Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Puerto Escondido is the "Mexican Pipeline"—a brutally powerful beach break on Oaxaca's Pacific coast that produces some of the heaviest closeout tubes outside of Pipeline itself. A deep offshore trench amplifies South Pacific swells, creating thick, grinding barrels over shallow sand. The wave is notoriously dangerous: hold-downs are severe, the closeouts are unforgiving, and the power is humbling. May through August delivers the biggest swells. The Zicatela strip offers cheap living, warm water, and world-class barrels for those brave enough.
🇲🇽 Mexican Pipeline • Closeout tubes of death • Heavy beach break power
Works best with swells from 185° (S). Workable range: 160°-220°.
Ideal size: 3.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 6m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
Peak season May-August. South Pacific swells + light offshore winds.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🌀 Strong rips, ⚠️ Shallow
Extremely powerful closeouts. Heavy hold-downs. Sand bottom but very shallow at low tide.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Todos Santos (Killers) is Mexico's answer to Jaws—a powerful right-hand point break on an island 8 miles off Ensenada that's been designated a World Surfing Reserve. An underwater canyon focuses swells to produce 40-60 foot waves that wall up and barrel. The wave is nicknamed "Killers" for good reason. Access requires a boat ride through often-rough conditions. When massive NW Pacific swells march down the coast in winter, Todos Santos delivers some of the best big wave surfing south of Mavericks.
💀 Mexican Jaws • World Surfing Reserve • Canyon-fueled giants
Works best with swells from 292° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-315°.
Ideal size: 12.2m. Too small below 6.1m, too big (closeout) above 18.3m.
Needs at least 18s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
90 minutes drive from TIJ airport. Requires boat access ($400/day).
Witch's Rock is Costa Rica's most famous wave—a perfect A-frame beach break inside Santa Rosa National Park that gained worldwide fame in Endless Summer II. Getting here requires either a boat trip or a rugged 4WD adventure through the park, adding to its mystique. The wave breaks in a stunning, pristine setting with dramatic rock formations and jungle backdrop. When Pacific swells pulse in, the peaks are hollow and perfectly formed. A bucket-list destination for adventure surfers.
🧙 Endless Summer II fame • Perfect A-frames • National park adventure
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
SW swell season April-Oct. Year-round waves.
Crocodiles in estuary. Remote location in Santa Rosa National Park.
Unknown minutes drive from LIR airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Boat from Playas del Coco. Also accessible via 4WD through national park.
Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica) is one of Central America's most consistent and powerful beach breaks—a 7km stretch of black sand that catches virtually every Pacific swell. The waves here are heavy and hollow, breaking with surprising intensity over shifting sandbars. It's just south of Jaco, making it easily accessible from San Jose. The beach hosts WSL events and has produced some of Costa Rica's best surfers. Powerful, punchy, and always working—this is Costa Rica's reliable beachbreak.
🇨🇷 Most consistent break • Heavy hollow tubes • Black sand power
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: morning.
Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
Pavones is one of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world—a legendary wave in remote southern Costa Rica that can run for 800+ meters when conditions align. Getting here requires a serious commitment (6+ hour drive from San Jose on rough roads), but the payoff is tropical perfection with jungle-clad hills as your backdrop. The wave needs long-period SW swells to really connect, and when it does, you'll understand why people relocate their lives to this tiny village.
🏄 World's longest left • 800m+ rides • Jungle point perfection
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-230°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Long-period S-SW swells. Rainy season best.
6hr drive from San Jose. Last 2hrs rough road.
Salsa Brava translates to "angry sauce," and this Caribbean reef break lives up to its name—the heaviest wave in Costa Rica. When N-NE groundswells hit the east coast during winter, Salsa Brava produces thick, powerful left-hand barrels over sharp coral reef. The setting is tropical and beautiful, but the consequences of mistakes are real. The local Afro-Caribbean vibe of Puerto Viejo adds to the experience. This is Caribbean surfing at its most intense.
🌶️ Spiciest wave in CR • Caribbean barrels • Sharp reef power
Works best with swells from 55° (NE). Workable range: 20°-100°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 150°-225°. Best window: morning.
Caribbean swell season Dec-Mar. N-NE groundswells.
Popoyo is Nicaragua's flagship surf destination—a reef break that catches virtually every SW swell and offers multiple peaks to choose from. The setup is perfect for a surf trip: consistent waves, warm water, offshore morning winds, and a growing infrastructure of surf camps and restaurants. The reef produces both left and right options, with the outer reef getting heavier and hollower. This is where Central American surf trips often begin and end.
🇳🇮 Nicaragua's best • Multi-peak reef • Year-round consistency
SW swell season. Offshore winds most mornings.
Sharp reef with urchins. Booties recommended.
Colorados is Nicaragua's answer to boat-access exclusivity—a perfect beachbreak on a remote island that's only accessible via boat from Las Penitas. The resort setup keeps crowds to a minimum while delivering pristine A-frame peaks in warm Pacific water. When SW swells pulse in, the sandbars light up with hollow, punchy waves that rival anything in Central America. Bull sharks patrol these waters, adding an edge to the adventure. Remote perfection.
🏝️ Remote island perfection • Resort exclusive • Empty A-frames
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Best in SW swell season. Boat access adds adventure.
Remote island setup. Bull sharks in area.
Unknown minutes drive from MGA airport. Requires boat access ($100/day).
Santa Catalina is Panama's premier surf destination—a long right-hand point break in a remote fishing village on the Pacific coast. The wave wraps around a rocky headland, offering multiple sections that can connect for rides of 200+ meters on the right swell. Getting here is an adventure (5+ hours from Panama City), but the sleepy village vibe, consistent waves, and proximity to Coiba National Park (world-class diving) make it worth the journey. Panama's best-kept surf secret.
🇵🇦 Panama's best wave • 200m rights • Remote fishing village
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-240°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Punta Roca is El Salvador's world-class gem—a long, peeling right-hand point break in La Libertad that has hosted WSL events and produced some of Central America's best surfers. The wave wraps around the rocky point, offering multiple sections and 200+ meter rides on the right swell. The local surf culture is strong and passionate, demanding respect in the lineup. SW swells pulse in consistently from March-October, making this one of Central America's most reliable destinations.
🇸🇻 El Salvador's crown • WSL-quality right • Strong local culture
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 330°-60°. Best window: morning.
March-October SW swell season. Consistent year-round.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦔 Urchins, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism
Rocky reef. Strong local surf culture. Respect the lineup.
El Paredón is Guatemala's emerging surf destination—a black volcanic sand beach on the remote Pacific coast that catches SW swells consistently from March-October. The fishing village is basic but charming, with a small but growing infrastructure of surf camps and local guides. The waves are fun and punchy, suitable for intermediates, with warm water and uncrowded lineups. For surfers looking to explore Central America beyond the usual destinations, El Paredón offers authentic adventure.
🇬🇹 Guatemala's best • Black sand adventure • Emerging destination
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-240°.
March-October SW swell season. Consistent beach breaks.
Black volcanic sand. Strong rips on bigger swells.
Remote fishing village. Basic infrastructure.
Playa Negra is Guanacaste's reef break crown jewel—a long, peeling left that offers some of the most consistent quality surf on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The wave breaks over a flat rock shelf, producing predictable, workable walls with occasional barreling sections that have drawn surfers to this dusty coastal outpost for decades. The take-off is defined and the wave peels with reliable rhythm, rewarding patient positioning and smooth rail work. Urchins patrol the reef and booties are advisable, but the tradeoff is waves that maintain their form even when nearby beach breaks blow out.
🖤 Guanacaste's premier left • Consistent reef quality • Urchin territory
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-250°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Year-round. Rainy season (May-Nov) often glassier mornings.
Sharp reef. Urchins common. Booties recommended.
Nosara has evolved into Costa Rica's yoga-and-surf mecca—a wellness-minded beach town where the mellow, consistent waves perfectly complement the morning vinyasa flow. The main breaks of Playa Guiones offer long stretches of forgiving beach break peaks, ideal for learning and longboarding, while better surfers find fun walls during larger swells. The vibe is decidedly New Age meets pura vida, with green juice stands and spiritual retreats lining the dusty roads. For those seeking warm water waves without the intensity, served with a side of holistic living, Nosara delivers exactly what it promises.
🧘 Yoga surf paradise • Mellow beach breaks • Pura vida wellness
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 40°-120°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Rainy season has bigger swells.
Malpais and its more famous neighbor Santa Teresa occupy the sun-baked southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a constellation of breaks that range from mellow beach break walls to punchy reef points. The main right-hand point at the southern end provides the region's most defined wave, reeling along rocky outcrops with occasional barrel sections. The area's remote location—accessible by rough roads or ferry—has cultivated a distinct bohemian surf culture. Development has arrived, but the consistent waves and spectacular sunsets continue to draw surfers seeking the quintessential Costa Rican surf village experience.
🌴 Nicoya Peninsula treasure • Point and beach mix • Bohemian surf vibes
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
Silverbacks is Bocas del Toro's heavy-hitting secret—a powerful left-hand reef break that comes alive when Caribbean swells push into Panama's island archipelago. Named for the gorilla-like power of its waves (and the bull sharks that occasionally patrol its waters), this is not a spot for the faint-hearted. When winter storms send energy through the Caribbean, Silverbacks transforms into a serious wave, demanding respect and rewarding commitment with thick, grinding barrels. The boat ride out adds to the adventure, passing through Bocas' reggae-tinged island paradise before arriving at something altogether more primal.
🦍 Caribbean power left • Shark territory • Bocas' best when on
Works best with swells from 350° (N). Workable range: 320°-30°.
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 140°-220°. Best window: morning.
November-March Caribbean swells. June-July can work.
Remote reef. Boat access. Sharks present.
Unknown minutes drive from BOC airport. Requires boat access ($50/day).
El Tunco is El Salvador's surf and party headquarters—a compact beach village where rocky point breaks meet a thriving nightlife scene. The main break wraps around a distinctive pig-shaped rock formation (hence the name), while the world-class right-hander of Punta Roca lies just down the coast. The town pulses with Central American energy, from budget surf hostels to beachside bars bumping music until dawn. El Salvador's consistent south swells and affordability have made it a backpacker favorite, and El Tunco sits at the heart of that discovery.
🐷 Pig rock namesake • Surf-party fusion • Punta Roca access
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-230°.
Offshore wind from 30° (NNE). Offshore range: 350°-70°. Best window: morning.
South swells March-October. Very consistent.
Rocky point. Gets crowded in town. Multiple breaks.
El Salvador surf hub. Many surf camps and hostels.
Santa Teresa is Costa Rica's open secret that's no longer much of a secret—a once-remote beach town that has blossomed into a world-class surf destination with the yoga studios and organic cafés to match. The consistent beach break peaks stretch for miles along the dusty main road, offering waves for all abilities with reliable year-round surf. The sunset sessions, with silhouettes of surfers against orange skies, have become iconic imagery. Development is transforming the area, but the waves remain as consistent as ever, drawing a continuous stream of surf travelers seeking pura vida perfection.
☀️ Pura vida showcase • Consistent beach peaks • Yoga surf fusion
Year-round waves. Bigger swells April-October.
Strong rips on bigger days. Growing crowds.
Nicoya Peninsula. Tambor airport closer. Beach town vibes.
Puerto Viejo is Costa Rica's Caribbean fever dream—a reggae-tinged beach town where the infamous Salsa Brava slab breaks over shallow coral with shocking power. This is not the mellow pura vida of the Pacific coast; Salsa Brava is one of Central America's heaviest waves, delivering thick, dredging barrels that have humbled many experienced surfers. The surrounding area offers gentler alternatives, but the main event is this brutal left that awakens when Caribbean swells pour in. The town's multicultural Afro-Caribbean vibe, combined with world-class slab surfing, creates an experience unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.
🌶️ Salsa Brava slab • Caribbean power • Reggae soul
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 40°-110°.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-310°. Best window: morning.
Very shallow reef at Salsa Brava. Experts only at peak.
Caribbean coast. Reggae vibes. Salsa Brava is the main break.
Playa Guiones is Nosara's main event—seven kilometers of consistent beach break peaks that have transformed this remote corner of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula into a world-renowned surf and yoga destination. The wave is endlessly forgiving, with soft walls perfect for longboarding and learning, yet capable of punchy peaks when larger swells arrive. The community that has grown around these waves blends wellness culture with surf stoke in a way that defines modern tropical surf travel. Consistent, warm, beautiful, and welcoming—Guiones delivers exactly what it promises.
🌅 7km of beach break • Yoga surf fusion • Costa Rica consistency
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 250°-330°.
Year-round. Green season (May-Nov) bigger swells.
Gentle waves. Beginner friendly. Some rips on bigger days.
2hrs from Liberia airport. Scenic drive through jungle.
La Punta is Puerto Escondido's friendly alternative—a mellow left-hand point break at the southern end of the beach, offering an escape from the Mexican Pipeline's terrifying power. While Zicatela punishes, La Punta rewards with long, workable walls perfect for progressing surfers and those seeking a more relaxed session. The point catches the same swells but refracts them into something far more approachable. The hipster-friendly neighborhood behind the break adds café culture and boutique accommodation to the mix. For those who want the Puerto lifestyle without the Puerto beatdowns, La Punta delivers.
↙️ Zicatela's gentle twin • Mellow left point • Puerto without the punishment
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-230°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 20° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-60°. Best window: morning.
SW swell season May-October. Gentler than Zicatela.
Much friendlier than Zicatela. Some rocks at point.
10min from Puerto Escondido airport. Walk from Zicatela.
Playa Maderas is Nicaragua's most beloved intermediate wave—a fun beach break near San Juan del Sur that has become the heart of the country's growing surf scene. The wave offers consistent left and right peaks that work for all skill levels, from beginners finding their feet to experienced surfers looking for playful sessions. The vibe here is pure Central American warmth: sunset sessions, beachfront bars, and a community of international travelers who've discovered Nicaragua's incredible value proposition. When the southwest swells pump from April through October, Maderas delivers daily surfable conditions at a fraction of Costa Rica's prices.
🇳🇮 Nicaragua's heart • Consistent peaks • Budget surf paradise
SW swell season April-October. Consistent beach break.
Strong rips on bigger swells. Otherwise beginner friendly.
Near San Juan del Sur. Easy beach access.
Playa Santana is Popoyo's quieter neighbor—a quality beach break that offers the same consistent southwest swells without the crowds that have discovered the famous point. The wave provides excellent intermediate-level surfing on sandbars that shift with the seasons but remain reliable throughout the swell season. While others jostle for position at Popoyo, savvy surfers slip over to Santana and find space to spread out. The uncrowded nature is part of the appeal, as is the genuine local community that hasn't yet been transformed by tourism. This is what Nicaragua surf travel felt like before the crowds arrived.
🏄 Popoyo's secret • Uncrowded quality • Pre-boom vibes
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 185°-255°.
Offshore wind from 50° (NE). Offshore range: 10°-90°. Best window: morning.
Consistent SW swells. Less crowded than Popoyo.
Playa Remanso is Central America's safest beginner wave—a sheltered bay south of San Juan del Sur that catches smaller swells and transforms them into gentle, rolling walls perfect for first-time surfers. The wave is so forgiving that multiple surf schools have made this their home, introducing hundreds of newcomers to surfing each season. The protected nature of the bay means minimal hazards: no rocks, no strong currents, just warm water and consistent small waves. For families or nervous beginners, Remanso removes every excuse not to try surfing. The dirt road access adds just enough adventure to make it feel like discovery.
👶 Beginner paradise • Sheltered bay • Zero hazards
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-235°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
SW swell season. Protected bay catches smaller swells.
South of San Juan del Sur. Dirt road access.
Manzanillo is Nicaragua's serious point break—a quality right-hander near Maderas that needs solid swell to turn on but rewards patience with long, workable walls over rocky reef. While the neighboring beach breaks work on any swell, Manzanillo requires size and period to show its true character. When conditions align, the wave offers one of the region's better point break experiences: defined takeoff zone, predictable walls, and enough length to really open up. The rocks and reef sections demand respect, but competent surfers will find this a welcome step up from the beginner-friendly alternatives.
🪨 Quality right point • Needs size • Nicaragua step-up
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-240°.
Offshore wind from 60° (ENE). Offshore range: 20°-100°. Best window: morning.
Needs solid SW swell. Best in peak season.
Near Popoyo. Private resort or boat access.
The Boom is Nicaragua's most celebrated barrel—a world-class A-frame beachbreak that has been likened to a miniature Puerto Escondido for its hollow, dredging peaks and startling consistency. Pioneered in the late 1990s, this wave earns its namesake season after season as Northern Nicaragua's premier tube-riding destination. The outside canyon magnetizes swells and creates textbook barrels that break close to shore, making it nearly impossible not to score a tube on a good day. Normal surfers get the wave of their lives here—just be ready for the power and the consequences.
⚡ Mini Puerto Escondido • World-class tubes • Nicaragua's best barrel
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 45°-120°. Best window: morning.
SW swell season. Best March-October. Offshore 300+ days/year.
Heavy barrels with powerful closeouts. Strong rips on big days.
Chancletas Beach Resort area. 4WD recommended.
Puerto Sandino is Nicaragua's ultimate long left—a 300-yard ride that ranks among the longest waves in Central America when solid SSW swell arrives. The wave starts in front of a large rivermouth and peels down a mixed sand and reef bottom, offering barrel sections and wally walls throughout its extraordinary length. The magic size is around 8-10 feet on the face, where the wave truly comes alive. Boat access is highly recommended since the takeoff zone sits almost half a mile from shore. When conditions align, this is Central American perfection—long, powerful, and nearly empty.
🏄 300-yard rides • Nicaragua's longest • Boat access perfection
Ideal size: 2.6m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs solid SSW swell. Best 8-10ft. Incoming tide ideal.
Boat access recommended. Rock/reef sections along ride.
90 minutes drive from MGA airport. Requires boat access ($75/day).
Boat from rivermouth. Half-mile paddle otherwise.
Miramar Point is Northern Nicaragua's accessible quality left—a point break near León that offers consistent waves and multiple nearby breaks to explore. The wave itself provides workable walls over rocky reef, while the surrounding area includes Pipes (hollow beachbreak), Shacks (fast hollow left), and various other setups. Thanks to the Lake Nicaragua wind corridor, the area enjoys predominantly offshore winds year-round. The growing surf camp scene here offers an alternative to the southern Emerald Coast crowds while delivering similarly consistent conditions.
🏔️ Northern Nicaragua gem • Multi-break zone • Offshore wind corridor
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 185°-250°.
Offshore wind from 75° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-120°. Best window: morning.
Consistent SW swells. Offshore wind corridor from Lake Nicaragua.
Rocky point with reef sections. Booties recommended.
Near León. Multiple breaks in area including Pipes and Shacks.
Pipes is the hollow beachbreak gem in the Miramar zone—a wave that lives up to its name with dredging barrels on both the rights and lefts. The rights wedge up from the takeoff zone and break over mostly sand bottom, while the peeling lefts break over reef and demand more respect. When conditions align, Pipes gets very hollow and fast, especially on falling mid-tide or incoming low. The wave sits just up the beach from Miramar Point, making it easy to move between breaks and maximize your session.
🔥 Hollow tubes • Wedging rights • Northern Nicaragua barrel
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 195°-260°.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 15s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 40°-125°. Best window: morning.
Best on falling mid-tide and incoming low. SW swell season.
The left breaks over reef. Can be shallow.
Up the beach from Miramar Point. Walk or short drive.
Poneloya is Northern Nicaragua's gateway wave—a forgiving point break near León city that introduces countless travelers to the country's exceptional surf scene. The wave works on smaller swells and all tides, providing consistent conditions for beginners and intermediates throughout the long season. Unlike the more isolated breaks further south, Poneloya sits in an actual beach town with local restaurants, accommodations, and genuine Nicaraguan culture. This is where León residents escape to the beach on weekends, creating an authentic atmosphere that tourist-focused zones sometimes lack.
🌴 León's beach • Beginner paradise • Local beach culture
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 185°-255°.
Very consistent. Works on smaller swells. Year-round surfable.
Easy access from León city. Local beach town atmosphere.
El Transito is Nicaragua's exposed beachbreak discovery—an open-coast wave that picks up swell when other spots remain flat and delivers raw, uncrowded surf in a basic fishing village setting. The wave requires minimal swell to turn on thanks to its position on the coast, making it a reliable backup option during smaller periods. The atmosphere is pure rural Nicaragua: no fancy resorts, no surf camps, just local fishermen and the occasional traveling surfer who knows where to look. This is what surf exploration felt like before the crowds discovered Central America.
🎣 Fishing village vibes • Exposed swell magnet • Raw Nicaragua
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 185°-260°.
Offshore wind from 85° (E). Offshore range: 45°-130°. Best window: morning.
Exposed location. Works on minimal swell. Consistent.
Strong rips on bigger days. Open beach exposure.
Dirt road from León area. Basic fishing village.
Masachapa is Nicaragua's authentic local surf scene—a fishing village south of the resort zone where Nicaraguan surfers gather on weekends to escape Managua and ride consistent beachbreak peaks. The wave quality matches nearby Montelimar, but the atmosphere couldn't be more different: this is working-class Nicaragua, with fresh-caught seafood, cold beer, and a community that's been surfing here for decades. For travelers wanting to experience Nicaraguan surf culture rather than the international backpacker scene, Masachapa delivers genuine local flavor.
🇳🇮 Local surf culture • Fishing village • Authentic Nicaragua
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-245°.
Offshore wind from 65° (ENE). Offshore range: 25°-105°. Best window: morning.
Consistent. Local Nicaraguan surf scene.
Standard beachbreak rips on bigger days.
Fishing village south of Montelimar. Local scene.
Panga Drops is the Emerald Coast's swell magnet—a deep water reef break that catches and amplifies swell when other spots remain small. The wave offers long rides with wide open faces and a softer character than the nearby heavy reefs, making it excellent for progressive surfing rather than pure barrel hunting. Boat access via panga (local fishing boat) is required, which adds adventure while keeping crowds manageable. When the southwest pulse arrives, Panga Drops provides some of the most consistent quality surf in the entire region.
🚤 Swell magnet • Long rides • Boat access adventure
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 185°-260°.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 17s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 55° (NE). Offshore range: 15°-95°. Best window: morning.
Deep water reef magnifies swell. Works all season.
Deep reef. Bull sharks in area. Boat access.
115 minutes drive from MGA airport. Requires boat access ($40/day).
Panga (boat) access from Popoyo area. Multiple operators.
Popoyo Outer Reef is Central America's legitimate big wave spot—a heavy left reef break that only shows its true form on solid southwest swells and transforms into Nicaragua's most challenging wave. While the inner reefs entertain intermediate surfers, the outer reef lurks offshore waiting for the big pulse. When it arrives, the wave jacks up over shallow reef and delivers long, powerful left barrels with serious consequences. This is not for the casual traveler—it's for experienced big wave surfers seeking Central America's heaviest wave.
⚡ Big wave Nicaragua • Central America's heaviest • Expert only
Ideal size: 3.5m. Too small below 2m, too big (closeout) above 5m.
Needs significant swell. Peak season only. Expert conditions.
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, ⚠️ Shallow, 🦈 Sharks
Heavy reef break. Long holddowns possible. Boat access.
120 minutes drive from MGA airport. Requires boat access ($50/day).
Boat access only. Serious big wave spot.
Lance's Left is the Emerald Coast's most accessible long left—a point break that provides 200+ yard rides on bigger swells and welcomes surfers of all skill levels. Unlike the heavy reef breaks nearby, Lance's is more forgiving and less barrel-prone, making it ideal for longboarders and intermediate surfers wanting to work on their rail game. The wave peels consistently down the point, offering multiple sections and plenty of time to set up turns. This is where you come when you want length over intensity, making it a perfect counterpoint to the region's heavier options.
🏄 200-yard rides • All skill levels • Emerald Coast longboard wave
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 195°-265°.
Consistent left point. Good for all season.
Part of Emerald Coast. Near Popoyo area.
Playgrounds is Nicaragua's version of Trestles—a cobblestone-bottom break that delivers rippable, open-face waves perfect for high-performance surfing and skill progression. The wave favors mostly lefts with barrel sections inside, but the real appeal is the workable walls that let you practice turns without the heavy consequences of the nearby reef breaks. For surfers wanting to progress their shortboard game in warm water with consistent conditions, Playgrounds provides the ideal training ground. This is where you come to work on your surfing, not just survive it.
🏋️ Nicaragua's Trestles • Progression paradise • Rippable walls
115 minutes drive from MGA airport. Requires boat access ($30/day).
Playa Hermosa is Nicaragua's best kept secret—a powerful beachbreak south of San Juan del Sur that features lots of peaks, long walls, and enough space to spread out even when it's pumping. The privately maintained access road keeps casual visitors away while delivering surfers to one of the longest beaches in the area. During swell season, Hermosa can get BIG, with double-overhead days that challenge even experienced surfers. The multiple peaks mean you can always find an uncrowded section, whether you want the heaviest barrel or a more forgiving wall.
🤫 Best kept secret • Powerful beach break • Uncrowded perfection
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-245°.
Most consistent in region. Can get big during peak season.
Strong rips on bigger swells. Long beach means space.
Private access road. Small fee. Worth it.
Playa Amarillo is Nicaragua's empty wave—an untouched beachbreak that delivers fun sand-bottom peaks to surfers willing to venture off the beaten path. The beach offers multiple takeoff zones, with a shallow reef section at the south end providing an alternative when you want something different. While the more famous spots in the region collect crowds, Amarillo remains blissfully overlooked. Minimal development means you'll likely share waves only with the occasional local or fellow explorer who discovered this quiet stretch of coast.
🏖️ Empty perfection • Untouched beach • Off the radar
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-240°.
Uncrowded beach break. Shallow reef at south end.
Shallow reef section at south end of beach.
Near Playa Gigante. Walk from Hacienda Iguana.
Shacks is Northern Nicaragua's most challenging wave—a very fast, well-shaped left that breaks over sharp reef and can get extremely hollow when conditions align. The wave doesn't work well at low tide, where it sections out and gets dangerously shallow, but mid-to-high tide transforms it into a world-class barrel. This is the most difficult wave in the Miramar area when it's pumping, but also the most rewarding—surfers who can handle the speed and power will find some of the best tubes in Central America. Not for the faint of heart.
⚡ Sharp reef barrel • Expert only • Northern Nicaragua's heaviest
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 190°-255°.
Best mid-to-high tide. Sections out at low. SW swell season.
Sharp reef. Very shallow at low tide. Expert wave when pumping.
Astillero is Nicaragua's powerful rivermouth discovery—a hollow beachbreak in a fishing village that can hold waves up to 8 feet and beyond. The river constantly replenishes the sandbars, creating hollow peaks with rights typically outperforming lefts. The wave is known for its hollow barrels, double-overhead days, and point break sections that demand experienced surfers. What makes Astillero special is the combination of quality waves and authentic Nicaragua: no crowds, warm water, a working fishing village, and perfect conditions when the swell hits. 4WD access adds to the adventure.
🎣 Hollow rivermouth • Double overhead potential • Fishing village gem
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Rivermouth replenishes sandbars. Best low-mid tide.
Strong rips on big days. 4WD access recommended.
Fishing village on Carazo/Rivas border. 4WD to the point.
Chacocente is Nicaragua's wildest surf setting—a quick, hollow beachbreak located inside a protected wildlife reserve that's also one of the world's most important Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting beaches. The wave offers barreling lefts and rights on a sandy bottom, surrounded by lush jungle and towering cliffs. With offshore winds grooming the waves 300 days a year and virtually no crowds, this is as close to surfing in paradise as it gets. The remote location means boat access is recommended, especially during rainy season when the dirt roads become challenging.
🐢 Wildlife reserve • Zero crowds • Jungle barrel paradise
Offshore 300 days/year. Best low-mid tide. Wildlife reserve.
Dirt road access dicey in rainy season. Boat access recommended.
Inside Chacocente Wildlife Refuge. Boat access recommended rainy season.
Asuchillo is Nicaragua's most consistent beachbreak—a world-class wave that hosted the 2024 ALAS Pro Tour and delivers reliable surf nearly year-round. Two rivers flow into the ocean here, carving out perfect sand plateaus that shape excellent waves. The spot sits just north of the main Lake Nicaragua wind corridor, so dawn sessions before the winds pick up are essential. When a south swell combines with offshore ENE winds, Asuchillo produces the kind of friendly, well-formed waves that work for everyone from beginners to pros looking for a fun session.
🏆 ALAS Pro venue • Year-round consistency • River-shaped perfection
Year-round consistency. Best at dawn before winds. S swell with E-ENE offshore.
Big Corn Island is Nicaragua's Caribbean surf frontier—a remote island 70km offshore where coral reef breaks come alive during the rainy season and tropical storm activity. The east coast faces the open Caribbean and needs east to northeast swell (45°-135°) to produce surfable waves, which occurs during sustained trade wind periods, tropical storms, or winter cold fronts pushing NE swell. While not as consistent as the Pacific coast, the reward is empty tropical perfection: crystal-clear water, uncrowded lineups, and the adventure of surfing Nicaragua's forgotten coast. Serious surf exploration.
🏝️ Caribbean frontier • Tropical storm swells • Empty reef breaks
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 45°-135°.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 225°-315°. Best window: morning.
Rainy season (May-Oct) brings best waves. NE winter swells secondary. Needs E-ENE Caribbean swell or tropical storm activity.
Coral reef breaks. Sharp and shallow. Remote island 70km offshore.
Fly to Corn Island Airport (RNI) from Managua. East coast reef breaks.
Little Corn Island is the ultimate off-grid surf adventure—a car-free Caribbean island where the rugged east coast transforms into dramatic surf when east-northeast swells (30°-130°) arrive from tropical storms or sustained trade winds. The island has no motor vehicles, so you'll walk everywhere through jungle paths to reach the breaks. Consistency is low, but when conditions align during peak rainy season (July-August), you'll surf empty reef breaks in crystal-clear Caribbean water with zero crowds. This isn't a surf trip destination—it's a tropical island escape that occasionally delivers waves.
🚶 Car-free paradise • Caribbean adventure • Tropical isolation
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 30°-130°.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 11s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 220°-320°. Best window: morning.
Peak rainy season (July-Aug) best. Needs sustained E-NE Caribbean swell. Very inconsistent.
🪸 Sharp reef, ⚠️ Shallow, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Coral reef. No motor vehicles on island—walk everywhere. Very remote.
Unknown minutes drive from RNI airport. Requires boat access ($15/day).
Fly to Big Corn (RNI), then panga boat to Little Corn. No vehicles on island.
Sunzal is El Salvador's gateway wave—a mellow right-hand point break that has introduced countless surfers to Central American surf travel. The wave is almost impossibly friendly: long, peeling walls that forgive poor positioning and reward persistence. Multiple surf camps have grown up around this reliability, creating a community of learners and improvers who return year after year. The rocky bottom demands awareness, and crowds during peak season can test patience, but for intermediate surfers seeking warm water and consistent waves, Sunzal remains one of the region's best-value propositions.
🇸🇻 El Salvador gateway • Mellow right • Surf camp central
Offshore wind from 15° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-60°. Best window: morning.
South swell season March-October. Very consistent.
Rocky bottom. Gets crowded with surf schools.
Easy access from La Libertad coast road.
El Zonte is where surf culture meets the future—better known as Bitcoin Beach, this fun beach break gained global fame as the first community to adopt Bitcoin as currency, turning a sleepy surf town into an international phenomenon. But beyond the cryptocurrency headlines lies a genuinely good wave: consistent beach break peaks with point break options, warm water, and a growing community of digital nomads who've discovered you can work remotely, surf daily, and pay for everything in satoshis. The intersection of surf stoke and financial innovation creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Central America.
₿ Bitcoin Beach • Crypto meets surf • Future of travel
Offshore wind from 20° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-70°. Best window: morning.
Consistent beach break. Year-round surf.
Some rocks at the point. Bitcoin Beach famous for crypto adoption.
Famous Bitcoin Beach. Growing surf community.
La Bocana is El Salvador's serious reef option—a hollow right-hander near the Guatemalan border that delivers genuine barrel potential when solid south swells light up its shallow reef. While the La Libertad zone crowds fight over every wave, La Bocana rewards the drive west with quality peaks and far fewer surfers. The reef is shallow and unforgiving, with urchins adding consequence to every wipeout, but experienced surfers seeking tubes in Central America will find this among the region's most underrated waves. Booties are advisable, confidence mandatory.
🦔 Hollow reef rights • Border country • Urchin territory
Offshore wind from 30° (NNE). Offshore range: 350°-80°. Best window: morning.
Needs solid S-SW swell. Hollow on the right days.
Shallow reef. Urchins. Not for beginners.
Western El Salvador near Guatemala border.
Km 59 is El Salvador's quality point break—a right-hander named for its marker on the coastal highway that delivers long, workable walls when solid south swells arrive. The wave is a step up from the mellower options nearby, requiring more commitment but rewarding with walls that allow real performance surfing. The local crew has earned respect in these waters, and visitors who approach with appropriate etiquette will find warm welcomes and lineup tips. The rocky point demands awareness, but for intermediate-plus surfers, Km 59 offers one of the region's best point break experiences.
📍 Highway marker classic • Quality right • Local crew
Needs bigger S-SW swells. Quality when it works.
Rocky point. Local surfers. Respect the lineup.
Named for kilometer marker on coastal highway.
Sipacate is Guatemala's emerging surf destination—a consistent beach break on volcanic black sand that captures the southwest swells powering through Central America while remaining blissfully uncrowded. The wave is powerful for a beach break, with sandbars that create punchy peaks capable of genuine force. The growing scene here attracts pioneers who appreciate the authenticity of pre-development surf travel: basic facilities, genuine local culture, and the excitement of waves that few have ridden. For travelers willing to venture beyond the established destinations, Sipacate offers Central America as it used to be.
🇬🇹 Guatemala pioneer • Black sand power • Pre-development discovery
Offshore wind from 10° (N). Offshore range: 330°-60°. Best window: morning.
SW swell season. Black volcanic sand beach.
Strong rips on bigger swells. Powerful beach break.
Between El Paredon and Iztapa. Basic facilities.
Iztapa is Guatemala's off-the-beaten-path option—a fishing village better known for world-class sailfish than surf, where an uncrowded beach break rewards those willing to venture away from the mainstream. The wave receives the same south swells as neighboring spots but draws virtually no crowds, offering the rare experience of empty lineups in Central America. The fishing town atmosphere provides an authentic glimpse of Guatemalan coastal life, while river mouth sandbars create shifting peaks that change with the seasons. For adventurous travelers seeking solitude, Iztapa delivers.
🐟 Fishing town surf • Sailfish country • True solitude
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 165°-235°.
Offshore wind from 15° (NNE). Offshore range: 330°-70°. Best window: morning.
Consistent south swells. Also famous for sailfish.
River mouth area. Some debris after rains.
Fishing village. Mostly used for sportfishing but has surf.
Playa Venao is Panama's surf capital—a consistent beach break on the Azuero Peninsula that has grown from sleepy fishing village to the country's most developed surf destination. The wave offers year-round consistency with southwest swells peaking through the rainy season, while the growing infrastructure of surf camps, hostels, and beach bars creates a complete travel experience. The six-hour drive from Panama City is worth it for surfers seeking warm water, uncrowded waves (by Costa Rican standards), and a scene that still maintains its laid-back character. This is Central American surf travel with Panamanian flair.
🇵🇦 Panama's surf capital • Azuero Peninsula • Growing scene
Year-round waves. SW swells peak May-November.
Strong currents when big. Otherwise mellow.
6hr drive from Panama City. Growing beach town.
Cambutal is Panama's wild card—a remote beach break beyond Venao that attracts surfers seeking bigger waves and genuine solitude. The seven-hour drive from Panama City filters out casual visitors, leaving the lineup to dedicated travelers who appreciate eco-lodges over beach bars and empty peaks over convenience. The wave is more exposed than Venao, catching more swell and producing larger, more powerful surf. The remoteness demands commitment but delivers the kind of uncrowded experience that has become rare in Central America. This is where Panama's surf frontier begins.
🏕️ Wild Panama • Seven hours from city • Frontier surfing
Offshore wind from 35° (NE). Offshore range: 350°-90°. Best window: morning.
SW swell season. More exposed than Venao.
7hr drive from Panama City. Off the beaten path.
Isla Grande is Panama's Caribbean secret—a reef break on the country's north coast that needs north swells to activate but rewards the right conditions with crystal-clear water and quality left-handers over shallow reef. Most visitors know this island as a weekend escape from Panama City for snorkeling and beaches, but a small community of surfers monitors winter swells from the North Atlantic. The boat ride from historic Portobelo adds adventure, while the island's laid-back atmosphere provides the perfect counterpoint to the Pacific coast's more consistent surf scene.
🏝️ Caribbean gem • North swell needed • Crystal clear
Works best with swells from 20° (NNE). Workable range: 350°-60°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
120 minutes drive from PTY airport. Requires boat access ($30/day).
Boat from Portobelo. Weekend getaway from Panama City.
Tamarindo is Costa Rica's most famous surf town—a once-sleepy fishing village transformed into an international beach destination where surf schools outnumber restaurants and the lineup can resemble a lesson plan. The wave itself is a friendly beach break perfect for beginners, with year-round warmth and consistent small to medium swells. The crowds are real, but so is the infrastructure: quality rentals, professional instruction, and a vibrant nightlife that makes this the most complete surf town experience in Central America. For first-time visitors to Costa Rica, Tamarindo provides a soft landing.
🌴 CR's famous town • Beginner paradise • Complete package
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Very crowded. Many surf schools. Strong rips.
Main tourist surf town. Easy access everywhere.
Playa Avellanas is Tamarindo's cooler cousin—a quality beach break famous for Lola's restaurant and the curious spectacle of pigs wandering the beach. The wave is a noticeable step up from Tamarindo's beginner-friendly peaks, with more power and better shape that attracts intermediate surfers seeking progression without the crowds. The dirt road access filters out day-trippers, preserving a more authentic vibe than the tourist strip. When larger swells arrive, "Little Hawaii" (the main peak) produces genuinely impressive waves that have hosted professional contests.
🐷 Beach pigs fame • Lola's legendary • Quality upgrade
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Year-round. Bigger swells in rainy season.
Moderate rips. Less crowded than Tamarindo.
Dirt road from main highway. Famous Lola's beach bar.
Playa Grande is Costa Rica's conservation success story—a powerful beach break within Las Baulas National Park, protected as one of the world's most important leatherback turtle nesting sites. The wave doesn't care about its ecological significance, producing hollow, powerful peaks that can humble surfers used to the region's mellower options. The turtle sanctuary means restricted beach access during nesting season, but also means the beach has been preserved from the development that transformed neighboring areas. Surfing here feels like participating in something larger than just riding waves.
🐢 Turtle sanctuary • Powerful hollow • Conservation surf
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 195°-265°.
Offshore wind from 85° (E). Offshore range: 45°-125°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Turtle nesting reserve - respect regulations.
Strong rips. Leatherback turtle nesting area.
Las Baulas National Park. Respect turtle nesting season.
Dominical is Costa Rica's wild southern showcase—a powerful beach break backed by primary jungle where humpback whales pass offshore during their annual migration. The wave doesn't mess around: heavy lips, strong rips, and a reputation for humbling those who underestimate its power. This is not a beginner beach, despite what some tourists discover the hard way. The jungle setting creates a mystical atmosphere, with toucans and monkeys providing the soundtrack and the kind of dramatic tropical scenery that defines postcard Costa Rica. Come prepared for a workout.
🐋 Whale watching waves • Jungle power • Not for beginners
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-245°.
Powerful beach break. Strong rips. Not for beginners.
Matapalo is Costa Rica's wild frontier—a remote reef break near the Osa Peninsula where Corcovado National Park holds 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. The six-hour drive from San Jose filters out anyone not fully committed, leaving the lineup to adventurous surfers who understand that shark activity and remote medical access are real considerations. The reef produces quality waves when solid swells arrive, but the experience is about more than surfing: scarlet macaws overhead, jungle reaching to the waterline, and the knowledge that you're riding waves in one of Earth's most biologically intense locations.
🦜 Corcovado wilderness • Remote reef • Biodiversity hotspot
6hr drive. Near Corcovado National Park.
Playa Cocles is Costa Rica's Caribbean alternative—a mellow beach break south of Puerto Viejo that offers a friendlier option when nearby Salsa Brava is pumping and intimidating. The wave works on the same northeast groundswells but breaks with less intensity, making it accessible to intermediate surfers and those who prefer fun over fear. The Caribbean coast's distinct vibe—reggae culture, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and a more relaxed pace—provides a refreshing contrast to the Pacific side's busier surf scene. Winter is prime season, but summer swells can surprise.
🎶 Caribbean mellow • Salsa Brava alternative • Reggae vibes
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 45°-120°.
Caribbean swell season. NE groundswells.
Mellow beach break. Good for all levels.
South of Puerto Viejo. Easier than Salsa Brava.
Tela is Honduras' most accessible surf destination—a Caribbean beach break that receives north swells during winter months and provides a rare opportunity to surf in a country better known for diving and ruins. The wave is beginner-friendly, with gentle peaks that won't punish mistakes, making it perfect for those seeking a cultural experience that happens to include waves. The nearby Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Garifuna villages add depth to any trip, while the uncrowded lineups offer a glimpse of Central American surf travel before the boom.
🇭🇳 Honduras surf • Caribbean discovery • Cultural depth
Works best with swells from 30° (NNE). Workable range: 0°-70°.
Generally mellow. Some rips when bigger.
Caribbean coast. Near Lancetilla Botanical Garden.
Zicatela is Mexico's most famous wave and one of the heaviest beach breaks on the planet. Known as the Mexican Pipeline, it produces massive, thick-lipped barrels that break over a steep sandy bottom with violent force. When solid south swells hit during the summer months, Zicatela transforms into a world-class barrel factory that attracts the best tube riders on earth. The wave is not for the faint of heart—wipeouts here are legendary, and the power of the closeouts has ended many careers.
🔥 Mexican Pipeline • World's heaviest beach break • Massive summer barrels
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-220°.
Ideal size: 3.9m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 6m.
Offshore wind from 22° (NNE). Offshore range: 0°-45°. Best window: morning.
Peak season May-October when Southern Hemisphere swells hit. Best waves April-September.
🌀 Strong rips, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 👥 Crowded, ⚠️ Shallow
One of the heaviest beach breaks in the world. Extremely powerful closeouts. Not for beginners.
Easy beach access from town. Multiple entry points along the beach.
Killers at Isla Todos Santos is the West Coast's answer to Mavericks and Jaws—a world-class big wave spot where underwater canyons focus and amplify winter swells to terrifying proportions. Located on a small island 12 miles off Ensenada, the wave can hold faces of 60+ feet when the right storm tracks send massive NW swells down the coast. The remote location, cold water, and extreme power make this a proving ground for elite big wave surfers only.
⚡ West Coast big wave mecca • Canyon-amplified giants • Boat access only
This is a big wave break, breaking right.
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-310°.
Ideal size: 11.3m. Too small below 4.5m, too big (closeout) above 18m.
Offshore wind from 112° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-135°. Best window: morning.
Winter NW swells. Needs large swell to break properly.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🦈 Sharks, 🪨 Rocks
Boat access only. Cold water. Massive waves. Underwater canyon amplifies swell.
60 minutes drive from TIJ airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Boat from Ensenada required. 30-minute boat ride to island.
Barra de la Cruz is a world-class right point break that put Mexico's Oaxacan coast on the global surfing map when it hosted a Rip Curl Search event. The wave starts with a dredging barrel section at the top that spits surfers into long, rippable walls perfect for carving turns. When solid south swells line up, the wave offers 200+ meter rides and machine-like perfection. The small fishing village atmosphere adds to the raw, authentic surf trip experience.
👑 World-class right point • Rip Curl Search venue • Dredging barrels to long walls
Works best with swells from 185° (S). Workable range: 170°-200°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 270°-340°. Best window: morning.
Best during southern swell season. World-class conditions April-October.
Rocky point entry. Remote location. Bring supplies.
Dirt road access to small fishing village. Basic accommodations available.
Scorpion Bay is one of surfing's legendary destinations—a remote desert point break system where rides can connect for over 2 kilometers on the right swell. Third Point is considered the crown jewel of the seven-point setup, offering the best combination of length and quality. The wave peels endlessly over cobblestones, with enough push to keep you gliding while being forgiving enough for surfers of all abilities. The isolation and raw beauty of the Baja desert only add to the magic.
🏜️ Legendary 7-point system • 2km rides possible • Desert perfection
Works best with swells from 197° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-215°.
Offshore wind from 292° (WNW). Offshore range: 270°-315°. Best window: morning.
Summer south swells. Remote desert location.
Very remote. Bring all supplies. No services for miles.
Long drive from San Jose del Cabo (8+ hours). Basic camping at point.
Pascuales is Mexico's other world-class heavy beach break, rivaling Puerto Escondido for raw power and barrel quality. The wave breaks over a steep sand bottom that creates thick, heavy barrels that can reach triple overhead on solid swells. The takeoff zone is known for its violence—massive A-frames that detonate with board-snapping power. Less crowded than Zicatela but equally consequential, Pascuales is a proving ground for experienced tube riders.
⚡ Mexico's other heavy beach break • Massive A-frames • Board-snapping power
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-240°.
Ultra-heavy beach break. Strong currents. Not for beginners.
Beach access from small village. Basic accommodations nearby.
San Miguel is the birthplace of Mexican surf culture, a long right point that has been drawing surfers south of the border since the 1960s. The wave offers hollow, tapered rights that have been compared to a colder version of Rincon or Trestles. When winter NW swells light it up, the point comes alive with long walls and workable sections that reward both tube riding and power surfing. Its accessibility from Tijuana makes it the gateway wave to Baja surf exploration.
🇲🇽 Birthplace of Mexican surf • Trestles-like rights • Winter NW swells
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.6m.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 60°-120°. Best window: morning.
Rocky entry. Can get crowded on good swells.
Easy access from highway. Parking at the point.
Punta Conejo is one of Mexico's most remote and rewarding waves—a world-class right point hidden along the wild Oaxacan coastline. When south swells hit with the right direction, the point produces 300-500 meter rides that peel with mechanical perfection over rocks and reef. The journey to get there is part of the adventure, requiring either a boat trip or a long, rough drive through rural Mexico. Those who make the effort are rewarded with empty lineups and pristine waves.
🏝️ Remote world-class right • 500m rides • True adventure surf
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 165°-195°.
Ideal size: 1.5m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Summer south swells. Very remote location.
Very remote. Boat or long drive required. Bring all supplies.
Long dirt road or boat access. Very remote.
Rio Nexpa is one of Mexico's premier left point breaks, a long cobblestone rivermouth wave that lights up with SW swells. The wave offers occasionally barreling sections combined with long, workable walls that allow for extended rides. The small surf village that has grown up around the break maintains a laid-back vibe, making it a popular destination for surfers looking to escape crowds while still finding quality waves. When it's on, Nexpa delivers some of the best lefts in mainland Mexico.
🌊 Mexico's best left point • Cobblestone perfection • Rivermouth magic
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 200°-230°.
Summer swells. Rivermouth creates excellent sandbars.
Cobblestone bottom. Strong currents near river.
Small surf village with basic accommodations.
Las Islitas in Matanchen Bay holds the Guinness World Record for the world's longest rideable wave at 5,700 feet. When conditions align—typically needing a large, long-period south swell—the wave can connect through multiple points for rides lasting several minutes. While jetty construction has altered the wave somewhat, it still offers the potential for extraordinarily long rides on the right day. The wave is mellow and forgiving, making those marathon rides accessible to surfers of various skill levels.
🏆 World's longest wave record • 5,700 ft rides • Mellow endless walls
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 170°-190°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 17s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 30°-60°. Best window: morning.
Needs specific long-period south swell. Rare but epic.
Very long paddle. Mosquitoes in jungle areas.
Drive to San Blas, then to bay. Basic town accommodations.
La Ticla is a quality left point break on the Michoacan coast that gets hollow and powerful when south swells light it up. The wave breaks over a cobblestone reef near a rivermouth, offering long rides with barrel sections on the bigger days. The small village has a growing surf community but maintains a mellow, off-the-beaten-path vibe. It's an excellent option for surfers looking for quality lefts without the crowds of more famous spots.
🌊 Hollow left point • Cobblestone barrels • Off-the-beaten-path Mexico
Summer south swells. Works on most tides.
Small village with basic accommodations and camping.
Punta Chivo is one of the excellent right point breaks in the Salina Cruz corridor, an area known for its concentration of quality waves along the southern Oaxacan coast. The wave offers long walls with occasional barrel sections, breaking over a rocky point. It's part of a zone where multiple points can be surfed depending on swell direction and size, making it an ideal base for a Mexico surf trip during the summer swell season.
🌊 Salina Cruz corridor gem • Long rippable walls • Summer perfection
Works best with swells from 175° (S). Workable range: 160°-190°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Summer south swells. Salina Cruz corridor.
Part of Salina Cruz point break corridor.
El Faro at Punta Mita is a world-class reef break that produces powerful A-frame peaks with hollow sections on both the left and right. Located at the tip of the Punta Mita peninsula, the wave picks up swell from multiple directions, making it one of the more consistent spots in the Nayarit region. Access can be complicated by the private resort that surrounds it, but boat access or proper arrangements can get you to one of Mexico's best reef breaks.
🔥 World-class reef break • Powerful A-frames • Punta Mita crown jewel
Works best with swells from 300° (WNW). Workable range: 280°-320°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 67° (ENE). Offshore range: 45°-90°. Best window: morning.
Works on both summer SW and winter NW swells.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🚶 Difficult access, 👥 Crowded
Private access issues. Shallow reef sections.
Access can be restricted by resort. Boat access often easier.
La Saladita is the perfect longboard wave—a gentle, incredibly long left point that offers ride after ride of smooth, gliding walls. The wave is forgiving and consistent, making it ideal for longboarders, beginners, and anyone looking to work on their style without battling heavy conditions. The small surf village has grown into a welcoming community of wave-sliders who appreciate the mellow vibe and seemingly endless supply of fun waves.
🏄 Perfect longboard wave • Endless gentle rides • Mellow surf village vibes
Ideal size: 1.2m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Summer south swells. Incredibly consistent.
Small surf village with various accommodation options.
Playa Linda is a quality beach break near Ixtapa that delivers consistent summer surf with hollow sections when conditions align. The wave offers good peaks for shortboarding with enough power to get barreled on the right sandbars. Its proximity to the Ixtapa resort zone makes it accessible while still maintaining a more authentic surf vibe than the touristy beaches nearby.
🌊 Quality Ixtapa beach break • Hollow summer peaks • Easy resort access
Easy beach access near Ixtapa resort zone.
Troncones Point is a quality right point break that has become the center of a growing surf community north of Ixtapa. The wave offers multiple sections that can connect on bigger swells, providing long rides with a mix of workable walls and occasional hollow sections. The village of Troncones has developed into a charming surf destination with boutique hotels and a welcoming local scene.
🌴 Growing surf community • Quality right point • Boutique Mexico surf
Summer south swells. Growing surf community.
Small surf village with boutique accommodations.
Punta Burros is a powerful left reef break near Punta Mita that delivers fast, hollow waves when WNW swells push through. The wave is known for its speed and power, challenging surfers with quick tube sections and critical drops. It's one of the heavier waves in the Nayarit region and rewards experienced surfers who can handle its intensity.
⚡ Powerful left reef • Fast hollow sections • Punta Mita power
Works best with swells from 295° (WNW). Workable range: 280°-310°.
Near Punta Mita peninsula. Multiple access points.
K-38 is a classic Baja beach break named for its kilometer marker on the toll road south of Tijuana. The spot delivers consistent peaks and occasional barrels when winter NW swells push through, making it a reliable option for surfers heading south of the border. Its accessibility and consistency have made it a popular destination for Southern California surfers looking for less crowded waves.
🛣️ Classic Baja beach break • Kilometer 38 • Consistent winter peaks
Works best with swells from 285° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-300°.
Winter NW swells. Consistent and accessible.
Can get crowded on good swells. Typical beach break hazards.
Easy highway access. Named for kilometer marker.
San Pedrito is a fun beach break with reef elements near the artistic town of Todos Santos. The wave offers a mix of peaks that work on both summer south swells and winter NW swells, making it a relatively consistent option in Baja California Sur. The surrounding area has developed into a charming destination with galleries, restaurants, and a bohemian vibe that attracts both surfers and artists.
🎨 Todos Santos gem • Beach break with reef • Artistic Baja vibes
Summer south swells. Can also catch winter NW.
Cerritos is the go-to beginner and intermediate beach in the Todos Santos area, offering consistent, forgiving waves that are perfect for learning and progressing. The wide beach and mellow peaks make it ideal for surf lessons, and several surf schools operate here year-round. Even when other spots are too big or too small, Cerritos often has something rideable.
🏄‍♂️ Baja's learning beach • Consistent forgiving waves • Surf school central
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 330°-30°. Best window: morning.
Year-round waves. Consistent and forgiving.
Popular beach with surf schools and rentals.
La Lancha is a powerful left reef break near Punta Mita that gets heavy when size fills in. The wave offers hollow sections over shallow reef, demanding respect and experience. It's one of the more challenging waves in the Nayarit area but rewards committed surfers with quality barrels.
⚡ Heavy Punta Mita left • Powerful reef break • Gets serious when big
Works year-round with different swell directions.
Near Punta Mita. Boat access also common.
Stoners is a long right point near San Blas that can connect with Las Islitas on big swells for extraordinarily long rides. The wave offers consistent walls perfect for carving and the occasional barrel section. The laid-back surf scene here attracts those looking to escape crowds and enjoy Mexico's jungle coast.
🌴 San Blas right point • Connects to Las Islitas • Jungle surf vibes
Summer south swells. Can connect with Las Islitas.
El Faro in Salina Cruz is a quality reef break offering multiple peaks along the southern Oaxacan coast. The wave provides good options for both lefts and rights, making it a versatile spot in the Salina Cruz corridor. When south swells light up the region, this spot delivers consistent, quality surf.
🌊 Salina Cruz reef • Multiple quality peaks • Summer swell magnet
Summer south swells. Part of Salina Cruz corridor.
Punta Colorada is a quality right point near Puerto Escondido that offers a less crowded alternative to the heavy beach breaks in town. The wave provides long walls with occasional hollow sections, perfect for surfers looking for quality rides without the intensity of Zicatela.
🌊 Puerto Escondido alternative • Quality right point • Escape the crowds
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-210°.
Summer swells. Alternative to crowded Zicatela.
Near Puerto Escondido. Less crowded alternative.
La Punta is the mellow right point at the south end of Puerto Escondido, offering a forgiving alternative to the heavy beach breaks nearby. The wave is perfect for longboards and intermediate surfers, with long walls that peel consistently throughout the swell season. It's the go-to spot when Zicatela is too heavy or you just want a fun, cruisy session.
🏄 Mellow Puerto point • Longboard heaven • Fun alternative to Zicatela
Year-round waves. Mellower option in Puerto.
South end of Puerto Escondido. Easy access.
Shipwrecks is a powerful right reef on Baja's East Cape that comes alive during summer hurricane season when SE-S swells wrap into the Sea of Cortez. The wave offers quality barrels over a rocky reef, rewarding those who make the journey to this remote stretch of coast. When a hurricane tracks up the Pacific, this is one of the spots that can turn on with world-class conditions.
🌀 East Cape hurricane spot • Powerful reef right • Summer swell specialist
Works best with swells from 170° (S). Workable range: 140°-200°.
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 290°-340°. Best window: morning.
Summer hurricane swells. Needs SE-S direction.
East Cape area. Dirt road access to remote coastline.
Chickens is the more forgiving big wave option on Isla Todos Santos, offering a step up in size without the life-threatening consequences of Killers. The wave provides quality rights in the 15-foot range, making it accessible to experienced surfers looking to push their limits without going full-send on the main peak. It's often where surfers warm up before paddling over to Killers.
🐔 Todos Santos step-up • More forgiving big wave • Killers warm-up spot
Ideal size: 3.1m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Winter NW swells. More forgiving than Killers.
Boat access only. Cold water. Big wave spot.
Boat from Ensenada. On same island as Killers.
Zippers is Los Cabos' most famous wave, a powerful beach break with reef influence that delivers consistent surf within easy reach of the resort corridor. The wave offers hollow peaks and punchy walls, making it popular with both locals and visiting surfers. Its accessibility and quality have made it the centerpiece of the Cabo surf scene.
🏖️ Los Cabos flagship wave • Powerful beach break • Tourist-accessible quality
Offshore wind from 337° (NNW). Offshore range: 315°-360°. Best window: morning.
Works year-round. More consistent in summer.
Costa Azul beach. Easy access from Los Cabos.
First Point at Scorpion Bay is the most forgiving of the legendary 7-point system, offering long, mellow rides perfect for longboards and intermediate surfers. The wave provides an introduction to the magic of Scorpion Bay without the challenges of the faster inside points. On the right swell, rides can connect through multiple points for extraordinarily long waves.
🏜️ Scorpion Bay intro point • Mellow long rides • Desert longboard paradise
Summer south swells. Easiest of the points.
Long drive. First point in the 7-point system.
Second Point at Scorpion Bay offers more challenge than First Point, with better shape and more push on bigger swells. The wave connects between First and Third Point on good days, allowing for incredibly long rides through the system. It's the stepping stone between the mellow outside and the faster inside sections.
🏜️ Scorpion Bay step-up • Connects the points • Desert perfection continues
Summer swells. Better shape on bigger days.
Very remote. More challenging than First Point.
Second point in the system. Better on bigger swells.
San Diego is a remote right point in the Salina Cruz corridor, offering long rides away from the more accessible spots. The wave requires effort to reach but rewards with uncrowded lineups and quality walls that peel for extended distances when south swells light up the coast.
🏝️ Remote Salina Cruz point • Uncrowded long rights • True adventure surf
Summer south swells. Remote Salina Cruz corridor.
Tres Emes (3M's) is a quality right point south of San Miguel that offers multiple sections when winter NW swells light up the Baja coast. The wave provides a less crowded alternative to San Miguel with similar quality rights peeling over a rocky bottom.
🌊 Baja point alternative • Multiple quality sections • Winter NW swells
South of San Miguel. Part of Baja point break corridor.
Baja Malibu is a long, mellow right point just south of the US-Mexico border that has become popular with longboarders seeking easy waves. The wave offers long rides without much power, making it ideal for cruisy sessions and nose-riding. Its proximity to Tijuana makes it one of the most accessible Baja spots.
🏄 Baja's Malibu • Mellow longboard right • Easy border crossing surf
Winter NW swells. Popular longboard spot.
Just south of border. Easy access from Tijuana.
Nine Palms is an East Cape reef break that comes alive during summer when hurricane swells send SE-S energy into the Sea of Cortez. The wave offers quality rights over a reef bottom, providing a remote surf experience away from the more developed Los Cabos corridor.
🌴 East Cape reef • Summer hurricane swells • Remote Baja perfection
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 160°-200°.
Summer hurricane swells. East Cape specialist.
La Bahia is a protected beach break at Punta Mita that offers beginner-friendly waves when conditions elsewhere are too big. The wave provides a safe environment for learning and longboarding, making it popular with surf schools and those new to the sport.
🏖️ Protected Punta Mita beach • Beginner-friendly • Safe learning environment
Year-round waves. Protected from bigger swells.
Protected beach at Punta Mita. Good for beginners.
Carrizalillo is a beautiful cove beach near Puerto Escondido that offers fun, intermediate-level waves in a stunning setting. The protected bay provides mellower conditions than Zicatela, making it perfect for progression and fun sessions. Access is via stairs down the cliff, adding to the secluded feel.
🏝️ Beautiful Puerto cove • Protected fun waves • Scenic beach escape
Beautiful cove beach. Stairs required for access.
Salsipuedes Point is a remote right point south of Ensenada that rewards those willing to make the effort with quality, uncrowded waves. The name translates to "get out if you can," hinting at both the difficult access and the commitment required to surf here. When winter swells light it up, the point delivers excellent rights far from the crowds.
🏝️ Remote Baja point • "Get out if you can" • Uncrowded quality rights
Remote point south of Ensenada. Requires effort to reach.
La Fonda, also known as K-58 for its kilometer marker, is a quality reef break offering multiple peaks along the Baja coast south of Tijuana. The wave provides both lefts and rights depending on the swell direction, making it a versatile option for surfers exploring the region.
🌊 Baja reef break • Multiple quality peaks • K-58 winter waves
Winter NW swells. Named for kilometer marker.
Kilometer 58 on toll road. Easy highway access.
El Anclote is a mellow right point in the village of Punta Mita, perfect for longboards and beginners. The wave offers long, gentle rides that are ideal for learning and cruising. The charming village atmosphere and easy access make it a popular destination for surfers of all levels.
🏄 Punta Mita village wave • Mellow longboard right • Charming surf town
Year-round waves. Mellow longboard spot.
Punta San Jose is a remote point break south of Ensenada that offers a less crowded alternative to the more famous San Miguel. The wave delivers quality rights when winter swells push through, rewarding surfers who venture beyond the accessible spots.
🌊 Remote Baja point • San Miguel alternative • Uncrowded winter rights
Winter NW swells. Less crowded alternative.
La Pastora is a Todos Santos beach break that gets powerful when size fills in, offering more challenge than the mellow waves at nearby Cerritos. The wave delivers quality peaks with punch, making it a good option for experienced surfers looking for more action.
⚡ Todos Santos power • Beach break with punch • When Cerritos is too mellow
Summer south swells. Powerful beach break.
Costa Azul, also known as The Rock, is a powerful reef break in the Los Cabos corridor that demands respect and experience. The wave breaks over shallow reef, delivering hollow sections and serious consequences for mistakes. It's the heavy option in an area otherwise known for more forgiving waves.
⚡ Los Cabos power reef • Expert only • Hollow serious waves
Old Man's is the go-to beginner spot at Costa Azul, offering mellow, forgiving waves perfect for learning to surf. The gentle break and sandy bottom make it safe for first-timers, and numerous surf schools operate here. It's the soft introduction to Cabo surfing before tackling more challenging spots.
🏄‍♂️ Cabo beginner beach • Mellow learning waves • Surf school central
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 1.5m.
Costa Azul beach. Popular with surf schools.
Urchins is a big wave spot on Isla Todos Santos that sits between Chickens and Killers in terms of size and consequence. Named for the sea urchins that cover the reef, the wave offers serious big wave surfing in the 20-foot range. It's the stepping stone for surfers working their way up to Killers.
🦔 Todos Santos step-up • Killers apprenticeship • Named for the urchins
Ideal size: 4.2m. Too small below 2.4m, too big (closeout) above 6m.
Winter NW swells. Step up from Chickens.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🪨 Rocks, 🦔 Urchins
Boat from Ensenada. On Todos Santos Island.
Rosarito Pier is a consistent beach break near the iconic pier in Rosarito, offering reliable peaks when winter swells push through. Its easy access from Tijuana and proximity to town amenities make it a popular choice for casual surf sessions.
🏖️ Rosarito beach break • Pier-side peaks • Easy Baja access
Las Gatas is a protected reef break in Zihuatanejo Bay that offers mellow, fun waves in a beautiful setting. The wave is forgiving and accessible, making it a good option for intermediate surfers visiting the charming fishing town of Zihuatanejo.
🐱 Zihuatanejo Bay reef • Mellow protected waves • Charming fishing town surf
Zihuatanejo Bay. Boat or water taxi common.
Punta Morena is the best wave in Caribbean Mexico, coming alive during Norte storm season when cold fronts push E-NE swells into the normally flat Caribbean. Located on Cozumel's east coast, the wave offers a rare chance to surf Mexico's Caribbean side, requiring specific weather patterns but delivering quality reef breaks when conditions align.
🌴 Caribbean Mexico's best • Norte storm specialist • Rare Caribbean surf
Works best with swells from 75° (ENE). Workable range: 60°-90°.
Offshore wind from 247° (WSW). Offshore range: 225°-270°. Best window: morning.
Caribbean reef. Needs specific storm conditions.
Fourth Point at Scorpion Bay is the fastest, most challenging section of the legendary 7-point system. The wave offers more push and speed than the outer points, demanding quick reflexes and solid rail work. On epic days, rides can connect from Third Point through Fourth for incredibly long waves.
🏜️ Scorpion Bay speed section • Most challenging point • Desert performance surf
Summer swells. Fastest section of the system.
Very remote. Fastest, most challenging point.
Coyote Cal's, named for the surf camp at kilometer 181, is a remote beach break in central Baja that offers uncrowded peaks far from civilization. The area requires commitment to reach but rewards with empty lineups and the raw beauty of Baja's desert coast.
🏜️ Remote Baja surf camp • K-181 uncrowded peaks • Desert solitude
Punta Pequena lies beyond Fourth Point in the Scorpion Bay system, rarely surfed on its own but occasionally reached on epic connecting rides. It represents the outer limits of the legendary point system, where only the longest swells and most determined surfers venture.
🏜️ Scorpion Bay outer limits • Rarely surfed • Epic connecting rides only
Rarely's is a second-tier big wave spot on Isla Todos Santos that breaks less frequently than Killers but offers quality big wave surfing when conditions align. Named for its infrequent perfection, the wave delivers rides in the 40-foot range on the biggest days, providing an alternative line for big wave surfers.
🌊 Todos Santos tier 2 • Named for its rarity • 40-foot alternative
Ideal size: 8.3m. Too small below 4.5m, too big (closeout) above 12m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 19s+ (long-period groundswell).
Second tier big wave. Less consistent than Killers.
Thor's Hammer is a heavy slab on Isla Todos Santos that breaks with extreme power over shallow reef. The wave is aptly named—wipeouts here feel like being hit by a mythical weapon. Only the most committed big wave slabbers attempt Thor's Hammer, knowing the consequences of failure are severe.
⚡ Todos Santos heavy slab • Mythical power • Elite slabbers only
Ideal size: 6.0m. Too small below 3m, too big (closeout) above 9m.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, ⚠️ Shallow, 🏝️ Remote, 🪨 Rocks
Extremely heavy slab. Life-threatening consequences.
Valentinos is a reef break in the Mazatlan area that produces spinning hollow rights when summer swells hit. The wave offers quality barrels over a reef bottom, providing a more challenging option than the beach breaks in town.
🌊 Mazatlan reef barrels • Spinning hollow rights • Sinaloa surf scene
Los Patos is a left reef break in the Mazatlan area that complements the rights at nearby Valentinos. The wave offers a goofy-footer friendly option in a region dominated by right-breaking waves.
🌊 Mazatlan left reef • Goofy-footer option • Sinaloa variety
Summer south swells. Left complement to Valentinos.
Stone Island is a beach break accessible by boat from Mazatlan that offers fun peaks for surfers looking to escape the crowds. The wave provides a more relaxed vibe than the city breaks, with consistent summer surf.
🏝️ Mazatlan island escape • Fun beach peaks • Boat trip surf
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Stone Island accessible by boat from Mazatlan.
Chivos is a reef break in Mazatlan offering multiple peaks that work on summer swells. The wave provides options for both lefts and rights, making it a versatile choice in the Sinaloa surf scene.
🌊 Mazatlan multi-peak reef • Left and right options • Sinaloa summer surf
Teacapan is a remote rivermouth near the Sinaloa-Nayarit border, where shifting sandbars create quality peaks when summer swells hit. The wave requires effort to reach but rewards with uncrowded surf in a wild, natural setting.
🏝️ Remote Sinaloa rivermouth • Shifting sandbar magic • Off-the-grid surf
🏝️ Remote, 🌀 Strong rips, 🚶 Difficult access
Barra de Navidad is a rivermouth break at the entrance to a lagoon on the Jalisco coast, producing quality waves when conditions align. The charming colonial town adds to the appeal, offering a blend of surf and Mexican culture that defines the authentic Costalegre experience.
🌴 Jalisco lagoon mouth • Colonial charm meets surf • Costalegre gem
Rivermouth can have water quality issues.
Puerto Arista is Mexico's southernmost Pacific surf zone, a beach break in Chiapas that catches summer swells heading toward Central America. The remote location and tropical climate create a unique surf experience far from the more developed Mexican coast, offering consistent waves for those willing to venture to the country's frontier.
🌴 Mexico's southernmost surf • Chiapas frontier • Tropical beach break
Summer swells. Southernmost Pacific surf zone.
Southernmost surf zone on Mexican Pacific.