Rio Nexpa
Rio Nexpa is one of Mexico's premier left point breaks, a long cobblestone rivermouth wave that lights up with SW swells. The wave offers occasionally barreling sections combined with long, workable walls that allow for extended rides. The small surf village that has grown up around the break maintains a laid-back vibe, making it a popular destination for surfers looking to escape crowds while still finding quality waves. When it's on, Nexpa delivers some of the best lefts in mainland Mexico.
Rio Nexpa surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (215°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (22°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Small surf village with basic accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Rio Nexpa?
Rio Nexpa is a point break in Michoacan Coast, Mexico, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Rio Nexpa?
Rio Nexpa picks up swell from the SSW round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. 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 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 15s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Rio Nexpa?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Rio Nexpa, and anything from the N round to the NE 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 Rio Nexpa?
Rio Nexpa 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 Rio Nexpa?
The most reliable run of swell at Rio Nexpa comes May to Oct. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. Summer swells. Rivermouth creates excellent sandbars.
How cold is the water at Rio Nexpa?
The water at Rio Nexpa 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 Rio Nexpa good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Cobblestone bottom. Strong currents near river.
How do I get to Rio Nexpa?
The nearest airport on our list is ZIH, then it's roughly a 4-hour drive. Small surf village with basic accommodations.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Apr, Nov
Summer swells. Rivermouth creates excellent sandbars.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Ticla
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La Saladita
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Troncones Point
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Playa Linda (Ixtapa)
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Las Gatas (Zihuatanejo)
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Pascuales
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