La Punta
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.
La Punta surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (195°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (20°)
- Offshore range
- 340° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: 10min from Puerto Escondido airport. Walk from Zicatela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Punta?
The La Punta profile favors low tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at La Punta?
The La Punta profile uses wind from NNE (20°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 340° to 60°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at La Punta?
The La Punta scoring profile favors swell from SSW (170° to 230°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf La Punta?
The main season at La Punta is May-Oct. A secondary window runs Apr, Nov. SW swell season May-October. Gentler than Zicatela.
How do I get to La Punta?
The spot profile lists PXM as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. 10min from Puerto Escondido airport. Walk from Zicatela.
What kind of wave is La Punta?
La Punta is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Apr, Nov
SW swell season May-October. Gentler than Zicatela.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)
🇲🇽 Mexican Pipeline • Closeout tubes of death • Heavy beach break power
Carrizalillo
🏝️ Beautiful Puerto cove • Protected fun waves • Scenic beach escape
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
Plan a trip around La Punta
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