Mexico’s Pacific coast is made for longboards. The waves roll in easy and run for a long time. I’ve surfed many places, but the best longboard waves in Mexico stay with me. The water is warm. The people in the lineup are too. If you come to escape winter or just to surf, you’ll find breaks worth the trip.
I’ll tell you about the spots I’ve ridden, where to stay, what to expect, and how to make the most of it. These aren’t brochure notes. They’re from real days in the water, sunburned shoulders, and long rides.
Before I paddle out, I check the forecast. It helps to know what’s coming, especially when the season shifts and the swells start to change.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Zicatela is for shortboarders – head to La Punta or Carrizalillo for better longboard waves in Puerto Escondido.
- If you want consistency and a strong longboard scene, Sayulita and Saladita are excellent year-round.
- Bring cash – many towns have limited ATMs and most surf towns don’t take cards for rentals or tacos.
Best Longboard Waves in Mexico: My Top Picks
These are the spots I keep coming back to or recommend to friends planning their first surf trip to Mexico. Some are small fishing towns with a few guesthouses, while others are better developed with surf shops, cafes, and hotels with air-conditioning.
If you’re thinking about a Baja trip, I put together a detailed breakdown of the best longboard waves in Baja California, including the months I’ve had the most consistent luck, crowd vibes, and the logistics that actually matter once you’re on the road.
Saladita – Guerrero
I’m starting here because Saladita might be the longest left I’ve ever ridden in warm water. It’s often called the “Mexican Malibu” and for good reason. The wave is gentle, slow, and goes on forever. On a solid head-high day, I’ve gotten rides so long I had to kick out just because my legs were tired.
- Why it’s great: The point break peels perfectly for long rides – you can get 30-second nose rides on a good day. The vibe in the water is friendly, with a mix of locals, traveling longboarders, and surf camps. There’s also a clear channel for paddling out, so it’s easy on the arms.
- When to go: May to October is swell season, but it’s often rideable year-round thanks to the angle of the point. Winter months are smaller but still clean and surfable.
- Where to stay: Casa Pacifica or Casa de la Surf are both right near the point. Expect hammocks, shade, and the sound of the ocean at night. If you want something with a kitchen and A/C, there are also a few Airbnbs within walking distance.
La Punta & Carrizalillo – Puerto Escondido
Most people associate Puerto with giant barrels at Zicatela. But down at La Punta, the southern end of the beach, there’s a mellow left point that’s way more longboard-friendly. It’s often crowded, but very surfable. It’s also a good place to base yourself if you want to balance surf with some nightlife, yoga, and cheap eats.
- Why it’s great: Short paddles, warm water, and an easy takeoff. La Punta has a forgiving reef and good shoulder sections, perfect for logging or mid-lengths. There’s also a surf culture here, so you’ll find board repair shops, daily board rentals, and instructors who actually know what they’re doing.
- Carrizalillo: A smaller wave in a cove, great for practicing turns or riding a mid-length. You’ll need to walk down a long staircase to get there, but it’s worth it. The wave breaks over sand and is great for small wave days.
- Where to stay: Casa de Olas has good views and a rooftop pool, or check out Hotel Santa Fe near Playa Zicatela if you want to be closer to restaurants but surf La Punta. I also stayed once at One Love Hostel, which is budget-friendly and super chill.
Sayulita – Nayarit
Sayulita has changed a lot in the last decade – it’s more built-up and definitely busier, but the main wave still works for longboarding, especially on a rising tide. It’s not super powerful, which makes it ideal for newer surfers or anyone riding something over 9’0”. That said, it gets crowded, so go early or head north to San Pancho if you want a little more space.
- Why it’s great: Consistent small waves, lots of board rentals, and a great beginner scene. There are two peaks – one inside for learning and one outside that holds more size and offers shoulder-high rights.
- When to go: November through April tends to be cleaner, though summer brings fun southern swells. Winds pick up around 11 a.m., so mornings are best.
- Where to stay: Hotel Vogue is right in town and close to everything, or Petit Hotel Hafa for something more boutique. Both offer easy access to the beach and are within walking distance of surf shops, taco stands, and cafes.
You can walk to the surf from almost anywhere in town, and there’s a lot to do when the surf goes flat – hiking, paddleboarding, browsing street art, and exploring local food spots.
San Blas & Matanchen Bay
If you like mellow point breaks and zero crowd pressure, Matanchen Bay is worth the detour. It’s one of those places where you’ll likely be one of five surfers in the water, even on a weekend. The wave isn’t super punchy, but it’s so long and forgiving that you can mess up three sections and still have 100 yards left.
- Why it’s great: Long, rolling rights that break forever over sand. On the right tide, it’s one of the easiest waves you’ll ever catch, great for logging or experimenting with footwork.
- Downside: Mosquitoes are fierce, especially in the evenings. Bring repellent and consider wearing long sleeves when the wind drops.
- Where to stay: Casa Roxanna or Hotel Garza Canela – basic, but clean and close to the surf. If you have a van or camper, there are a few mellow campgrounds too.
What to Pack for Longboarding in Mexico
A few things I’ve learned to always bring when heading to these kinds of surf spots:
- Soft racks and extra leashes – Rentals are hit or miss in smaller towns. If you’re flying in and renting a car, having soft racks lets you travel to nearby breaks.
- Reef booties – Only needed for some spots like La Punta, but nice to have if you’re unsure about the bottom or paddling over urchins.
- Extra wax – Warm water wax sells out often, especially in more remote areas. Bring a few bars.
- Lightweight rashguard – The sun gets brutal after 10 a.m., and even 20 minutes without protection can leave you fried.
- Cash – Most surf towns operate on a cash basis. Bring pesos, not USD, and don’t rely on one ATM. I’ve had to hitch a ride to the next town just to pull out cash.
Final Thoughts
Mexico’s longboard spots are some of my favorite in the world. If I had to pick just one, I’d go back to Saladita – the wave quality and vibe make it hard to beat. But for a mix of surf, food, and laid-back energy, you can’t go wrong with Sayulita or La Punta either. Wherever you end up, be respectful in the lineup, support local businesses, and don’t forget to explore the coastline – the best wave might be just around the corner.
For more curated picks, I’ve grouped my surf content under longboard waves, where you can explore destinations from Maui to Oahu and beyond.
