Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)
Puerto Escondido is the "Mexican Pipeline"—a brutally powerful beach break on Oaxaca's Pacific coast that produces some of the heaviest closeout tubes outside of Pipeline itself. A deep offshore trench amplifies South Pacific swells, creating thick, grinding barrels over shallow sand. The wave is notoriously dangerous: hold-downs are severe, the closeouts are unforgiving, and the power is humbling. May through August delivers the biggest swells. The Zicatela strip offers cheap living, warm water, and world-class barrels for those brave enough.
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (185°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 220°
- Size range
- 1m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 3.3m - 4.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach access from Zicatela
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
The Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) profile favors low to mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
The Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. 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 Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
The Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) scoring profile favors swell from S (160° to 220°), a swell-height range of 1m to 6m, and a reference period of 18s. 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 Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
The main season at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. Peak season May-August. South Pacific swells + light offshore winds.
How do I get to Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
The spot profile lists PXM as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. Beach access from Zicatela
What kind of wave is Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
Peak season May-August. South Pacific swells + light offshore winds.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Punta
↙️ Zicatela's gentle twin • Mellow left point • Puerto without the punishment
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 Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)
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