with being among the first surf sites in Mexico.
Adventurous surfers may also reckon with the formidable Isla Todos Santos, which rises dramatically from the ocean and can present waves peaking at over 30 feet during storms.
3. Cabo San Lucas
Renowned for its vibrant scene of relaxation and social engagement, Cabo San Lucas serves as the ultimate destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. This lively location has attracted spring breakers, party-goers, and celebrities for many years.
However, when the summer swells from the south begin to roll in around May, Cabo becomes a haven for surfers. The coastline extending east from the town toward the Sea of Cortez presents ideal surfing conditions.
As waves collide with currents from the roaring forties and winds shift, the result is visually striking: long, peeling right walls at Costa Azul, popular among longboarders, alongside lively waves at Bahia Chileno and gentle whitewash at Cerritos Beach for beginners.
The region generally favors regular-footed surfers with its abundance of right-hand point breaks. Accommodations along the Hotel Corridor, situated on the eastern side of town, provide convenient access to the waves.
4. Puerto Escondido
No enumeration of Mexico’s foremost surf locations would be complete without mention of Puerto Escondido. Known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” Zicatela offers some of the most formidable beach tubes worldwide. During significant summer swells, it produces towering 40-foot waves, challenging even the most skilled surfers with their steep drops.
Nonetheless, many spectators prefer to remain on the beach, enjoying cold beer and lime as they observe the professionals in action. Fortunately, Puerto Escondido accommodates surfers of all skill levels with spots like La Punta, which offers gentle right shoulders for intermediates, and Carrizalillo, a sheltered bay ideal for novice surfers during the low season.
Puerto Escondido also serves as a gateway to the entirety of the Oaxaca coast, which features some of the least explored surf territories in the region. Reports suggest that fantastic right points operate in conformity during May, June, and July.
5. San Pancho
For a culturally rich experience, San Pancho stands out as an exemplary choice. This tranquil surf town represents an authentic Mexican environment, complete with cowboys ambling down the streets and mariachi bands performing in local taquerias. Cobblestone streets weave throughout, surrounded by inviting cafes and a relaxed vibe.
The primary surf area is found along Playa San Pancho, which, while not boasting the region’s most diverse peaks, offers consistent conditions. Surfers can anticipate short left and right rides off engaging reef breaks, which operate best at certain sections of the beach, particularly at the southern end.
Additionally, San Pancho provides a more laid-back alternative to Sayulita, located in the very same remarkable surf region: the Riviera Nayarit. Surf schools situated along Tercer Mundo Avenue offer trips to La Lancha and Punta Mita, complete with board rentals and lessons, ideal for days when conditions at San Pancho are less than optimal.
6. Mazatlan
Mazatlán serves as the premier beach resort in the state of Sinaloa. Long known for its tourist-friendly environment, both the Malecón and the revitalized old town are regarded as safe for visitors.
Spanning a remarkable 21 kilometers of shoreline, Mazatlán features stretches of golden beaches and varied rocky bays, each offering unique surf breaks. Significant spots include Rucos, which accommodates diverse skill levels, and Playa Bruja, where exciting left-right frames ensure lively shortboarding experiences.
The recently renovated Centro area of Mazatlán, which has undergone a decade of meticulous restoration, offers a charming ambiance reminiscent of Havana. This vibrant locale, often referred to as “tropical Neoclassicism,” features colorful edifices lining tree-filled alleys, ornate balconies above, and enchanting plazas beneath jacaranda trees.
7. Troncones
For those inclined to explore less frequented beaches and surf uncharted waves, Troncones could be the ideal destination. Located in Guerrero, it emerges amidst lush jungles positioned about 30 minutes north of Zihuatanejo and boasts ample surfing opportunities accommodating various skill levels.
The primary beach, known for its consistent peaks, provides all-level surfing, although it can become formidable during solid summer swells. To the north lies La Salidita, a burgeoning location heralded for its river mouth wave, which results from the confluence of a creek and the ocean, creating fun, manageable longboard conditions year-round.
8. Punta Mita
Punta Mita has established itself as a luxury vacation hub within the Riviera Nayarit, named after both the headland and the township located along the Bahia de Banderas, north of Puerto Vallarta. The area is filled with upscale accommodations offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
This region boasts two coastlines: the western side, which receives substantial winter swells similar to Sayulita and San Pancho, offering a variety of beach breaks depending on conditions. The southern side of Punta Mita, however, features prized spots with well-protected beaches and points that thrive on summer SW swells. Noteworthy locations include La Lancha, regarded as one of the finest A-frame beaches in the country, and Stinky’s, which provides exhilarating, elongated rides near the main harbor.
