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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (185°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 220°
- Size range
- 1m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 4.5m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jul 15 – Aug 31) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access from Zicatela
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) works best on a low to mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
Offshore wind at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Zicatela (Puerto Escondido)?
Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) wants S swell (160° to 220°) between 1m and 6m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
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)?
Fly into PXM, then allow about 10 minutes by road. 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
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Punta Conejo
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