Oaxaca Surf & Travel Guide – Top Spots / Seasons [2025]
There are some seriously awesome Oaxaca surf towns – Puerto Escondido chief among them. On top of that, the region has swell-blessed points and beaches that are still only just being discovered. It’s a Mexican gem.
An introduction to Oaxaca surf
Don’t be fooled by the booming crowds of surfers that head down Puerto Escondido each year – Oaxaca surf remains right on the Mexican frontier.
Not including that legendary big wave on Playa Zicatela, we’d say this region is undiscovered and untapped swell territory. That’s mainly down to just how massive and how undeveloped it is.
You can drive for hours on end on the 200 coast road and not pass a single major town. It’s a true mecca for those who don’t mind scouring dusty shoreline tracks and empty bays for hidden waves that they aren’t quite sure how they break. Good fun.
Of course, the Oaxaca surf scene in PE (that’s everyone’s fav at Puerto Escondido) is a whole other story. That’s a mega famous spot with barreling tubes that have given rise to the nickname Mexican Pipeline.
Pros break boards and bones on that monstrous beachie every summertime, but there are also a few other spots in the vicinity that are for the learners and improvers, hence why you find some of the finest surf camps in Mexico around thatta way.
Drift out of there and Oaxaca saddles up some pretty nice right-hand points, along with a good range of beach breaks. South-facing is the name of the game, so summer reigns supreme. Winter can see mellower shoulders when there’s a wrap-around, so it’s December, Jan and Feb is you’re looking to learn in these parts.
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 just one part of our complete guide to surfing Mexico
Oaxaca surf at a glance
The good:
The bad:
What’s in this guide to Oaxaca?
Where is Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is one of the largest states in Mexico. It’s in the south-west of the country, with a huge coastline that runs roughly east-west and then bends a little to the north.
The main town is the city of Oaxaca itself, which is famed for its indigenous cultures and food. That’s about six hours in the bus from where you will surf – just to give you an idea of quite how large the state is!
More generally, the coast of Oaxaca is about 280 miles south of Mexico City and more than 760 miles to the west of Cancun.
How to get to Oaxaca?
A lot of the time, people will jet into Mexico City and then get a connecting flight to Oaxaca, followef by an onward transfer to the coast from there. If you’re booking into a Oaxaca surf camp, it’s worth asking for help with all that (some offer transfers to and from the airport as part of the package).
Or…even better, score yourself one of the few internal flights that go to Puerto Escondido International Airport, which is the gateway to the Oaxacan coast. It’s not got many options but there are links from Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and Guadulajara.
The way we see it, there are two ways to do a surf trip here: 1) Choose a surf camp in Puerto Escondido or base yourself there and surf only the local beaches, 2) Get a car and go adventuring.
The latter is better for confident intermediates, since it means surfing breaks of unknown quantities, and you’ll need the confidence to read the oceans, the tides, the swells etc. Driving in Mexico also brings its own risks, though most people tell us it’s pretty safe, so long as you don’t drive at night and stay on the main highways.
Use RentalCars to book a hire if you plan on doing that. We reckon they have the most competitive rates and like the late cancellation options to boot…
Where to surf in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca clocks up nearly 540km of coastline. That’s more than a whole load of small countries.
The point? There’s no shortage of working surf spots. And there’s no shortage of variety. Check it out…
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is unquestionably the most famous of the Oaxaca surf towns. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s one of the most famous surf towns in the whole world.
Because of that reason, we’ve got a dedicated guide to its various breaks and beaches.
For now, let’s just say it’s armed with a mega XXL beach break on the main Zicatela Beach – we’re talking a curling tube that’s fodder for surf magazines from May until September (when it works best).
Where to stay? Choose Oasis Surf House and the guiding hand of Roger and Francisco, who have a very intense 2-week surf camp that all but guarantees you’ll improve. It’s one of the highest rated in Mexico for us.
We’ve got a full guide to Puerto Escondido surf
Manzunte
Mark our words: Manzunte’s star is rising. Out of the spotlight because most of the attention goes to Puerto Escondido, this small town is gaining fast on the Oaxaca surf scene.
Chilled and easy going, it’s a gathering spot for yoga practitioners and New Age healers. The surf scene relies on mainly dumpy shorebreaks, but some hold up well to give rights and hollow rides. It’s generally better for a casual surf trip.
We’ve got a full guide to Mazunte surf
Zipolite
Much like Manzunte before it, Zipolite is an upcoming Oaxaca surf town. It’s set along a large, long south-facing beach that has the effect of stretching out the swell and offering multiple peaks with a bit less punch to them.
It’s still hardcore in summer, and the point breaks to the west can be positively slabby in August. The main star is next-door San Agustinillo playa, which has lot sof neat little peaks that can suit all levels.
We rate it as a fine place for R&R, yoga camps, and chilling, with a little bit of surf on the side.
Check our full guide to Playa Zipolite right now
Huatulco/San Augustin
The uber-wild stretch of shore around the Huatulco reserve and the Bahia de Huatulco isn’t well known at all. There are tales of epic right-hand point breaks that hoover up all the consistent summer S swells to fling off long rippable shoulders.
You will need to know where to go, though, so enlisting the help of a local guide is a good idea. And you’ll need your own car (preferably a 4X4) to make it to the hard-to-reach beaches and points.
One standout spot is San Augustin, which delivers nice waves in the middle of the summer. Needs to be big though, so keep an eye on those forecasts.
Check our full guide to surfing in Huatulco (coming soon)
Barra de la Cruz
Barra de la Cruz is one of the world-class right points that the southern half of Oaxaca state is known for – and there are lots of them so for this to stand out it has to be quality!
It’s pretty remote, so doesn’t suffer from big crowds like up in Puerto Escondido. What’s more, we remember it being a pretty rumbly drive through the jungles on the 200 coast road.
The break itself is a hollow and fast right that’ll have performance riders frothing at the mouth. Manage to paddle in with the shorty and it’s a skyrocket of a ride that borders on closeout when it’s big but comes with steep shoulders for all your cutback needs when it’s mid-sized.
Check our full guide to surfing in Barra de la Cruz (coming soon)
Salina Cruz
Salina Cruz is located in the eastern half of Oaxaca state. That puts it right in the middle of the some of the best south-facing spots the region has to offer.
The creme-de-la-creme of them are right-hand point breaks, and there’s now a whole load of Oaxaca surf camps here making a living of touring surfers who come on the hunt.
The most iconic break in the area is the photogenic right at Punta Conejo. Coming off a rugged headland to the west of the center, that really finesses itself on headlong S swells with long rides that can cruise across the bay for more than half a click. It’s sectiony and rippable and lovely for a shortboarder that knows what they’re doing.
Check our full guide to surfing in Salina Cruz right now (coming soon)
Surf camps in Oaxaca
You can score some fantastic all-inclusive surf packages in Oaxaca.
Most revolve around the town of Puerto Escondido which is great for all levels (despite the main break there being a pumping overhead beach tube!).
Others offer more remote camps and access to the famous right-hand point breaks around Salina Cruz and beyond. We’d say they generally lend themselves to more experienced riders who are confident in the water and like seeking out remoter spots.
We have a dedicated guide to the best surf camps in Mexico – a couple of which are in Oaxaca – that we update every year. But here’s just a sneak peek at what this amazing region can offer…
- 2 Week Surf and Stay in Puerto Escondido – Run by Oasis, this program is nothing if not comprehensive. The overarching philosophy is both fitness and elite surfing. You do sessions in core training and flexibility, all specifically designed to up surfing ability. Surf lessons are two hours per day and there’s never more than two students per instructor. It’s the one we’d go for if you’re intermediate or advanced and want something to really push the skill level in PE.
- 8 Day Budget Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido – Go for this if you’re tight on cash. It’s also run by the acclaimed Oasis Surf and Language School (the same that runs the 2-week course above) but it’s focused on all levels of surfer and is way easier on the bank account.
- 7-Day Private Camp with ISURFMEX. Surf Huatulco – This week’s surf intinerary is for those more advanced surfers who want to sample the right-hand points that southern Oaxaca is so famed for. They include daily surf coaching, transport to hidden breaks, and even a drone/photography session. Accom is in lux cabanas by the beach.
Where to stay when surfing in Oaxaca?
Your search for the top Oaxaca surf camp can end here. We’ve got our eye on the best the region can muster. They’re below…
Casa Ita Surf – Adults Only
Casa Ita is probably our fav hotel in PE if you’re just staying here to surf. It’s super stylish, channeling a bit of a vintage-Mexicana style.
Only 300 meters from Zicatela, it’s prime surf territory. Plus, it’s kid-free and comes with a v.nice pool in a courtyard. Fantastic time and time again.
Villas Carrizalillo
Villas Carrizalillo is pretty awesome. Just 1.5 miles from Zicatela Beach, these sleek suites come with a Spanish hacienda feel, snake plants and ferns in the nooks and crannies, and salt-washed balconies filled with hammock that overlook the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a curvy pool out back for post-surf chills.
Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva
A Manzute classsic, the Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva is everything you could want from a proper Mexican surf town: Palm-frond roofs, whitewashed walls, creaking decks and salt-washef balconies, all within earshot of the waves along the main beach and close to San Agustinillo (better for surfing).
Bungalows Punta Conejo
Bungalows Punta Conejo are just along from what’s arguably the very best right-hand point break in the whole region. They’re slickly decorated in modern styles, have self-catering facilities, on-site parking, and outdoor hammocks for post-surf chills.
We’ve got more hotel suggestions across Mexico in our guide to the top surf resorts in the country.
When to surf in Oaxaca?
Summer (April-October) is the best time to surf in Oaxaca, because it’s when the strongest south swells move up to hit the coasts.
There are only two seasons to consider if you’re planning a surf trip to Oaxaca.
The first is the Mexican summer and the other is the winter.
There’s a pretty quick transition between the two, although it’s not as immediate as the monsoon changes that happen in other parts of the world (Asia, we’re looking at you!). Here’s a look at both…
Summer (April-October)
Summer is the peak season for surfing in Oaxaca. It’s the time of the year when the southern swells start kicking and you’ll be able to notice that right away.
Famous spots like Puerto Escondido will fire up almost overnight. They can be mid-height rollers one morning in April and booming triple overhead XXL swells the next.
The middle of the summer is when crowds in the lineup are biggest. Most days are shortboards only, because mellow isn’t in the summer vocab. Early session trump the lot on account of rising onshores. It’s also super hot, so bring plenty of sunscreen and mozzie spray!
Winter (November-March)
The winter seasons sees the main southerly swell systems start to wind down. That’s not a major problem, and you’ll still find some of them raging in to mid November.
After they’re done, you’re relying on westerly groundswells and NW wrap-arounds, which understandably won’t have the same moxie as they do up in Cabo San Lucas. Still, winter and the spring combine to give smaller waves in general. They’re great for beginners and improvers wanting to switch to the point breaks up the Oaxaca coast. Pros should hold on for summer.
You know what to wear here – it’s boardies and rash vest or small rubber territory. The only thing we’d 100% reccomend is a good sunscreen and block for surfing.
I personally LOVE the stuff by Suntribe, who have developed a formula that’s low on chemicals to be good to the ocean. We’ve also partnered with them to get you guys 10% orders (code: Surfatlas10).
Surf lessons in Oaxaca
Lots of people choose Oaxaca for a straight-up holiday. We can see why. The beaches are to die for, the weather is great, the food is epic. If you’re on of them but this guide has tempted you to try surfing then a surf lesson could be what you’re after. Puerto Escondido has loads of schools. We’d reccomend…
- Chingon Surf Lessons – 5/5 on Google can’t be wrong, eh? Chingon Surf Lessons are one of the highest rated surf schools in Puerto Escondido. For around just $50 per person, you can score a 2-hour guided lesson that includes a 30-minute theory session and in-water practice. They have top beginner gear and even provide zinc so ya don’t burn!
Top surf shops in Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s surf shops are mainly concentrated in the town of Puerto Escondido. However, there some others stretched along the coast by other surf spots…
- Odyboards – A local shaper in Puerto Escondido that does handshaped cutoms in epoxy. Everything from fish to funboards. Good reputation for high, high quality.
- Surf Shop Swell – Surf Shop Swell is located on the main road of little Manzunte. It’s small but that’s all you need in this upcoming wave destination. There are rails filled with boardshorts and rash vests, but the main thing we’d come here for is the small second-hand rail. They’re actually rarer than you think in this region, so can be a gift if you want something cheap to surf on.
- Huatulco Surf Co – These guys have some great gear, cool branding, and an all-round good vibe. Working hard to put Huatulco on the map. They have a lovely shop with boards, surf-skate stuff, accessories and clothes just behind Tangolunda Beach.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is pretty damn famous in Mexico. It’s considerd a culinary hotspot and one of the cultural powerhouses of the country. Believe it or not, we’d reccomend taking at least a week away from the coast to see it all. Some of the must-do activities are…
Monte Alban
Cancun has Chichen Itza, Mex City has Teotihuacán, Oaxaca has Monte Alban. This is one seriously jaw-dropping pre-history site located up on the mountains jsut west of Oaxaca City. A day trip is the best option cos they will sort you transport and give the background to the site, which is pretty amazing to be quite frank.
Food tours
Oaxaca City is famed for its food. There’s a local cheese here that’s DIVINE, plus moles, tamales and mezcal that will blow your socks off. We did a food tour in the city before heading to the coast to surf and it was great – not so great for the stomach line!
Hit the beach
Oaxaca has some of the most lovely coastline on the Mexican Pacific. There, we said it. The beaches are simply lush. We particularly like the long, wide bay at Zipolite, which has sunsets that will have you drooling, and the hidden cove of Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido.
Santiago Apoala
There’s hardly a better way to balance out all that salt water and sand than a trip to Santiago Apoala. Hidden up in the wild mountains of Oaxaca state, the village is becoming a hub for eco tourism. You can go there to hike trails, see traditional weaver workshops and swim in roaring waterfalls. Sadly, it’s more than nine hours by road from Puerto Escondido and the drive in isn’t for the faint hearted.
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!
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!
