Escolleras - Tampico, Mexico Escolleras features a beach break with both right and left waves, predominantly sandy bottom. The spot is known for its powerful and fun surf, particularly during winter and fall when swells can reach up to 1.8 meters. Spring brings south winds, offering occasional 0.6 to 1.2-meter waves, while summer tends to be less consistent. Located in Tampico, Escolleras is easily accessible, with instant access from the beach. The spot is best during mid tide with rising tide conditions. While weekdays see few surfers, weekends can become ultra crowded. Surfers should be cautious of rips, undertow, and man-made hazards like buoys. Overall, Escolleras is regarded as one of the best surf spots in the Gulf, providing a friendly atmosphere and excellent waves in the right season.
View spotPuerto Vallarta - Mexico Puerto Vallarta features a sandbar wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. The wave is known for its hollow and fast characteristics, making it suitable for experienced surfers. It is accessible from the Camino Real hotel, with instant access to the beach after a short walk. This spot is best during hurricane season when swells are larger than those at nearby Sayulita. The atmosphere is relaxed, with minimal crowds due to restricted access. The wave can be quite heavy, so caution is advised as it can dump hard on the sand. Ideal conditions occur with southeast, east, or northeast winds and northwest, west, or southwest swells, working well at all tides. Puerto Vallarta offers a unique surfing experience, especially when the conditions align perfectly.
View spotChen Rio - Cozumel, Mexico Chen Rio features powerful reef waves breaking both right and left over a sharp coral and rocky bottom, with sand patches. The spot is known for its fast and ledgey waves, making it one of the most thrilling surf locations in Cozumel. Access is instant, with a short walk from the coastal highway. This surf spot is located along the southern coast of Cozumel, surrounded by cliffs and natural beauty. The area is relatively undeveloped, providing a serene atmosphere. However, surfers should be cautious of strong rips and shallow coral at low tide. The best conditions occur at mid to high tide with falling tide movement, and the waves are ideal when the swell comes from the northwest, west, or southwest. While the spot is often empty during the week, it remains a challenging environment due to potential dangers like urchins, rocks, and undertows. Strong swimming skills are essential for safety.
View spotScorpion Bay - Baja California Sur Scorpion Bay features a right-point break with a reef bottom composed of coral and sharp rocks, offering hollow to fun waves. The spot is known for its inconsistency, with a limited swell window and unreliable Baja surf forecasts due to its location within a bay. It works best at low and mid tides during rising tide conditions. Accessing Scorpion Bay requires a rugged off-road journey of 100-300 kilometers through harsh desert terrain, starting from the Tijuana border. The camping area is situated on a lava rock bluff, providing a basic experience with cold showers and limited water. Despite its challenges, the spot attracts few surfers during the week, making it a potential haven for those seeking solitude. However, caution is advised due to sharp rocks and the unpredictable nature of the waves.
View spotChacahua - Mexico Chacahua features a right-point break over a sandy bottom, offering ordinary power waves. The spot is best accessed via a local ferry or lancha boat, with optimal conditions occurring at low and mid tide during a falling tide. Expect a crowded lineup during the week and ultra-crowded weekends. Nestled within a national park, Chacahua is surrounded by estuarine lagoons, providing a unique and laid-back atmosphere. While the surf can be inconsistent, various beach peaks are available for exploration. The local community is small and welcoming, but basic accommodations are the norm, with options like Cabanas Piocho or free camping available if you purchase food and drinks. Be prepared for strong rips and localism, and respect the local culture by learning some Spanish. This spot is ideal for adventurous surfers seeking a chill experience away from the typical tourist path.
View spotPuerto Escondido (Mexican Pipeline) - Oaxaca, Mexico Puerto Escondido features a powerful beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by hollow and fast conditions. The bottom consists of a mix of reef and sand, making it a challenging spot for surfers. Access is instant, with public access available, but the waves can be difficult to paddle out due to strong currents and rips. Known as the "Mexican Pipeline," this surf spot attracts both professionals and travelers, particularly during the spring to autumn season when conditions are most consistent. The atmosphere is vibrant and crowded, especially on weekends, with a strong local presence. Surfing here requires attentiveness, as waves often close out, and a high skill level is necessary for larger swells. Early morning sessions are recommended to avoid onshore winds. Be prepared for a challenging paddle out and respect local customs while enjoying the thrilling surf experience.
View spotHorace Caldwell Pier - Port Aransas, Texas Horace Caldwell Pier features sandbar waves that break both right and left over a sandy bottom. The spot is accessible with instant access (<5 min walk) and ample parking available. It works best at low and mid tide during rising and falling tides, providing consistent conditions for surfers. Located in Port Aransas, this surf spot is favored by locals and offers a friendly atmosphere. While the waves can get crowded near the pier during peak times, moving away from the pier allows for more space to catch rides. The best seasons to surf here are late summer to fall and late winter to mid-spring. With a few surfers on weekdays and weekends, it’s an ideal location for those looking to enjoy a solid surf experience while respecting the local lineup.
View spotPunta Custodio - San Blas, Mexico Punta Custodio features a rivermouth wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. The waves are characterized as fast and fun, making it suitable for various skill levels. This surf spot works at all tides, with rising and falling tide movements. Accessing Punta Custodio requires a journey of over an hour from San Blas, with options including a private resort path or a trek through the woods. The beach, Playa Tortugas, offers instant access within 5 minutes. The spot typically sees few surfers during the week and on weekends, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. However, be cautious of rips and undertow, which can pose dangers. Overall, Punta Custodio promises an amazing surfing experience in a beautiful setting.
View spotGalveston - Flagship Flagship features a breakwater/jetty wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. The spot is known for its ordinary to fun wave power, making it the most consistent surf location in Galveston. It works best at mid and high tide, particularly during rising tide conditions, and is often crowded, especially on weekends. Located at the end of 25th Street, Flagship is easily accessible with paid parking along the seawall. The area has transformed from the Flagship Hotel site into a vibrant surf destination, attracting surfers from cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. While the waves can be mushy, especially due to recent beach nourishment efforts, the stable sandbars near the pier provide opportunities for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced longboarders. Be prepared for a busy line-up and remember to respect local surf etiquette for an enjoyable experience.
View spotZippers - Costa Azul, San Jose Del Cabo Zippers is a right-hand reef break characterized by sharp rocks and coral, requiring significant swell to perform optimally. The wave works at all tides but is best during rising and falling tides, with ideal conditions arising from a southwest to southeast swell. Expect a fun power level, but only when the swell reaches 8-10 feet. Located just west of San Jose Del Cabo, Zippers is known for its intense localism and crowded conditions, especially on weekends. Access is straightforward with a large parking area nearby, and a quick walk leads you to the surf. This spot attracts experienced surfers, making it essential to be prepared for competition in the water. While the wave can deliver thrilling rides, be cautious of local attitudes and potential hazards like urchins and rips. For the best experience, aim for spring to autumn when conditions align for memorable sessions.
View spotArroyo Seco - Mexico Arroyo Seco features a powerful beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. This spot is accessible via a long walk (over 30 minutes) from the nearest road, located 150 km south of Puerto Vallarta. It works best at low tide with rising and falling tides, and is influenced by swells from the north, northwest, west, and northeast. This secluded surf spot is situated near a small town, providing a tranquil environment with minimal crowds during the week and weekends. The waves here are known for their speed and power, making it suitable for experienced surfers. However, caution is advised due to the presence of sharks in the area. The journey to Arroyo Seco may require a four-wheel drive vehicle, but the effort is rewarded with uncrowded waves and a picturesque setting.
View spotBarra Vieja - Acapulco, Mexico Barra Vieja features a powerful beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The waves are known to be hollow, fast, and powerful, making it ideal for experienced surfers. The best conditions occur at mid tide during a rising tide, with optimal swell from the Northwest, West, Southwest, and South. Located just south of Acapulco, Barra Vieja offers a relaxed atmosphere with easy access and minimal crowds, especially during weekdays. The spot is suitable for surfers of all levels, with the prime season running from April to November when swells are more consistent. Parking is convenient, and local amenities are available, including restaurants. Be cautious of rips and undertow, which can pose dangers, particularly on bigger days. Whether you're looking for barrels or just a fun session, Barra Vieja is a must-visit surf destination.
View spotIsla Mujeres - Mexico Isla Mujeres features a mix of right and left reef breaks over a solid hard rock bottom. The surf conditions are generally ordinary to powerless, with optimal waves occurring during southeast winds, particularly in hurricane season from late summer to autumn. Access is easy via a boat from Cancun harbor, with instant access to the water. This laid-back island, located about 16 kilometers north of Cancun, offers a relaxed surfing experience with typically low crowds. The best surf occurs from August to October, when consistent onshore winds and hurricane swells can create decent waves. While the beaches are not overly crowded, surfers should remain cautious of the shallow reefs and rocks. Isla Mujeres is ideal for those seeking a mellow surf environment with a clean atmosphere and friendly locals. Rent a golf cart to explore the island and find the best surf spots along its eastern side.
View spotPort Aransas - Texas Port Aransas features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The spot can handle fun power and is best during NE swells, particularly at the long jetty. It works at all tides and can produce overhead surf during large storm swells. Accessing Port Aransas is straightforward; take the ferry from Aransas Pass or drive north from Corpus Christi. The area boasts turquoise blue waters and several surf spots, including the Horace Caldwell Pier, which offers good sandbars and a bowl section on the south side. While weekdays see few surfers, weekends can get crowded. Be cautious of rips, undertow, and man-made hazards like buoys. Overall, Port Aransas provides a friendly atmosphere for surfers of all levels.
View spotPoint Loma (Ralph's) - San Diego, California Point Loma features a right-hand point break over a boulder bottom, ideal for experienced surfers. Access is strictly by boat, as walking to the spot involves navigating sensitive tide pools, risking federal fines. The wave offers a mix of hollow and fun conditions, particularly during mid to high tide with a rising tide. This spot is known for its clean rollers and can be surprisingly uncrowded, especially during the week. While it can attract numerous boats on good swells, many surfers prefer to avoid the hassle of the long walk, making it a hidden gem. The wave works best with swells from the south to southeast and is affected by winds from various directions. However, surfers should be cautious of potential dangers, including urchins, rips, and rocks. Overall, Point Loma is a unique surf destination that rewards those willing to make the effort to access it.
View spotEl Galeon - Mexico El Galeon features a right-hand beach break with a bottom composed of flat rocks and sand. The waves are known for being hollow, fast, and powerful, making it a fun spot for experienced surfers. Access is easy, with instant access available within 5 minutes of parking along the coastal highway. This surf spot is popular among tourists but typically sees a low crowd, even on weekends. Located in a picturesque setting, El Galeon offers a great beachfront and local dining options. The best conditions occur at low tide with a rising tide, and the ideal swell comes from the west and southwest. However, surfers should be cautious of potential dangers such as rips, rocks, and sharks. Overall, El Galeon is a fantastic destination for those seeking quality surf in a relaxed atmosphere.
View spotLovers Shore Break - Cabo San Lucas This beach break features powerful, hollow waves that break both right and left over a sandy bottom. It is known for its heavy closeout barrels, making it unsuitable for beginners. The spot works well at all tides, with optimal conditions during rising and falling tides, particularly with swell from the Northwest, West, Southwest, and South. Accessing Lovers Shore Break requires a water taxi from town, followed by a short 5-minute walk to the Pacific side. Bargaining for a taxi fare is common, especially near the marina. While the beach is public, surfers should be cautious of rips, undertow, and the presence of sharks. The crowd is typically sparse during the week and on weekends, allowing for a more enjoyable surfing experience. For those looking to explore further, Solmar Beach is a short walk around the rocks.
View spotMonuments - Cabo San Lucas Monuments features a powerful left point break over a boulder bottom, ideal for short, spinning waves that thrive on southwest swells. The spot works best during mid to high tide with rising tide conditions, and is accessible via a dirt trail from a nearby parking area. Located on the east side of Cabo San Lucas bay, Monuments offers stunning views of the city and the iconic Arch. The break is known for its tight take-off zone, requiring surfers to be mindful of their entry. While it can be less crowded during the week, expect a few surfers on weekends. Be cautious of the rocks and sea urchins, especially at low tide, as they pose significant hazards. The local vibe is friendly, but be prepared for some competitive energy in the water. Timing is crucial, as afternoon northwest winds can disrupt the surf, making early sessions more favorable.
View spotFish Pass Jetties - Corpus Christi, Texas Fish Pass Jetties features powerful sandbar waves that break both right and left over a sandy bottom. This spot is accessible via three routes: off-road from the main highway (4WD needed), through Mustang Island State Park (entry fee required), or via a public access road to the north. It works well at all tides, but caution is advised due to rocks in the area. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Fish Pass Jetties attracts a friendly crowd, primarily longboarders. While the jetties have silted up, they still offer some protection from strong north and south winds. The best surf conditions typically occur in late summer and fall, as well as from late winter to mid-spring. Although it may not be the premier surf destination on the Texas coast, it can provide enjoyable rides when conditions are favorable, making it a worthwhile stop for surfers seeking a relaxed vibe.
View spotPunta Conejo - Baja California Sur Punta Conejo features a long left point break over flat rocks and sand, ideal for experienced surfers. The waves are best during low and mid tide, particularly on a falling tide. Access is via a dirt road leading to a bluff, with a short walk to the surf zone. This remote surf spot is known for its warm waters and laid-back atmosphere, attracting campers who enjoy the stunning morning sessions. The area offers unique features like tide pools and sand dunes, perfect for relaxation after a surf. Fresh fish can be purchased from local fishermen, enhancing the camping experience. However, caution is advised due to potential flash floods; camping should be done on the bluff rather than the lower sand area. With strong afternoon winds, securing gear is essential. Punta Conejo is a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and adventure in the waves.
View spot