Mexico’s Pacific Coast stretches for thousands of miles and boasts some of the most magnificent waves in the world. From the 20-foot beasts for big-wave chasers at Ensenada to the glossy, mellow waves at San Blas, the swells scream fun and adventure for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers alike.
This guide explores the rich culture of surfing in Mexico and the best beginner-friendly surf spots for riding some smooth waves.
1. Ensenada, Baja California
Perched on the Pacific Coast a little north of the US-Mexico border is Ensenada, located in Baja California. The city is touted as the birthplace of Mexico’s surf scene and was one of the first regions to host surf competitions as far back as the 1960s. Tourists worldwide flock to Ensenada to catch a good wave and revel in its laid-back surf vibes.
While summer is, no doubt, a popular time to visit this vibrant beach-front city, winter is when the real action is. The waves are massive at that time of year, perfect for intermediate to pro-level surfers. The island of Isla Todos Santos, in particular, boasts enormous waves, with some rising as high as 20 meters. The island is accessible only by boat, which adds to its rustic charm and somewhat mystic appeal. San Miguel also has some impressive swells with a well-formed right-hand point break.
If you’re a beginner-level surfer, you can brush up on your skills at Stacks or Playa Hermosa. The swells there, particularly between the summer and fall, are ideal for newbies.
The strong ocean currents make Ensenada’s waters chilly during the winter, so don’t forget to bring a thicker wetsuit if you plan to visit then.
Best Surf Camp Near Ensenada: 7-Day Exclusive Surf Experience for Beginners
- Location: The Riptide Surf Hostel, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur
- Water temperature: Tropical
- Peak season: Summer
- Best surf season: Summer to fall for beginners
- Level: Beginner surfers
- Surf lessons: 5
2. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Located roughly one hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas is the rustic colonial town of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur (not to be confused with Isla Todos Santos). It’s the ideal surf spot for water lovers looking to escape the hordes of people who flock to Northern Baja.
Summer offers the best surf for beginners, and the water temperatures are markedly higher than what you find in the north.
If you are an intermediate to advanced surfer, you will love catching the massive waves at La Pastora, some of which have been known to rise more than three times overhead. Playa Pescadero is another popular surf spot famed for its A-frame point break and is worth checking out the next time you’re in town.
Best Surf Camp Near Todos Santos: 3-Day Wing Foil Surfing Course for Beginners
- Location: Hotel Playa Del Sol, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Winter
- Best surf season: Spring to summer for beginners
- Level: Beginner surfers
- Surf lessons: 3
3. Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
What’s not to love about Cabo? The breathtaking white-sand beaches, the turquoise blue waters, the vibrant nightlife, the sumptuous cuisine, and the rich cultural heritage. The crown jewel is, no doubt, the great surfing waves that make this scenic coastal town one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
Los Cabo is located in southern Baja, California and comprises Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is perched at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
The collision of these gargantuan seas gives rise to some of the waves you’ll find anywhere in the world. It is home to the Zippers, a fast wave with a right-hand point break, which has been the venue for numerous surf competitions on the global stage.
If you are a beginner to intermediate surfer, Cabo San Lucas has no shortage of surf camps with experienced trainers eager to help you catch your first wave. Summer and fall are the best times to visit and experience the breathtaking magnificence of Cabo’s swells.
Best Surf Camp Near Cabo San Lucas: 3-Day Personalized Surf Experience for Beginners
- Location: Surf Hostel Cabo, San Jose Downtown, East Cape
- Water temperature: Tropical
- Peak season: Summer
- Best surf season: Summer to fall for beginners
- Level: Beginner
- Surf lessons: 2
4. San Blas, Nayarit
Beginner to intermediate surfers will love everything San Blas has to offer. Palomitas and Las Islitas are popular surf spots known for their long, smooth waves. They’re the perfect surf spots for beginners to up their surfing game.
Summer is undoubtedly the best time for beginners to visit as it’s the only time of year to ride Stoner’s Point—the world’s longest surfable wave that’s more than half a mile long.
Santa Cruz de Miramar also has some impressive waves you can ride if you’re an intermediate surfer. Just keep an eye out for the rocks when you do.
Best Surf Camp Near San Blas: 7-Day Progressive Surf Camp
- Location: WildMex Surf and Adventure—Sayulita Surf Camp, Sayulita, Nayarit
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Winter to spring
- Best surf season: Spring to summer for beginners to intermediate surfers
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Surf lessons: 5
5. Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita’s relaxed vibe is a surfer’s haven. This quaint little beach town located north of Puerto Vallarta and a 13-minute drive from neighboring San Pancho is known for its rich indigenous Huichol heritage, vibrant art scene, and, more importantly, for being a surfing paradise. Sayulita boasts over a dozen surf spots, each with some pretty impressive waves. Longboard surfing is quite popular here, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.
While you can ride waves all year round, winter boasts some of the best waves here. Playa Sayulita, in particular, has strong right-hand point breaks, which intermediate surfers just can’t seem to get enough of.
For beginners, spring is the best time to visit. Plenty of surf camps in the area offer competitive packages to suit every budget. The charm and rich cultural roots embedded in Sayulita make it one of those places you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
Best Surf Camp Near Sayulita: 4-Day Fantastic Surf Vacation
- Location: Avenida Revolućion, Sayulita, Nayarit
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Winter to spring
- Best surf season: Spring for beginners to intermediate surfers
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Surf lessons: 2
6. Punta Mita, Nayarit
Situated roughly 15 miles southwest of Sayulita is the charming little beach town of Punta Mita. It is perched squarely on a peninsula where the Bahia de Banderas Bay meets the Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Punta Mita is located on a peninsula, so you can always count on the strong off-shore winds to generate great surfable waves all year round.
One of the great things about this beach destination is that it hosts a wide range of surf spots suited to all levels of surfers. The summer months, in particular, see some massive waves, although it would be best to leave those to the advanced surfers.
If you’re a beginner to intermediate surfer looking to catch some sun and ride some waves, winter is a great time to visit Punta Mita. You will enjoy surfing at La Lancha, a popular beginner-friendly spot known for its inclined rides, and El Anclote, ideal for intermediate surfers looking to switch things up with some daring action.
Be sure to check out Stinky’s Surf as well. It’s within walking distance from the town and is arguably the most accessible surf break in the region.
Best Surf Camp Near Punta Mita: 7-Day Surf Camp
- Location: Mita Surf House, Punta de Mita, Nayarit
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Summer
- Best surf season: Winter to spring for beginner to intermediate surfers, summer for advanced pros
- Level: All
- Surf lessons: 6
7. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s dream. This Mexican fishing village turned surf mecca is a tropical paradise famed for its unspoiled reefs, oceanfront restaurants, seafood bars, relaxing beaches, and championship-worthy big, fast waves.
When you visit Puerto Escondido, make a point to see (and experience) the waves at Playa Zicatela. This surf spot is known for its fast surf break, with swells up to 30 feet (9.14 m) high in the summer. The sight is pretty spectacular.
While the official surf season here is March to December, which is pretty much all year, the best time for beginner to intermediate surfers to visit is between January and April. If you want to polish your surfing skills, Playa Carrizalillo is a beginner-friendly surf spot, popular with many surf camps in the area, coaching learners.
Best Surf Camp Near Puerto Escondido: 8-Day Budget Surf Camp
- Location: Oasis Surf House, Puerto Escondido, San Pedro Mixtepec, Oaxaca
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Summer
- Best surf season: Winter to spring for beginner to intermediate, summer for advanced surfers
- Level: All
- Surf lessons: 5
8. Barra de la Cruz, Oaxaca
Located on the Pacific Coast, roughly 62 miles (100 km) south of Puerto Escondido, is the well-tended Chontal village of Barra de la Cruz. This world-class surf spot gives surfers of all skill levels the chance to catch some spectacular waves all year round.
The best swells roll in from May to October, with some of the biggest ones recorded in June and July. For beginner and intermediate surfers, the best time to visit Barra de la Cruz is during the off-season months between November and April.
You’ll find some great surf camps in the area with trainers and local guides who will take you to the best surf spots, help you catch the best waves, and show you how to ride them.
Best Surf Camp Near Barra de la Cruz: 7-Day Private Surf Camp Experience
- Location: Chacah, Gardenia, Huatulco, Oaxaca
- Water temperature: Cool to tropical
- Peak season: Summer
- Best surf season: Winter to spring for beginner to intermediate, summer for advanced surfers
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Surf lessons: 6
Final Thoughts
Surfing in Mexico is nothing short of magical. Everything from the gleaming beaches and tantalizing cuisine to the rustic surf towns and the beautiful waves make it a world-class surf destination like no other.
If you’re looking for a surf adventure that combines the thrill of catching amazing waves with the chilled vibe of beach life, and exquisite cuisine, hopefully this guide will help you choose the best beginner-friendly surf destination for your next trip to Mexico.
Not sure how to catch your first wave? These seven essential tips should help point you in the right direction.
