Best Places to Surf in Mexico

If your dream vacation includes paddling through azure waters, catching perfect waves, and watching the sunset while eating tacos on the beach, then it’s time to plan your surf trip to Mexico.

From the colorful charm of Sayulita to the endless breaks of Punta Mita, to the pristine beaches of Todos Santos, we have put together a guide to the best surf spots in Mexico. Our guide covers why each place is special, how to get there, where to stay, the types of waves, recommended surfboard and gear to pack, and other critical information. We also explain which surf spot is best for beginners or advanced surfers. Finally, we finish this guide with our top recommended surfboards and a few essential tips to make your surfing experience more enjoyable. 

If you want to surf locally in the US, check out our Best Places to Surf in California. Or if you’re looking to go the distance, check out our guide to the Best Places to Surf in the World.

Best Surfing in Mexico

Below is our guide to 5 incredible areas for the best surfing in Mexico. Winter is the best time to surf in Mexico if you’re a beginner. Just note that it’s a popular time to visit Mexico as all the American snowbirds flock south for some sun. Summer is prime time for advanced surfers because of the heavy swells. 

Sayulita, Nayarit

The colorful town of Sayulita is nestled on the west coast of Mexico. Originally a tiny fishing village, it has transformed into a popular hippie and surf town over the past few decades. It’s known for consistent beach breaks, strong surf culture, and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular and safe destination for families and solo travelers.

Sayulita has many surf schools and surf shops, so it’s a great place to learn. The best beach for beginners is Playa Sayulita which is a few minutes walk from the town. For more advanced surfers, you can surf Playa Carricitos. While Sayulita is incredibly safe and charming, the downside is that the beach does get crowded during peak season, and accommodation can be expensive during the winter. 

• How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and drive 45 minutes north. It’s recommended to hire a private transfer pick up from the airport (arranged with your accommodation). Uber isn’t allowed to pick up at the airport. 
• Best Place to Stay: there are no large resorts or hotel chains in Sayulita. Instead, there are independent boutique hostels, hotels, and guest houses.
• Camping: Playa Escondida offers beachfront camping
• Hotel: Hotel Villas Sayulita provides comfortable accommodations with a surf vibe
• Where to Park: you won’t need a car to access Playa Sayulita as the beach is within walking distance of the town. The town is walkable, in fact, driving cars isn’t recommended as traffic crawls. If you want to explore the surrounding beaches, golf cart rentals are a popular way to get around
• Waves: gentle rolling waves ideal for beginners. Playa Sayulita has a right beach break that is friendly to surfers and longboarders. There are faster breaks just outside of the main beach area. 
• Best Time to Go: December to April
• Tide Schedules: 
• Best Surfboard: For beginners, a large soft top surfboard is a good option as you’ll want one with greater volume. You can also try a longboard if you’re more experienced
• Gear: A 1-2 mm rash guard may be needed early mornings from December to March, but no wetsuit is required. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, board wax, and leash. 
• Other considerations:
• Lifeguards: yes there are lifeguards
• Surf schools: there are a ton of surf schools in Sayulita. Highly rated surf schools include Lunazul Surf School and Marea Surf School
• Sayulita is also home to a ton of well-rated surf camps like WildMex Surf & Adventure

Punta Mita, Nayarit

Punta de Mita is a small town located just 30 minutes south of Sayulita, also on the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico. The Punta Mita area is a hotbed for surfing because of its geography, located on a headland that sticks out between the Nayarit coast and the Bahia de Banderas. There are surf breaks on the north, south, and west sides of Punta de Mita. 

This town is a lot quieter than Sayulita and the area offers a variety of reef breaks with both right and left hand waves for all skill levels. Playa La Lancha is a popular location for beginners and surf schools. Stinky’s is a popular break that is within walking distance of Punta de Mita town and has waves for beginner to advanced surfers. Note that Punta de Mita is the town, Punta Mita is the resort area and Punta Minta area is the general region containing all the surf breaks. For more info on the different breaks, check out this map. 

• How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and drive 40 minutes west. Similar to Sayulita, it’s recommended to hire a private transfer for pick-up. You can also take a bus, but it may be challenging with a surfboard and it will take almost 2 hours as the route has many stops. 
• Best Place to Stay: 
• Camping: St. Regis Punta Mita Resort allows camping on certain beaches
• Hotel: Punto Mito Suites is great for longer stays as it has a rooftop with ocean views and a kitchen. The area is also home to a ton of luxury resorts, including a Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
• Where to Park: depending on where you stay, you may have to rent a car to get to your desired beach. 
• Waves: Reef breaks with both right and left-hand waves
• Playa La Lancha is a popular location for beginners and surf schools. There are 2 breaks here, one for beginners and one for intermediate surfers. 
• Stinky’s is a popular break at Playa Punta de Mita beach. On strong Southern swells, it has a long right-hand point break over a rocky bottom, that can be surfed for over 500 yards, which is unusual in Mexico
• Best Time to Go: while there is swell pretty much all year, October to March is recommended for beginners, April to September for advanced surfers
• Tide Schedules: check out the local surf report as timing can vary with the season
• Best Surfboard: Shortboard for maneuverability in powerful waves. For beginners, a large soft top surfboard is a good option as you’ll want one with greater volume
• Gear: A 1-2 mm rash guard may be needed early mornings from December to March, but no wetsuit is needed. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, board wax, and leash. Booties are also recommended if you’re surfing challenging reef breaks
• Considerations:
• Check with locals if the beach you’re going to has lifeguards
• There are a ton of well-rated surf schools and camps like Mictlan Surf School and Mita Surf House Camp

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido is a port town on southern Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. It’s known for its beautiful sandy beaches and buzzing nightlife. Zicatela Beach is famous for its challenging triple beach break, called the "Mexican Pipeline” which is ideal for advanced surfers. However Playa Carrizalillo, just on the edge of Puerto Escondido is great for beginners. Also, the south end of Zicatela Beach has an intermediate-friendly point break called La Punta.

• How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) which is located right near the town itself.
• Best Place to Stay: 
• Camping: Playa Zicatela Campground
• Hotel: Shavanna Hotel Boutique is a modern hotel with AC and within walking distance of the beach. Hotel Casa Pridda is just south of Zicatela and is a simple and quiet option, out of the town center. 
• Where to Park: you may not need a car if you stay near the beaches. Zicatela is steps away from the famous break, and Playa Carrizalillo is also within walking distance of Puerto Escondido
• Waves: 
• Playa Zicatela has world-renowned beach breaks and heavy 10-foot-high barrels that are only for advanced and pro surfers
• La Punta is located just south of the Zicatela Point break and is a good training ground for intermediate surfers. It still isn’t easy, with quick challenging left breaks. On quieter days there’s lots of surf school activity, and on bigger days, it can be quite challenging off the reef and rocks
• Playa Carrizalillo has two separate point breaks that move towards the center from either side of the bay. Best surfed at middle or low tide with chest-height waves. Very popular with surf schools
• Best Time to Go: Puerto Escondido’s advanced breaks are best from May to October. November to April is best for beginners 
• Tide Schedules: mornings are best, but check the local tide report
• Best Surfboard: Shortboard for maneuverability in powerful waves. For beginners, a large soft top surfboard is a good option as you’ll want one with greater volume
• Gear: Wetsuit top or rash guard, leash, fins, sunscreen, and surf wax. 
• Considerations:
• Yes there are lifeguards in Puerto Escondido but please still exercise caution during heavy swell days
• Pacific Surf Academy and Soul Surf Schools are two popular and well-rated surf schools
• Oasis Surf House which is an established surf camp

Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca

Barra de la Cruz is another surf gem in the Oaxacan province. This indigenous village has transformed into a hipster-friendly surf town that attracts beginner surfers all year round. The advanced surfers flock from March to October when tubing waves appear, courtesy of heavy swells. Barra de la Cruz is known for its consistent, powerful, right-hand point break. Besides surfing, there is also beautiful hiking in the surrounding forests. Note that unlike the areas above with multiple breaks, Barra de la Cruz only has 1 break. It can get busy quite fast. So be respectful of local surfers and try to get in early in the morning before sunrise.

The town is located about 40 minutes east of Huatulco, a famous resort town with all the amenities, resorts, and nightlife you could want. Barra de la Cruz is a lot more basic, the beach itself has one restaurant and toilet. 

• How to Get There: Fly into Huatulco International Airport (HUX) and drive 45 minutes east. You can rent a car. 
• Best Place to Stay: if you’re looking for more amenities, it’s recommended to stay in Huatulco, and then drive your rental car to Barra de la Cruz. Barra de la Cruz only has a few places to stay, and eat and no ATMs. 
• Huatulco: Casa Xadani is located just outside the hustle and bustle of Huatulco. It has cabana-style rooms and also has a gym, an onsite restaurant, and a terrace.
• Barra de la Cruz: Bungalows Buena Vista is located within the gates of the beach (so you can avoid paying the daily entrance fee) and is within walking distance of the beach. For long-term stays, Cabanas Jaysur offers simple and clean accommodation that is a 20-minute walk to the beach. 
• Where to Park: there is a parking just outside the beach entrance 
• Waves: Long, powerful right-hand point break
• Best Time to Go: May to October for advanced surfers
• Tide Schedules: morning is the best time to catch the east swells
• Best Surfboard: Shortboard for maneuverability in powerful waves. For beginners, a large soft top surfboard is a good option as you’ll want one with greater volume
• Gear: Rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, leash, and surf wax. Waters are warm year round so wetsuits are not needed
• Considerations:
• Bring cash as Barra de la Cruz has no ATM
• Tourists have to pay 100 pesos ($5 USD) a day to enter Playa Barra de la Cruz 
• There are limited lifeguards so exercise caution
• If you stay in Barra de la Cruz, the internet connection is notoriously bad
• Note that May to October is hurricane season, so please be aware of hurricane warnings

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Todos Santos is an artsy town on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This picturesque town is known for its colorful colonial architecture and is nestled at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Just picture yourself catching a wave and looking up to admire the stunning mountain view. Todos Santos is great for beginner to advanced surfers as it’s home to many types of breaks. Base yourself in Todos Santos, rent a car, and explore the many miles of pristine beaches. This town is also a great location for families as there are endless activities like art galleries, kayaking, fishing, swimming, whale watching, riding horses, or watching volunteer groups release turtle hatchlings. 

Todos Santos is a great base for a surf trip as there are 3 famous beaches - Playa La Pastora which is recommended only for advanced surfers, Playa Los Cerritos where everyone from beginners to advanced can catch waves, and Playa San Pedrito which is for beginner to intermediate friendly. 

Playa San Pedrito is near the small village of Pescadero, and only a 6-minute drive south of Todos Santos. There are also a ton of amenities, camping sites surf shops, and schools nearby. 

• How to Get There: Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and drive 1 hour north.
• Best Place to Stay: 
• Camping: Playa Los Cerritos offers camping options
• Hotel: Hotel San Cristobal for a boutique stay.
• Where to Park: while Todos Santos is walkable, it’s recommended you rent a car so that you can explore the numerous beaches 
• Waves: 
• Playa La Pastora is known for large, exposed reef breaks and quick barrels at low tide.
• Playa Los Cerritos is just south of Todos Santos and has a beach and point breaks that suit beginner to advanced surfers.
• San Pedrito has right reef breaks that are great for beginners 

• Best Time to Go: Best from November to March
• Tide Schedules: check the local surf report for the best times of day to surf 
• Best Surfboard: Shortboard for maneuverability in powerful waves. For beginners, a large soft top surfboard is a good option as you’ll want one with greater volume
• Gear: the Pacific waves are a lot cooler than other parts of Mexico, so it’s recommended to wear thin to medium wetsuits depending on the wind. Don’t forget your sunscreen, leash, and wax. For the beaches with reef breaks like San Pedrito, consider wearing reef booties. 
• Considerations:
• Exercise caution as there are no lifeguards at La Pastora or San Pedrito. Los Cerritos may have volunteer lifeguards near the surf school, but it’s not guaranteed. 
• Mario Surf School is a renowned surf school that has been running for more than 15 years
• Pescadero 

The Best Surfboards

If you’re wondering how to choose the best surfboard, keep reading!  

If you’re getting started, remember that the number one tip for beginners is to avoid a shortboard. Who’s considered a beginner? If you’ve never surfed or surfed only a handful of times, then you’re a beginner. It’s possible to progress quickly, but as with most skilled pursuits “time on task” is the main factor towards progression.

As a beginner, you need a long, thick, wide surfboard. It will be easier to paddle into waves and stand up. A long, thick, and wide surfboard has more volume, which means it has more buoyancy. The added width gives you more stability, making it easier to pop up and stand. Plus longer boards are easier to catch waves with.

At ISLE, our Coronado is a soft top longboard that is a great surfboard that you can learn on and grow with. It’s 8’ long, lightweight, and portable. Your beginners board should be at least 1 foot taller than your height, or at least 2 feet taller than kids (aged 7-12). Soft-top surfboards are the best option for kids. 

If you’re more experienced, the Nugget is our high-performance soft-top shortboard with a quad-fin. It’s built for durability and power. This short but strong board (5’4”) helps riders surf down the line or on big open waves. The wider deck means it’s easy to maneuver, plus the shorter size means you can easily generate speed. It’s also lightweight at 9 lbs.

Finally, we have the Nomad, a soft top short surfboard that works for daily use or on the go. It’s a short board at 6’6” that weighs in only at 10 lb. It’s designed with a pulled-in thumb tail with full rails for easy paddling.

Tips for Surfing 

Remember that to have the most enjoyable surf session, ensure you prepare accordingly. Before heading out, read the local Surf Report For The Best Riding Experience and figure out The Best Time Of The Day To Surf. And if you’re new to surfing, we recommend following Surf Etiquette 101 so that you can be respectful of locals and make friends on the water.

If you’re a visual learner, check out our Surf Collection videos on YouTube to see our surfboard reviews and lessons on how to surf. 

Depending on the type of waves you’re surfing, check out How to Paddle Out in Big Surf or Everything You Need To Know About Surfing Small Waves.