Mexico takes over the US and crosses some of the most wave-rich areas in the Central Pacific. Cross the state line into California and you’ll find yourself in Baja, home to lively party towns, cactus-filled deserts, and rest stops that will make the pros swoon.
As we continue onward, the jungle covered hills slowly approach the coast. Start in the famous longboard center of Nayarit, then head to Mexico’s undiscovered surfing destination, Oaxaca.
Yes, there’s no doubt about it: the birthplace of tacos, tequila and tamales is one of the best surfing destinations in the world. This guide to the eight best surf spots in Mexico has epic breaks, huge waves, flapping cruisers and everything in between.
Table of Contents
- Sayulita
- Todos Santos
- Cabo San Lucas
- Puerto Escondido
- San Pancho
- Mazatlan
- Popular activities Mexico
- Hotels near Mexico
- Hotels on discount Mexico
Sayulita
Long live Sayulita. There is certainly no more famous surf spot in Mexico than here. This fun, pub-filled town is one of the country’s legendary magical villages, known for its unique charm and good looks. It is located on a hook-shaped beach of golden sand, surrounded by two very popular surf spots…
The first is the Sayulita Sandbar. Someone once remarked somewhere that this soft number is perfect to start surfing. It is soft, squishy and powdery underfoot to make climbing on the ball as comfortable as possible. Just above the playa is Sayulita Right, which appears where the river meets the ocean and offers shorter, sharper, but still flexible longboard trimmers; very useful as you progress.
Todos Santos
Todos Santos Bay is a large canyon in the north of the Baja Peninsula and is home to the beach town of Ensenada. Welcome to one of California’s exile surf spots. Just a 1.5-hour drive south of the US international border, it’s been a popular destination for American skateboarders looking to escape the hustle and bustle of San Diego for decades.
Now, if you’re thinking that the proximity of Southern California’s legendary Cobblestone Breaks means there’s something similar here, you’d be right. Bahia’s highlights include the Salsipuede surf fingers on the right, mimicking the lower piers at their best, and San Miguel, a glassy set. The starting road is known as the beginning of surfing in Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas
Crack open the tequila, grill up the sparkling fish tacos, and slather on the sunscreen. Cabo—as it’s known to its legion of devoted followers—is the Baja Peninsula’s mecca of relaxation and fun.
Located near Lands End at the tip of the peninsula, it has attracted spring breakers, partygoers and A-listers for decades. But when summer starts in the south around May, it’s also a surfer’s paradise. The main reason is the entire coastline that stretches east from the city to the entrance to the Sea of Cortez.
Everything looked beautiful as the waves rolled in from the 40’s and the wind shifted to the east and north. Very beautiful. I’m talking about the long, peeling right wall of the Cote d’Azur with its graceful longboarders. I’m talking Bahia Chileno lip gloss wedges and all the powder a newbie could want in the sands of Cerritos Beach.
Puerto Escondido
No list of Mexico’s most iconic surf spots would be complete without Puerto Escondido. The Chicatl Main Pipeline, known as the Mexico Pipeline, is home to one of the toughest beach pipelines in the world. When the big southern swells start roaring in the summer, 40-foot-high walls form here, requiring a daring leap right in the back door. It will take a few seconds, but it will be the trip of your life.
Of course, most people don’t even consider trying it. Most could only stay near the beach, where people gathered with cold beers and limes to watch the pros perform. Fortunately, Puerto Escondido has beaches for all levels. There is also La Punta, a right shoulder break for intermediate players. Carrizalillo is a well-sheltered beginner bay that works well in the low season.
San Pancho
For a true Mexican experience, San Pancho is the place to be. In this sleepy surf town, cowboys trot the streets in the mornings and mariachi bands play in the taquerias. The district is criss-crossed by cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes and a great atmosphere everywhere.
Surfing takes place on the main beach – Playa San Pancho. It’s not exactly the best peak array, but it’s consistent. You make a short journey from one side to the other along solid walls that appear on the reef bed. They only work on certain parts of the beach, although I find the south end generally more reliable.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is Sinaloa’s main beach resort. Yes, this is the same state of Sinaloa that gave the world El Chapo, but don’t worry, the Malecón tourist area and newly renovated old town (more on that below) are generally considered to be on the rise. in 2023. It is safe for tourists.
The 21-kilometer coastline stretches to the western side of the city. It includes long golden sandy beaches and rocky coves. Everyone has their own unique way of relaxing. The main shows I’m considering are Rucos, where the crowds are spread out over several peaks to suit all levels, and Playa Bruja, a left and right frame that’s about to start some really fun shortboarding.