8 Epic Waves to Surf in Mexico
With 7,300 + kilometers of coastline, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, a trip to surf in Mexico should be on any wave chaser's to-do list. From warm turquoise rollers to pounding beach breaks, there are plenty of unbeatable waves to go around. Here are 8 Epic Surf spots in Mexico.
Ensenada, Northern Baja
In the northern part of Baja, just 70 miles south of the California border, lies the surf haven of Ensenada. It is one of the most famous surf spots in the country and has hosted surf competitions and events since the 1960s. There are plenty of waves for beginners at Playa Hermosa, and advanced breaks, like the big wave spot Killers, located off the nearby island Todos Santos. The fame, however, does draw crowds ranging from traveling wave chasers to California daytrippers.
Todos Santos, Mainland Mexico (Cabo’s Well-Behaved Sister)
The town of Todos Santos, different from the island mentioned above, is a quiet, scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas and home to plenty of world-class surf breaks. The Bahia of Todos Santos is recognized for its high-quality waves, surf community, and environmental consciousness earning its spot as the sixth World Serving Reserve. From the beginner breaks at Cerritos Beach to the advanced waves at San Pedrito, this stretch of coast is a surfer's paradise.
East Cape, Southern Baja
Looking for something a bit more private? Thanks to the attention of its neighbor Cabo, the East Cape of Southern Baja, looking at the Sea of Cortez, remains a fairly unvisited surf location. The south-facing point of East Cape is one of the best surf spots in Baja and home to the breaks of Shipwreck and Nine Palm. Surf vans park for days to watch and ride these swells, and for those looking for more adventure, some drive up north for the breaks Punta Arenas and El Rincon.
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
A paradise for all surf levels, Mazatlan is a tourist town with gorgeous old colonial buildings and an unbeatable sunset. The warm, easy-going waves at a break called Playa Los Pinos are perfect for beginners, while advanced surfers will have plenty of fun at Olas Altas. The historic town hosts plenty to do when in and out of the water.
Barra de La Cruz, Oaxaca
Former home of the Rip Curl Pro, Barra de la Cruzwas a secret, tucked away break about 12 miles from the resort town of Huatulco. In its early days, this break was scarcely known, and only die-hard surfers would camp on its beaches to get the chance to ride this wave. Despite its fame in the surf community, its secluded location keeps the majority of crowds away.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Probably the most famous surf location in Mexico, Puerto Escondido is home to a plethora of surf breaks. Playa Carrizalillo has gentle beginner waves, and off Playa Zicatela, a break known as the Mexican Pipeline pumps out some insane XXL swells. The town has become a surfing hub and a frequent flying location for surfers around the world.
Sayulita and Punta Mita, Nayarit
These neighboring surf towns are about a 45-minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita is a bustling town with a fun local vibrancy, tons of shops, restaurants, and not to mention amazing waves. A bit south and located on a point, Punta Mita is Sayulita's smaller and sleepier sister. The few restaurants are fantastic, and from its harbor, there is access to many world-class, uncrowded breaks.
Troncones, Guerrereo
Troncones is a small sleepy town with not much else to do other than surf. This beach community between the resort towns of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, and the even sleepier town of Punta Saladita, a well-known longboarding spot. Local shops sell and rent boards, and one of the only places to stay is the Troncones Surf Club and Hostel where travelling surfers gather to talk about their latest surf sesh.
Planning to surf in Mexico. Check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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