Where To Surf In Puerto Escondido, Mexico – 4 Sensational Surf Spots

Having lived in Puerto Escondido for almost 3 months, it doesn’t take much convincing to realize how easy it is to fall in love with this beach town in the state of Oaxaca and live like a local (including snagging local prices).

With our primary purpose of coming here being to surf, we’ve spent days and weeks watching the waves and analyzing the swells, observing the waning and waxing of the moon, to give you the best guide to surfing in Puerto Escondido, including where to surf in Puerto Escondido and the best areas to stay for easy access to these surf spots.

Before we go on spilling the details on everything about surfing in Puerto Escondido, it’s imperative we share about the weather and how it affects the waves here.

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Puerto Escondido Surfing Overview

When I first arrived at Puerto Escondido, it felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure trove for surfers. The town, aptly named “Hidden Port,” exuded a laid-back charm that immediately drew me in.

As I ventured towards the coastline, the buzz of excitement grew palpable. The waves here are legendary, and rightly so. The beach break at Puerto Escondido is renowned as one of the heaviest on earth, and standing on the shoreline, I could feel the raw power emanating from the ocean.

But amidst the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the main break, there are other waves catering to surfers of all abilities. The sub-humid, tropical climate creates perfect surfing conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging between 82°F (28°C) and 86°F (30°C).

For those seeking insider tips, timing is key to maximising your surfing experience in Puerto Escondido. Early mornings and off-peak hours often offer cleaner waves and fewer crowds, allowing for more enjoyable sessions in the lineup.

Additionally, respecting local surf etiquette and knowing your limits are essential for a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.

Where Is Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Tucked away in the state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido exudes a laid-back charm that captivates visitors from around the globe. While getting to this surf haven may require a bit of travel, the journey is part of the experience.

Whether winding through the lush landscapes of the Oaxacan mountains or cruising along the scenic coastal highways, each mile brings you closer to the magic of Puerto Escondido.

From the moment you hear the sound of crashing waves to the taste of fresh seafood tacos, Puerto Escondido captivates your senses. It’s not just a destination; it’s a way of life—one that keeps calling me back for more.

Best Surf Spots In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

The only difference is, unlike a reef bottom, the bottom is sand in Puerto Escondido. Many professional surfers come to this tubular beach break every year, looking for the tube of their lives.

Best Places For Beginner Surfing

Carrizalillo Beach

Want to try out surfing while you’re here?

There’s a very beautiful little bay called Carrizalillo, with soft and slow wave formations. It’s a paradise for beginner surfers.

Here, you’ll find surfboard rentals and plenty of willing instructors who’ll teach you the essentials of surfing and go in the water with you, since it’s a very challenging sport. 

If you don’t quite know how to read waves yet, I suggest chatting with the locals to know how the conditions are before deciding whether or not to go in, since it varies day to day, all the time.

Really, this is almost the only place to do beginner surfing. If you’re in Puerto Escondido solely to learn how to surf, this may not be the place for you. 

There’s a steep increase in difficulty from this to any other beaches in Puerto Escondido. All the other beaches have wild waves that are catered to intermediate and advanced surfing; that’s the Pacific Coast for you. That said, it’s enjoyable to just watch the pro surfers and bodyboarders have a go at it. 

That also means that it gets awfully crowded in the day trying to learn surfing in this one bay. Every time we went (maybe it’s just our poor luck), we’d spot around 30 other surfers trying to catch a wave. Not only do you have to watch out for a wave, you now also have to watch out for surfboards hitting you while catching your wave!

Best Places For Intermediate Surfing

La Punta

At the end of the south side of Puerto Escondido, you’ll find La Punta, my favorite place in Puerto Escondido.

There’s a left wave that breaks very close to the rocks. The bigger the swell, the larger this wave is. Sometimes it’s big enough that it makes its way all the way to the beach. 

Depending on your surf level and if you like to paddle, you can grab the wave at the start or at the end of the rocks, finishing the wave on the beach. 

Sometimes, you’ll see an influx of surfers, which makes this point really crowded and dangerous. You don’t want to be surfing on top of one another. Always be careful not to get in the way of surfers. 

If you’re a beginner, that doesn’t mean you can’t surf here. I recommend you go with a surf instructor who’ll tell you where to position yourself and help you grab the waves as it can be tricky. You can enquire at any of the 3 surf shops in La Punta.

Best Places For Advanced Surfing

Zicatela Beach

Zicatela is the main beach of Puerto Escondido. Positioned 8th out of the top 50 surf spots in the world as ranked by CNN, catching waves here will not come easy, but if you do, it’s spectacular. The waves represent a challenge for surfers because of how fast and strong they can be.

Unless you’re an advanced surfer confident in your surf skills, I don’t recommend you to go in if there’s swell. If you’re a pro surfer, you’ll surely have fun and love catching these magnificent waves!

If you’re an intermediate surfer, that doesn’t mean Zicatela beach is off-limits. All you have to do is go on days when the waves are smaller. You don’t want to underestimate the big swells; these waves have taken the lives of many professional surfers before, so don’t take it lightly.

Punta Colorada

Just north of Zicatela Beach, Punta Colorada offers long, peeling waves that are perfect for advanced surfers seeking a challenge.

The point break here provides epic rides and minimal crowds, making it a favourite among experienced riders looking for uncrowded waves.

Weather in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Well, Puerto Escondido is a warm and humid place, perfect if you’re looking for a place to escape winter. 

For you to get an idea, the temperature almost never lowers below 20°C. There are primarily 2 seasons in Puerto Escondido, dry season and rainy season.

Dry Season (November to May)

Since it’s categorized as the nicest time of the year, the best time to go to Puerto Escondido is from December to March which falls during this dry season. 

As usual, since it’s peak season, so you’ll find more people and increased accommodation prices. It’s why everyone loves to visit Puerto Escondido to escape from the cold!

Rainy Season (June to October) 

As September approaches, humidity levels get very high and it rains very often. Hence, it’s not the best time to go since the opportunities for a sunny day at the beach are lower. 

That said, you can still do fun things like check out the woods and mangroves for hiking when it’s full of water and life.

Water Temperature 

In a warm climate like Puerto Escondido, you can’t help but want to jump in the water; it’s always the best way to refresh your day. 

The seawater is never cold here, so there’s no need for a wet suit at all. The sea temperature all year long varies from 28°C to 30°C, so unless you go into river water that descends from the cold mountains, you won’t be cold. 

Wind

The average wind all year long is 10 km/h, getting up to 20 km/h depending on the time of the day. This is enough to give you a nice sea breeze but expect to find days with no wind.

When To Surf In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

When it comes to surfing in Puerto Escondido, timing is everything. As someone who’s spent countless hours riding the waves here, I’ve learned that each season offers its own unique experience.

For Advanced Surfers

Summer marks the peak surfing season in Puerto Escondido, with waves reaching their zenith from late April through September. During this time, swells average a formidable 8ft-10ft or higher, with an impressive 90 to 95 percent consistency.

Despite the crowds, heat, and occasional rain, experienced surfers flock to the Mexican Pipeline to challenge its legendary barrels. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, summer is the time to test your skills against some of the most powerful waves on the planet.

For Intermediate Surfers

As the summer crowds begin to thin out, late September to November offers a quieter, more laid-back surfing experience in Puerto Escondido. Intermediate and pro surfers can still find plenty of waves to ride, albeit with fewer competitors vying for space in the lineup.

It’s a time of transition, with the intensity of summer giving way to a more relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing the quality of the surf.

For Beginners

For those seeking a more leisurely surfing experience, winter is the ideal time to visit Puerto Escondido. From January to Mid-April, the surf is cleaner and more playful, providing the perfect conditions for honing your skills or simply enjoying a leisurely day on the water.

With fewer crowds and milder temperatures, winter offers a more laid-back vibe, making it the perfect season for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of peak surfing months.

My Recommendation

Based on personal experience and the preferences of many surfers, the recommended time to visit Puerto Escondido is during the post-summer serenity period, from late September to November.

This time offers a balance between manageable crowds and consistent waves, providing intermediate and advanced surfers with ample opportunities to catch quality waves without the intensity of peak season.

However, for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed experience, winter months from January to mid-April offer cleaner waves and a quieter atmosphere conducive to learning and leisurely surfing sessions.

Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your skill level and what type of surfing experience you’re looking for.

Resources For Surfing In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

If you want to have a better idea of the swell, size of waves, wind, and other conditions that will tell you how the surfing will be, Surfline or Magicseaweed are good resources that we refer to daily before deciding whether or not to head to surf.

We always do a quick check on them to see if it’s worth heading out each time. Also, it helps us plan the days and times to surf, rather than traveling all the way out to the beach with a surfboard only to find out the conditions aren’t suited for surfing.

Things To Note About Surfing In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Also, while Puerto Escondido is known to be a surf town, compared to Tamarindo in Costa Rica where I learned surfing at, Puerto Escondido has strangely way more limited surfboard shops to rent surfboards; it’s as if everyone has their own boards.

The rental prices of surfboards are around 150 pesos/ USD 7.50 per hour, 350 pesos/ USD 17.50 per day.

Unlike Tamarindo where every other local would be offering surf lessons, the crowd here belongs to a more advanced level, so you’ll mostly find surf instructors in Carrizalillo.

Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

If your primary purpose of coming to Puerto Escondido is to surf your days away, you’ll want to stay close to these surf beaches.

Depending on your surf level and the research you’ve just done, you should now have an idea of which beaches you’ll most likely frequent the most. Unless you’re renting a scooter with a surf rack, you’ll want to stay close to these beaches.

Since we’ve had to do some house and hotel hunting while sourcing for a long term stay in Puerto Escondido, we’ve managed to visit a number of hotels to enquire about accommodation and get a feel of it.

If you’ve already narrowed down the area you wish to stay in, I’ve written a detailed guide on where to stay in Puerto Escondido with a clearer breakdown of each neighborhood and specific recommendations on places to stay, so I recommend you check it out!

FAQs About Surfing In Puerto Escondido, Mexico

I hope this guide on where to surf in Puerto Escondido has given you some idea about the surfing scene in this small surf town.

It’s not everywhere I feel the fervent desire to write about a town the same way I do about Puerto Escondido, so you’ll be seeing plenty more guides about Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca.

In all my time living on the road since I left home during the pandemic in October 2020, Puerto Escondido is the first place I’ve lived the longest for – 3 months.

Life as a digital nomad isn’t always easy or glamorous, but I aim to share all the ins and outs of living on the road with you, beginning with my Youtube videos!

Feel free to follow along!