Best Places for Surfing in Mexico

Looking for sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear water? Mexico is a popular travel destination during the winter months, especially among surfers. Some of the best waves are found in Cabo San Lucas and Sayulita, Nayarit, but there are plenty of other choices to please every surfer, from beginner to expert. And if you have difficulty choosing just one destination, consider booking a tour of your favorite hot spots.

Surfing in Cabo San Lucas

If you’re looking for diversity, nothing beats Cabo San Lucas. It’s ideal for groups of surfers of varying skill levels. It offers varying break directions and, when you’re taking a break to relax on the beach, you’ll see some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery around. The biggest waves are found in Cabo from June through August, but the beaches are predictably more crowded during these months. If you prefer more elbow room, consider going there during the off-season, particularly if you plan on trying the infamous Zippers break.

You’ll find Zippers just west of Cabo San Lucas. It’s hard to miss, since it plays host to many surfing competitions. This fast right break offers a long ride thanks to the underlying reef structure. If you do go to Cabo during the busy season and you prefer breaks that are off the beaten path, try Shipwrecks. If you go, be sure to rent a sturdy 4WD SUV, since a dainty sedan likely won’t make it there. Keep an eye out for Rancho Rocas del Mar; Shipwrecks isn’t too far south of here.

Surf shops, rentals, lessons, and camps are available throughout the Cabo area.

Sayulita, Nayarit

The Mexican state of Nayarit has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best coasts in the world for surfers and the beaches of Sayulita are its crown jewels. Here, beginners and longboard riders will find the perfect right breaks, but experts and daredevils will be more than satisfied with the rapid left breaks too. The winter season is best for surfers looking for big swells. It also happens to be the time when humpback whales can be spotted in the bay.

Hip accommodations are available in this rapidly growing surfing community, with cheap board rentals available, lively nightlife, and hard-to-beat casual dining experiences.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

If rapidly growing hotspots aren’t quite your taste, consider booking a trip to Puerto Escondido instead. Located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is one of the best kept secrets among avid surfers. It’s deep in the southwest of the country. You won’t find touristy crowds here – just steamy beaches, warm water, and waves to die for. Puerto Escondido is a highly affordable destination for surfers looking for a no-frills experience. Serious surfers tend to cluster in the Zicatela part of town.

Playa Zicatela is renowned for its punchy small waves and monster swells, so bring your shortboard and your longboard to take advantage of every condition. If you’re there on the odd day when the waves do fall flat, charter a cheap panga and go sport-fishing for sailfish.