Surfing in Mexico
Mexico
Pacific points and beach breaks you can drive to
Surf towns have rentals, lessons, and breaks visible from the road. A visitor paddles without a club. Wind sports sit on some lagoons with the same easy start.
- Rentals in surf towns
- Named peaks you can find
- Pacific weeks built for visitors
The vibe
Surfing here rides on swells that feel both powerful and playful, shaped by the meeting of Pacific storms and Caribbean breezes. Summer swells roll up the Pacific coast, while winter storms generate larger rides on the Atlantic side. There’s a lively mix of surf schools teaching beginners and seasoned locals carving the line.
Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Martín Sánchez Vilchis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A legendary, long-peeling right-hand point break that offers world-class waves when the swell hits from the south. The wave is fast and hollow, providing long rides over a sand-bottomed point.
Access. Accessible via a dirt road from the main highway; a small fee is often paid to the local community for access.
Notes. Respect the local community and rules; can get crowded when the swell is pumping.
Boca de Pascuales, Colima
Colima
Owarrior / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A powerful, deep-water beach break that is famous for its massive, heavy barrels. It is a high-performance wave that demands respect and advanced skills.
Access. Located near Tecomán; accessible by car from Manzanillo.
Notes. Not suitable for beginners; the wave is known for its size and intensity.
El Médano, Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur
Clemens Vasters from Viersen, Germany / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
A versatile spot that works well for wingfoiling and beginner kiteboarding. The bay is protected from large swells, providing manageable conditions for learning.
Access. Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas; easy access from all major resorts.
Notes. Busy with boat traffic; always check local zones for kite/wingfoil restrictions.
La Ventana, Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Andrea Tosatto from Torino, Italia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The premier destination for wind sports in Mexico, La Ventana offers consistent thermal winds during the winter months. The bay provides flat-water conditions perfect for both kiteboarding and wingfoiling.
Access. Drive about 45 minutes from La Paz; numerous kite schools and rental shops line the beach.
Notes. Wind season typically runs from November to March.
San Juanico (Scorpion Bay), Baja
Mexico
Selena Cortes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Famous for its multiple points that can connect to form one of the longest rides in the world. It is a classic longboarder's paradise when the swell is right.
Access. Remote location requiring a long drive on dirt roads from Loreto or Ciudad Constitución.
Notes. Requires a 4x4 vehicle; bring all supplies as the area is very isolated.
Sayulita, Nayarit
Nayarit
Ismail Esen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A popular, laid-back surf town with a friendly beach break and a long-boarding point break. It is ideal for intermediate surfers and those looking for a vibrant surf culture.
Access. Easily accessible from Puerto Vallarta airport by taxi or shuttle.
Notes. Can get very crowded; respect the local surf schools and beginners.
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido
Oaxaca
StellarD / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Known as the Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela is a world-class, heavy beach break that produces massive, hollow barrels. It is strictly for advanced surfers due to the powerful shorebreak and intense currents.
Access. Fly into Puerto Escondido (PXM) and take a short taxi or walk to the beach.
Notes. Extremely dangerous for beginners; heavy shorebreak and strong rip currents are constant.