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
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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 kind of wave is La Punta?
La Punta is a point break in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at La Punta?
La Punta picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 16s 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 La Punta?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at La Punta, and anything from the NNW round to the ENE 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 La Punta?
La Punta is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.3m to 1m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf La Punta?
The most reliable run of swell at La Punta comes May to Oct. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. SW swell season May-October. Gentler than Zicatela.
How cold is the water at La Punta?
The water at La Punta 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 La Punta good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Much friendlier than Zicatela. Some rocks at point.
How do I get to La Punta?
The nearest airport on our list is PXM, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. 10min from Puerto Escondido airport. Walk from Zicatela.
What other surf spots are near La Punta?
The closest breaks we track are Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) (0.5 km), Carrizalillo (2.1 km) and Punta Colorada (4.0 km), handy when La Punta isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most southerly break we track in Mexico.
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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