What’s a better cure for the ordinary than a surf vacation?
These are some of the best places to surf in Mexico along the Pacific Ocean. And even if you aren’t grabbing a board, the beaches alone are enough to help you break free from any rut.
Why Go Surfing in Mexico
Boasting more than 4,000 miles (7,000 kilometers) of coastline, Mexico’s Pacific Coast is perfect for surfers of all skill levels. From learning to catch your first knee-high wave in the whitewash to the entering Puerto Escondido’s annual Big Wave Competition, Mexico has you covered.
With its favorable climate, sunny skies, sandy beaches, friendly locals, and excellent exchange rate for most currencies, Mexico has seen a large influx of surfers and travelers from all over the world.
Best Surfing in Mexico
Our list starts in the north, beginning with a short two-hour drive from San Diego, California. We will finish up at the southernmost point of Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca, just a few hundred miles from the Guatemalan border.
Ensenada, Baja California
Less than 70 miles south of the U.S. border, Ensenada lies in All Saints Bay. That location is what gives this Mexico surf resort the consistent waves and great baches that draw surfers in.
- Claim to Fame: The Birthplace of Mexican Surfing
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- When to Visit: Winter
When you’re not catching some waves, check out La Bufadora, home to one of the world’s largest marine geysers.
If you’re into nightlife and meeting new people, try First Street. Cruise ships dock here almost every other day so you always have a constant stream of vacationers to mingle with in town.
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Mazatlán is well-known for its left-point breaks, and miles of surfable coastline are what make this spot a veritable surfer’s paradise. Mazatlán and its surroundings are among Mexico's best-kept secrets … for now!
- Claim to Fame: Pearl of the Pacific, Land of the Left-Point Breaks
- Skill Level: Any
- When to Visit: Year-round, but swells are most consistent in spring and fall
Aside from surfing, Mazatlán and the surrounding area have plenty of beauty to offer anyone staying in this hidden treasure. Some of the best sunset views are from the promenade at Olas Atlas.
Joe Gannon, a financial analyst turned digital nomad, recommends the Las Canadas Canopy Tour. “If you’re into ziplines, ropes courses, hiking, and camping in nature, this place is the perfect spot for you!”
San Blas, Nayarit
Just a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Mazatlán, you’ll find yourself at the legendary San Blas. One beach, Playa de Matanchén, was once famous for having the longest surfable wave in the world.
However, Hurricane Kenna in 2002 — and countless other storms — filled much of the bay with sand, greatly reducing the size of the waves. Luckily there are still some seriously long waves to ride, and the surf culture remains very strong.
- Claim to Fame: Former home to longest wave in the world (until 2002)
- Skill Level: Any
- When to Visit: November to August for beginner and intermediate surfers, September to October for expert surfers
Towel off and tour La Tovara Nature Preserve. You’ll find freshwater springs and a saltwater estuary all in one spot. The conditions mean you can do some world-class birdwatching. Keep your eyes open, and you might also see jaguars, boars, and other wildlife.
Sayulita, Nayarit
Venture a quick two hours south along the Pacific Coast and you have arrived at the popular surf haven of Sayulita, Nayarit. Traveling surfers in the late 1960s first popularized this area, and that popularity only grew with easier access to the area via Mexican Highway 200.
Of course, easy access is a double-edged sword. Crowds in Sayulita have increased in recent years. Book your accommodations early so you don’t get shut out.
- Claim to Fame: Consistent river-mouth surf breaks
- Skill Level: Any
- When to Visit: December to early April
With easy access to nearby Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained in and around Sayulita. Check out the area’s natural beauty on one of the many available boat tours. If you’re feeling adventurous, try wind- or kitesurfing.
There’s also the San Pancho Music Festival in the magical Riviera Nayarit in late February. Since 2001, this free festival has hosted regional, national, and international artists on two alternating stages.
Boca de Pascuales, Colima
Another seven-hour drive south along the Pacific Ocean coast is the city of Tecomán. From there, you’ll take a short half-hour bus ride southwest to one of the lesser-known hardcore surf havens: Boca de Pasquales.
With powerful waves year-round, especially in the summer, many claim it resembles the famous Mexican pipeline of Puerto Escondido. But, with its low-key environment, Boca de Pascuales is a great place to meet and hang out with experienced surfers from all over the world.
- Claim to Fame: A hardcore experience
- Skill Level: Experienced only
- When to Visit: Year-round
It’s all about dedicated surfing in Boca de Pascuales, so you won’t find much in the way of nightlife. There is plenty of hiking, though, including up and around Volcán de Colima.
You can also visit the nature reserve on the beach at El Tortugario Ecológico in Cuyutlán, about five miles from Boca de Pascuales. Catch a boat ride through the estuary or, mid-August through December, see the release of sea turtle hatchlings.
To satisfy your appetite, there are some incredible fresh fish tacos made fresh on the beach in the afternoons. The shops cater primarily to hungry surfers, so you really can’t go wrong.
Rio Nexpa, Michoacán
Another five hours down the coast and we arrive at the world-class surfing beach of Rio Nexpa. It has a fast and powerful left-hand point break with rides up to 300 yards long!
If you’re looking for a more private surfing experience, on the other side of Rio Nexpa is a cobblestone reef.
- Claim to Fame: Rustic getaway beach surrounded by nature
- Skill Level: All
- When to Visit: June to September
Come for the surfing, but stay for the relaxed vibe and try some of the restaurants in front of the break. You can watch others surf as you eat. It’s a delicious combination.
Other than that, there’s not much to see and do. But there is a silver lining to that. Crowds are small, so you could end up with the beach mostly to yourself.
La Ticla, Michoacán
Heading southeast, still in the state of Michoacán, is La Ticla. This laid-back surf town is nestled between San Juan de Lima and El Farro. Even the waves are laid back. Many experienced surfers find that while you can get good speed, the breaks don’t carry the same heavy punch as nearby beaches.
- Claim to Fame: Long left-point break with up to 10-foot swells
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- When to Visit: May to October
Fresh seafood is always available along the beachfront whenever hunger strikes. It’s a nice place to mellow out before heading to Oaxaca.
Chacahua, Oaxaca
Chacahua is a little known but local favorite surf spot in Laguna, Chacahua. It’s a great surf spot in Mexico for beginners, but because the conditions are so prime, you’ll find some experienced surfers — local and international — as well.
- Claim to Fame: Hidden Jewel of Oaxaca
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
- When to Visit: Spring and summer
Even when you’re not surfing, you’ll have a hard time prying yourself out of the water. Rent a kayak and paddle around the lagoon with friends. Take some time to enjoy the rich ecosystem that is home to more than 160 types of birds.
In the evening, watch the sunset at El Faro, and be sure to check out La Piedra Beach on the other side of the river.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Playa Zicatela, also known as the Mexican Pipeline, has a beach break just 30 feet from the shore. Although there are some beginner-friendly areas, surfers should be prepared for strong rip tides and powerful waves.
If you’re a beginner, start out in Playa Carrizalillo in the north end of town and slowly work your way up to La Punta in the southernmost point.
- Claim to Fame: Dubbed “The Mexican Pipeline”
- Skill Level: Beginner to expert
- When to Visit: March to December
After a long day of surfing, head to Pepe’s Fish Tacos in La Punta. Most people who’ve had a taste claim the fish tacos are the best they’ve ever eaten. Pepe is a surfer and can give you some great inside info when it comes to surfing in the area, too.
At night, visit the Zicatela strip. There’s a mile-long stretch of bars, restaurants, and clubs, all on the beach.
For those looking for other entertainment, check out the boat tours, bioluminescent lagoons, and a long list of other beautiful non-surf beaches in this hidden port.
Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca
The last stop of our tour is just three hours away and takes us around the southernmost point of Oaxaca to Barra de la Cruz.
The area was a much lesser-known surf spot until Rip Curl’s “Live the Search” campaign widely popularized surfing in the area with the World Tour contest in 2006. That campaign, coupled with the development of the nearby port city of Huatulco, has driven more and more surfers to Barra de la Cruz from around the world in the last few decades.
- Claim to Fame: World-class right-hander
- Skill Level: Intermediate to expert
- When to Visit: April to September
When you need a break from the waves, head an hour down the road to Huatulco and enjoy the beautifully calm waters of Huatulco Bay.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, just a 90-minute drive to the interior is the breathtaking “Magic Falls.” Here you can swing from a rope into the water and shower in a waterfall surrounded by nature.
Some Useful Reminders When Planning Your Surf Trip
- Always check with the flags and lifeguards on the beach to determine the safety of the water before you enter.
- Never walk alone on the beach at night. Avoid walking alone at all, if possible.
- When you’re in the water, talk to and watch out for your fellow surfers to avoid potential accidents.
- Never leave your valuables unattended on the beach or in your hostel/hotel. Lock them in your locker or in a safe at your hotel while you’re surfing or out of your room.
Travel Insurance for Adventure Sports
Travel insurance for any trip is a good idea, but when you’re planning an adventure with surfing, hiking, and other activities, it becomes even more important.
Review your plan options thoroughly or talk to a licensed agent to make sure you're covered for adventure activities. Many travel insurance plans don’t include benefits for hazardous sports, but you can purchase additional coverage affordably to get the medical coverage you need.
About the Authors
Luke Maguire Armstrong is the author of The Nomad’s Nomad. He spent years living and working for a nonprofit in Guatemala, where he met Joe Gannon, who provided insider surfing information for this article.
Additional contributions provided by Becky Hart.
