Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)
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.
Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay) surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 190°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 17s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Drive to San Blas, then to bay. Basic town accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
Las Islitas is a point break in San Blas, Mexico, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
Las Islitas picks up swell from the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 17s or longer, as anything under 14s 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 Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Las Islitas, and anything from the NNE round to the ENE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
Las Islitas is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
The most reliable run of swell at Las Islitas comes Jun to Sep. There's a second window in May and Oct too. Needs specific long-period south swell. Rare but epic.
How cold is the water at Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
The water at Las Islitas 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 Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay) 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. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Very long paddle. Mosquitoes in jungle areas.
How do I get to Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
The nearest airport on our list is PVR, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. Drive to San Blas, then to bay. Basic town accommodations.
What other surf spots are near Las Islitas (Matanchen Bay)?
The closest breaks we track are Stoners (2.5 km), handy when Las Islitas isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Sep
Secondary: May, Oct
Needs specific long-period south swell. Rare but epic.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Stoners
🌴 San Blas right point • Connects to Las Islitas • Jungle surf vibes
Sayulita
🌮 Mexico surf town • Beginner point • Party vibes
El Anclote
🏄 Punta Mita village wave • Mellow longboard right • Charming surf town
La Bahia (Punta Mita)
🏖️ Protected Punta Mita beach • Beginner-friendly • Safe learning environment
El Faro (Punta Mita)
🔥 World-class reef break • Powerful A-frames • Punta Mita crown jewel
Punta Burros
⚡ Powerful left reef • Fast hollow sections • Punta Mita power