A whopping 7,300+ kilometres of coastline strings along the Pacific Ocean, so there’s plenty of breaks for pretty much everyone who comes surfing Mexico! We now rank this among the top surf destinations on the planet, especially for intermediate surfers willing to travel to lesser-known spots on the hunt for tropical points that are 100% deserted.
An introduction to surfing in Mexico
Mexico caps off the bottom of North America with a whopping 4,500 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Taking over from where the legendary breaks of San Diego and SoCal leave off, it’s hardly a surprise that it has oodles of waves.
They begin in earnest right over the US border in the Baja. That’s long been a spring breaker’s party hub, but also offers up big wave swells in winter and mellow beaches in the summer months. That’s only the beginning of things, because region after region follows, each with their own enticing barrels and peaks. Some – Oaxaca and Salina Cruz – are a perennial favourite of pros on the tour. Others – Sayulita and Nayarit – beckon beginners with cruisy longboard waves.
But any veteran of this country’s coast will tell you that Mexico surfing isn’t just about the waves themselves. Boasting gleaming beaches fringed by stooping palms, cool surf towns like San Pancho and Sayulita, taco stands, mezcal, tequila, margaritas and mariachi, it’s one darn fine place to unwind and embrace the Latin spirit.
If we had to pick downsides to surfing in Mexico, we’d say there’s always a question mark over safety here. This is the country that gave the world Narcos, remember, and some stretches of the Pacific Coast (like Sinaloa, for example) have been known to have some serious cartel trouble. Regarding the waves themselves, there’s a little lacking in variety. You don’t get Bali’s mix of beaches and reefs. It’s mainly heavy sand-bottomed breaks and some points. But, hey, that’s being uber picky!
Surfing Mexico at a glance
Season: Summer for intermediate+, winter for beginners // Break type: Beach breaks, point, reef // Water temperature: Cool (in Baja) to tropical // Level: All levels
The good:
The bad:
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is a part of our larger guide to surfing North America
What will I find in this guide to surfing Mexico?
Where’s the best surfing in Mexico?
Mark these spots on your Mexico surf map, folks! They are the chart toppers and the show stoppers, the places with the finest waves in the land of tacos and sombreros. We’ve also thrown in a few guides to lesser-known spots, where you might find a little more surfing in Mexico for beginners or surf towns that really tickle the wanderlust. Enjoy…
Ensenada
Surf trips in Baja Norte are nothing new. SoCal pilgrims have been flocking this way for decades to hunt the point breaks south of the border and it’s now more popular than ever. But the quality is undeniable. Right-handers of sheer quality run the 100 miles from Rosarito to Ensenada, at San Miguel and others. Check out our full guide.
Here’s our complete guide to surfing in Ensenada
Cabo San Lucas
The southern part of the Baja California has long been a favorite travel spot. That’s largely down to the resort of Cabo San Lucas, a party mecca with shimmering beaches and warm seas. The area also counts some cracking surf, from El Tule on the Sea of Cortez to Todos Santos and the beach breaks of the Baja’s Pacific coast. There’s something for all levels and summer is best with those southerly swells.
Read our full guide to Cabo San Lucas surfing
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is the hub of the surfing in Sinaloa. It’s blessed with a great location on the Mexican Pacific coast that means surf breaks sit on the south and the north sides of town. We think that holding off until the bigger summer sets is wise, since they will bend through into the north-facing bays in the Centro area of downtown to offer peeling lefts that are great fun. Also, be sure to stay in the charming old town area!
We’ve got a complete guide to surfing in Mazatlan
San Pancho
We’ve got a serious soft spot for San Pancho. We won’t say it’s all down to the surf. It’s not. The waves here aren’t anything crazy to write home about. I mean, they are consistent and challenging, but suffer from blowouts and steep take-offs that can dump you onto the reef. The main thing is that San Pancho sits near some great breaks, like La Lancha and Sayulita. Spend your days riding those and then return to the charming beach town for margaritas and mariachi on the streets – it’s a seriously lovely place to be!
Read our full guide to San Pancho surf
Sayulita
Sayulita is a vibrant surf town that’s smack dab in the heart of the so-called Riviera Nayarit. Anyone searching for surfing in Mexico for beginners should have it on the radar. That’s for the duo of breaks that roll into the main playa. One’s a mellow little ride that’s just about tailor-made for starting out on a foamy. The other is more challenging, so you can progress as your trip goes on. Oh, and you’ll discover plenty extra breaks and points in the region, from sleek Punta Mita to intermediate-fav La Lancha and beyond.
Read our full guide to Sayulita surf
Punta Mita
The geography of the Punta Mita headland makes it a corker of a surf spot. Between Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta, it offers both south- and west-facing spots. Some are mellow cruisers, like Stinky’s on the main harbour. Others are wedgy lefts and rights, like La Lancha and Burros. You’ve also got reliable reefs on the side of it all, facing big luxury hotel resorts.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a sprawling city in the middle of the beautiful Bahía de Banderas. To the south are gorgeous paradise beaches peppered with palm trees. To the north, you’ll enter the Riviera Nayarit, which is where some of the very best breaks on the Mexican Pacific crash into the shore. We’re talking the likes of Punta Mita, Punta Burros, La Lancha, Sayulita – the list goes on. Basically, the city offers the night-time vibes, and there are plenty of fun places to get surfing during the day.
Read our full guide to Puerto Vallarta surf
Troncones
Troncones has a main beach that’s littered with some of the emptiest intermediate wedges we’ve seen in Mexico. Add to that a point break to the north for ripping shortboarders that works in the summer and a cruisy logger wave that’s among the finest of its type around and you start to get an idea why we think this one’s going places. Get there now to dodge the crowds and the big resort hotels.
Read our full guide to surfing in Troncones
Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo – or just Zihua as it’s known for short – is one of those places that we can’t quite believe is still so quiet. The waves are super reliable (SW-W-NW all works a charm here) and there are beaches for loggers next to performance points. It’s an all-round cracker!
Read our full guide to Zihuatanejo right now
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido surf got its rep (that’s a world-famous rep) for hardcore beach breaks. We’re talking in the ilk of Portugal’s Supertubos here – big barrelling overheads with quick takeoffs and unforgiving drops. Riders have been flocking to the big break along Playa Zicatela since the 1950s. However, Puerto Escondido surf has gone a tad more mainstream in recent decades. There are places for beginners a little further north that the local surf schools know about, and regular competitions that draw big crowds.
Read our full guide to Puerto Escondido surfing
Oaxaca
The home of aforementioned Puerto Escondido (see above), Oaxaca is now a staple for anyone surfing Mexico. It’s famed for its heavy beach-break A-frames, which are the setting for lots of competitions. However, that’s just one chapter. There’s lots for less-experienced surfers to boot. Places like Zipolite and La Punta take care of that. Intermediates, meanwhile, can paddle out to the scenic cove points of Carrizalillo (that’s just like a Mexican Hiriketiya, for any of you Sri Lanka lovers) and La Bocana A-frames.
Read our complete guide to surfing in Oaxaca
Mazunte
If you want to spend 90% of your time swinging in a hammock and a little bit chasing waves, then Mazunte could be the place for you. We don’t think the breaks can match what you get in Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita) but the town is great for R&R. Plus, those willing to explore can find hidden points that work all year round.
Read our complete guide to surfing in Mazunte
Best surf camps and surf stays in Mexico
Obviously, there are LOADS of hotels to pick from all across the various surf towns in Mexico. We don’t have room to recommend places in each spot here (check our individual guides for that), but we can pick out a couple of what we think are the stand-out accommodations that get you near the surf in some of the top destinations…
Casa Nawalli
Casa Nawalli is one of the highest-rated hotels in Sayulita, one of the very best surf destinations in Mexico. 250 yards from the beach means you’ll be able to walk to both a reef and beach break that’s top for learners in the morning. When you return, there’s a lovely pool in a lush garden (away from the hubbub of Sayulita town) and spacious rooms that ooze style.
Cabo Surf Hotel
Oh lordy. One look at the Cabo Surf Hotel and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. The waves of the Baja roll in literally steps outside your door. Inside, the suites are sprawling, luxurious pads done in Mexicana adobe styles with a touch of modern minimalism. Extra frills come in the form of ocean side hot tubs and sunning terraces right by the Pacific.
Hostal Tortuga
Imagine strolling between the tequila cantinas on the cobbled lanes of charming Sayulita to catch the waves each morning. Better yet, imagine strolling back to find a jungle-shrouded outdoor pool and a friendly mix of travelers in the hostel garden. Essentially: Hostal Tortuga is a cracking surf spot in one of Mex’s top surf towns!
We’ve actually put together a dedicated guide to the 7 best surf camps in Mexico. It’s got yoga retreats in Sayulita, intermediate improver camps in Puerto Escondido, and a whole load more…
A guide to the Mexico surfing season
Generally speaking, the best surfing in Mexico happens in the summer months (April to September). That’s when the dominant swell changes to S-SW and morning offshores are common.
Summer (April to October)
There’s no doubt that the best surfing in Mexico for experts happens in the summer months (April to September). That’s when the dominant swell changes to S-SW and morning offshores are common. The key here is that direction of the groundswell is ranging straight off the Southern Ocean. In fact, swells are generated as far afield as the Tasman Sea and New Zealand, which can add some real punch to the waves.
In addition to that, the late summer months (July onwards) adds the unpredictability of the Pacific hurricane season. Storms in the ocean churn up hefty undercurrents that add even more moxie to the Mexican breaks. At this time, it’s normal to see triple overheads, and you’ll find that only the most seasoned riders are risking the paddle out to breaks like Zicatela in Escondido. The downside of the summer is the quick change from morning offshores, which can cause blowouts anytime after 11 am. Dawnies it is, folks.
Wear: Rash vest and board shorts. Shorties and bikinis. Pack some booties for the reefs. Thin to med wetsuits up north in the Baja.
Winter (November to March)
Winter is the time to go surfing in Mexico for beginners. S-SW swells flip to N-NW swells, which keeps heights lower and periods more predictable. The weather is also nicer as the hurricane season drops away. Glassy, still mornings are the norm, so you’d be wise to get out in the water earlier. Extra chance of catching a nice N-NE offshore wind, too. That’s great news in the bigger breaks, like Puerto Escondido and Barra de la Cruz. Meanwhile, the smaller breaks, like La Lancha in Nayarit and other spots on the Baja become perfect for novices on a surf camp.
One downside of the winter months is that lots of the towns around the Mexican Pacific can fill to bursting with American snowbirds. Of course, that brings some good party with it, but you could find it trickier to get a space on the beach – and in the line-up.
Wear: Rash vest and board shorts. Swimwear. Booties if you’re hitting the reefs. Thin to med wetsuits up north in the Baja.
What shall I wear for surfing in Mexico?
Mexico benefits from balmy waters pretty much all year round. That means a vast majority of its best surf spots will be A-okay with just a rash vest and board shorts. There are one or two exceptions to the rule. They come the further north you go. In the Baja and Baja California, the water is actually only a few degrees warmer than over in SoCal, which means you’ll need to bring along either a 3/2 or a 4/3, depending on how well you handle the chill. Booties are also recommended for getting in and out of reef and point break spots, especially in the rugged Baja. Also, you MUST, MUST, MUST take a good surf sunscreen. We tell you from a can’t-move-because-of-my-burn experience.
Top things to do in Mexico when you’re not surfing
Surfing Mexico is the perfect excuse to delve into one of the most enthralling countries on the planet. From Wild West canyons speckled with cacti and sloshing with tequila all the way to soaring volcanos and misty jungles, there’s loads to keep you busy when the waves are low in these parts…
Explore the Yucatan Peninsula
We know the Yucatan is all the way out on the far east coast of Mexico. However, you should be able to book an internal flight there for under $100. So, once you’re done surfing Mexico Pacific waves, why not hop over to see the white-sand beaches and enthralling historical ruins that abound? They include the vine-dressed temples of Chichen Itza and the gleaming shores of Tulum. Oh, and the party city of Cancun isn’t far – just saying.
Morelia
If you’re keen to discover some of the charm of inland Mexico, then the state capital of Michoacán is certainly worth a visit. Founded way back in 1541, it’s a quaint and pretty town with cobbled streets and stone-dressed cottages. At its heart is a vast plaza with a fine example of a colonial-era cathedral. It’s also a great place to launch a trip down to the amazing Mariposa butterfly reserves.
Tequila
The town of Tequila can be accessed after just a single day’s bus ride from the Riviera Nayarit. If you can’t already guess the reason you’d want to visit, then it’s probably not something that should be on the menu. If you can, then get ready for tasting sessions in age-old distilleries and plenty of history related to Mexico’s favourite drink.
Bahía de Banderas
The Bahía de Banderas stretches south and north from Puerto Vallarta. The north side hosts hotspots for surfing Mexico, like Sayulita and San Pancho. The south side is more idyllic. It’s linked by coastal paths that weave through palm and pine groves to picture-perfect beaches. The most beautiful of the lot is probably remote Yelapa, but we also loved Playa Las Ánimas (which you can walk to in a single bout from PV).
Guanajuato
Few cities in the world can match the sheer audacity of Guanajuato. Steeped in the history of silver mining, it’s a good 600 kilometres from the surf towns around Puerto Vallarta. But that shouldn’t deter you, because the trip in can take you past vast agave plantations (used to make tequila) and dusty mountain ranges. But back to the city itself. A maze of old riverbeds is now a labyrinth of traffic arteries beneath (literally underground) the cobbled streets. Above, beautiful colonial plazas meet narrow alleys by gorgeous cathedrals and Spanish-style mansions. It’s one of the most fascinating cities we’ve ever visited.
Travel essentials for anyone surfing Mexico
Quick facts
- Population: 126 million
- Currency: Peso (MEX/$)
- Capital: Mexico City (CDMX)
- Size: 1.97 million km²
Where exactly is Mexico?
Mexico is the last country in North America before you cross over into Central America. It spreads between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. To the south, it borders Guatemala and Belize. To the north, it borders the United States.
How to get to Mexico
Virtually all international travellers get to Mexico by flying. The largest gateway to the country from the air (and one of the largest in the whole region) is Mexico City Airport. Sadly, that’s more than 300 kilometres and a few mountain ranges from the closest point on the coast around Acapulco. That means to connect to the best surfing in Mexico, you’ll need to hop on a connecting flight. They shouldn’t be too much.
Alternatively, you can look for a flight that will take you directly into Puerto Vallarta or the city of Oaxaca. The first is linked to the major surf spots of the Riviera Nayarit. The other is the gateway to the southern coast of Oaxaca, where you’ll find Puerto Escondido. There are also loads of direct flights to San Joe del Cabo, where the party town of Cabo San Lucas gives way to the surf breaks of the Baja California Sur.
How to travel around Mexico
Folks surfing Mexico will often just fly in and fly out of a single destination, so there’s no need to get around. The reason? This country is a whopping 1.97 million km². Getting from A to B can be a nightmare, especially when you factor in the rugged mountain ranges, jungles and deserts that can get in the way. If you do want to move around, you could consider:
- Car rentals: A lot of people get their own wheels. They are great for discovering hidden surf breaks. However, beware of driving at night and in dangerous regions – there have been reports of murders and muggings!
- VIP buses: One of the pleasant surprises of our last Mexican surfing trip (2019) was just how awesome the buses are. You can pay a little extra and get VIP service to go in style. They have reclining seats with HUGE headrests and even entertainment screens.
- Flights: The internal flight market in Mexico is pretty good. You can get cheap deals – particularly on those must-buy connecting flights from Mexico City to the coast – on carriers like viva Aerobus, Volaris, along with AeroMexico.
If you’ve got anything to add to this ultimate guide to surfing Mexico, then we’d sure love to hear it in the comments below! We’re always looking to update and change the information here so it’s in line with what’s currently happening in the country– otherwise, it would hardly be the ultimate guide, eh!?
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!