Mexico’s coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers, offering a wave for every surfer. . You can find gentle rollers perfect for learning. You can also discover powerful barrels that challenge even the most seasoned professionals. Consequently, surfers from around the globe flock to its shores. They seek warm water, vibrant culture, and unforgettable waves. This guide explores the top 10 surf spots in Mexico. We cover everything from legendary big-wave locations to mellow longboarding havens. So, grab your board and get ready to discover your next adventure. Source
1. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: The Mexican Pipeline
Known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” Playa Zicatela is a world-famous beach break. It delivers some of the most powerful and hollow waves on the planet. These waves break over a sand bottom with incredible force. Therefore, this spot is strictly for advanced and professional surfers. The best season runs from May to July when south swells are most consistent. The town of Puerto Escondido itself is a bustling hub. It has a vibrant nightlife and a diverse food scene. While Zicatela is the main draw for experts, nearby beaches like Carrizalillo offer protected, gentle waves. This makes the area accessible for beginners who want to learn in a safer environment.
2. Sayulita, Nayarit: A Longboarder’s Paradise
In contrast to Puerto Escondido’s intensity, Sayulita offers a much more relaxed vibe. This charming surf town is a paradise for longboarders and beginners. The main break is a mellow, rolling right-hand wave that is perfect for learning. It provides long rides that are ideal for practicing balance and turns. The best time to visit is from December to April. During these months, winter swells provide consistent, clean waves. Sayulita is also known for its colorful streets, yoga retreats, and artisan shops. The town’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a fantastic destination for a complete surf and cultural holiday. However, its popularity means the main break can get crowded.
3. Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca: The Perfect Point Break
Once a secret spot, Barra de la Cruz shot to fame after a major surf competition. It features a flawless right-hand point break that peels perfectly along a sandy bottom. The wave offers multiple sections for barrels and high-performance turns. For this reason, it primarily attracts intermediate to advanced surfers. The ideal season aligns with the south swell season, from April to September. The village is small and retains a rustic, authentic charm. You won’t find large resorts here. Instead, visitors stay in local cabanas and enjoy a simple, surf-focused lifestyle. This spot is about connecting with nature and scoring incredible waves.
The Variety of Mexican Surf Breaks
Mexico’s diverse geography creates an incredible range of wave types. Northern Baja spots receive cold-water swells from the North Pacific. In contrast, Southern Mexico gets powerful south swells from the Southern Hemisphere. This geographical diversity ensures year-round surfing opportunities. Furthermore, you can find every type of wave, from sand-bottom beach breaks to rocky point breaks and challenging reef breaks. This variety also caters to different skill levels. Beginners can find sheltered coves with gentle waves. Meanwhile, experts can test their limits on massive outer reef breaks. This distribution makes Mexico one of the most versatile surf destinations in the world.
4. Troncones, Guerrero: A Tranquil Escape
Troncones offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded surf destinations. This small fishing village boasts several quality surf breaks. The main spot, Troncones Point, is a fun left-hand point break suitable for intermediate surfers. Nearby, you can find beach breaks like Manzanillo Bay that are great for all skill levels. The vibe here is incredibly laid-back. You can spend your days surfing, practicing yoga, or simply relaxing in a hammock. The primary surf season is during the summer months, from May to October. Additionally, Troncones is a great base for exploring other nearby breaks. It provides a perfect balance of good waves and peaceful relaxation.
5. La Saladita, Guerrero: The Wave Machine
Just a short drive from Troncones, La Saladita is a true longboarder’s dream. Surfers call it the “wave machine” for a good reason. It produces one of the longest left-hand waves in Mexico. The wave is gentle and slow-peeling, allowing for incredibly long rides. It is an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate longboarders. The wave works year-round but is most consistent during the summer south swells. The local scene is very mellow and surf-centric. You will find simple beachfront restaurants and a friendly community of local and visiting surfers. If you want to improve your longboarding and get leg-burning rides, La Saladita is the place to be.
6. San Pancho (San Francisco), Nayarit: The Quieter Sibling
Located just north of Sayulita, San Pancho offers a more challenging wave in a quieter setting. The main beach break here is often faster and more powerful than its neighbor’s. This makes it a great option for shortboarders and intermediate to advanced surfers. The wave can be fickle, but when it’s good, it’s truly excellent. San Pancho has a bohemian, artsy vibe. The town is known for its polo club, fine dining options, and community-focused projects. It provides a more mature and tranquil alternative to the party scene in Sayulita. The best waves typically arrive with the winter swells from November to March.
7. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur: Desert Point Breaks
The area around the town of Todos Santos on the Pacific side of Baja Sur has fantastic surf. The primary spots are La Pastora and San Pedrito. These breaks pick up significant swell and are best for intermediate to advanced surfers. La Pastora is a powerful right-hand point break, while San Pedrito offers both rights and lefts. The region is a desert landscape that meets the deep blue Pacific. This creates a stunning and dramatic backdrop for surfing. The best season is during the winter when northwest swells light up the points. The town of Todos Santos is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town) with a thriving art scene.
Preparing for Your Mexico Surf Trip
Before you go, a little preparation helps a lot. First, research the best season for the specific region you plan to visit. Swell patterns vary significantly between Baja and mainland Mexico. Next, pack accordingly. While the water is warm in most places, a wetsuit top or spring suit can be useful for early mornings or in Northern Baja. Also, consider your board selection. A versatile board is great for exploring different spots. However, if you are heading to a specific type of wave like La Saladita, a longboard is essential. Finally, always respect the local surfers and the ocean. Understand the lineup etiquette and prioritize safety.
8. Pascuales, Colima: A Heavyweight Contender
Pascuales is another one of Mexico’s heavy beach breaks. It is often compared to Puerto Escondido for its power and intensity. This spot produces thick, dredging barrels that break close to the shore. For this reason, it is a destination for expert surfers only. Broken boards are a common sight here. The wave is at its best during the summer south swell season. The town itself is small and dedicated almost entirely to surfing. The atmosphere is raw and intense, just like the waves. If you are an experienced barrel rider looking for a serious challenge, Pascuales will deliver.
9. Zippers, San Jose del Cabo: The High-Performance Wave
Located on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja Sur, Zippers is a fast, fun, right-hand point break. It breaks over a rocky bottom and offers a rippable wall for high-performance surfing. This wave is one of the most popular in the Los Cabos area. Consequently, it can get crowded, especially during the summer south swell season. Zippers is the site of an annual surf competition, which speaks to its quality. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. The proximity to San Jose del Cabo means you have access to all the amenities of a major tourist destination.
10. Baja Malibu, Baja California: Consistent and Close
Just a short drive south of the U.S. border, Baja Malibu is one of the most consistent surf spots in Northern Baja. This classic beach break works on almost any swell. It produces fun, peaky waves suitable for all skill levels. On big winter swells, the waves can get powerful and hollow. Because of its accessibility, it is a very popular spot for surfers from Southern California. The water here is colder than in southern Mexico, so a full wetsuit is necessary for most of the year. The area offers a quick and easy surf trip for those looking for consistent waves without a long journey.