Let’s be honest: Mexico is a surfer’s paradise. There is a treat around every turn, and they are always memorable, even if they are sticky or spicy. This ultimate Mexico surf guide won’t waste your time. Let’s just jump right in.
Pacific Playground—Where to Go Paddle Out
The Pacific coast stretches for more than 4,500 miles, with warm currents and steady swells. Some mornings, the cold-water breaks in Northern Baja could welcome you with howling winds coming from the sea. If you go to Rosarito at morning, you’ll see glassy peelers. If you go further south to Baja Sur, the untamed, rocky cliffs around Todos Santos provide infinite right-handers. And don’t forget about Scorpion Bay—eleven points, people! Take your longboard and lose a week.
Want to feel the heat of the tropics? The wind in Oaxaca whispers your name. Puerto Escondido is not shy. They dubbed it “The Mexican Pipeline.” It spits out barrels that are big enough to eat a truck (or at least your favorite board if you’re unfortunate). Weak hearts shake here, while powerful paddlers do well. For casual cruisers, La Punta, right down the beach, is a good choice. There are gentle lefts, soft lips, and friendly queues.
The shores of the Yucatán are more exciting and have more reefs. Swell is less reliable, but when it does function, you’ll get clear, uncrowded moments.
Tides, Times, and Travel
Summer is full with power. Southern swells impact hard from May to October. Winter brings smaller waves, which is great for novices. Pick wisely between the two seasons and two faces. People in the area swear by being patient and drinking cold cervezas, even when strike missions often develop into waiting games.
Hang ten or hang loose, but stay smart. The tides change swiftly, and riptides are always there. There aren’t usually warning signs on Mexican beaches. Talk to the old guys at the taco stand; their advise is worth twice as much.
Culture in the Lineup
Don’t just run from the van to the water; stay there. You can see Mexico’s surf scene right away. People in the area know who’s coming, and a nod goes a long way. Go to the market and buy fruit, then instruct some kids in the playground, and then join an unplanned cookout. In these little moments, magic happens—sometimes more than in the lineup.
Things to Pack
The sun is screaming down here, so put on your reef-safe sunscreen before you even smell the salt. Bring a rash guard. Bring wax that works in warm water. Extra leash and fins in case the ocean eats your stuff. Don’t forget to save up some money for fish tacos straight after the session. No one surfs well on an empty stomach.
Last Drop
Want to go on an adventure with every wave? Mexico is one of the best places to get things done. Every excursion transforms you, from rocky headlands to bays with palm trees. You’ll be sandier, saltier, and want more. Waves break, boards snap, and stories turn out better than you could have imagined. That’s surfing in Mexico: wild, fiery, and exciting. Get your stick, jump the fence, and go down. The next set is already being built in the back.