Playa Linda (Ixtapa)
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.
Playa Linda (Ixtapa) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 220°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (22°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Easy beach access near Ixtapa resort zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
Playa Linda is a beach break in Ixtapa, Mexico, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
Playa Linda 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 0.9m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s 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 Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Playa Linda, and anything from the N round to the NE 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 Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
Playa Linda 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 Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
The most reliable run of swell at Playa Linda comes May to Oct. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. Consistent summer waves.
How cold is the water at Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
The water at Playa Linda 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 Playa Linda (Ixtapa) 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 (5/10) when it's on. Beach break with typical rip currents.
How do I get to Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
The nearest airport on our list is ZIH, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Easy beach access near Ixtapa resort zone.
What other surf spots are near Playa Linda (Ixtapa)?
The closest breaks we track are La Saladita (11 km), Las Gatas (Zihuatanejo) (13 km) and Troncones Point (13 km), handy when Playa Linda isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Apr, Nov
Consistent summer waves.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Saladita
🏄 Perfect longboard wave • Endless gentle rides • Mellow surf village vibes
Las Gatas (Zihuatanejo)
🐱 Zihuatanejo Bay reef • Mellow protected waves • Charming fishing town surf
Troncones Point
🌴 Growing surf community • Quality right point • Boutique Mexico surf
Rio Nexpa
🌊 Mexico's best left point • Cobblestone perfection • Rivermouth magic