Carrizalillo
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.
Carrizalillo surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 220°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.1m - 1.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (22°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beautiful cove beach. Stairs required for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Carrizalillo?
Carrizalillo is a beach break in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Carrizalillo?
Carrizalillo picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1.1 to 1.5m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Carrizalillo?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Carrizalillo, and anything from the N round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Carrizalillo?
Carrizalillo isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Carrizalillo?
The most reliable run of swell at Carrizalillo comes May to Oct. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. Year-round waves. Protected cove.
How cold is the water at Carrizalillo?
The water at Carrizalillo averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Carrizalillo good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Stairs down to cove beach.
How do I get to Carrizalillo?
The nearest airport on our list is PXM, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Beautiful cove beach. Stairs required for access.
What other surf spots are near Carrizalillo?
The closest breaks we track are Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) (1.6 km), La Punta (2.1 km) and Punta Colorada (2.1 km), handy when Carrizalillo isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Apr, Nov
Year-round waves. Protected cove.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)
🇲🇽 Mexican Pipeline • Closeout tubes of death • Heavy beach break power
La Punta
↙️ Zicatela's gentle twin • Mellow left point • Puerto without the punishment
Punta Colorada
🌊 Puerto Escondido alternative • Quality right point • Escape the crowds
Barra de la Cruz
👑 World-class right point • Rip Curl Search venue • Dredging barrels to long walls
Punta Chivo
🌊 Salina Cruz corridor gem • Long rippable walls • Summer perfection
Punta Conejo
🏝️ Remote world-class right • 500m rides • True adventure surf