surf trip salina cruz mexico

NOKESURFTRIPS

Salina Cruz

+52 971 116 9679

 NOKE SURF TRIPS 

Salina Cruz, Oaxaca is the perfect destination to practice the amazing sport of surfing and possibly find that perfect wave we are all searching for.  Since 2006, I have offered guides to people from all over the world, including professionals. I specialize in finding high-quality surf by assessing the best conditions and picking the best spots from Salina Cruz to Huatulco.  My goal is to provide you with a memorable experience that lasts a lifetime, finding the best waves from sunrise to sunset!

Hi, I am Josue Diaz, people call me ¨Noke¨. I was born and raised in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca and have been guiding surf trips since 2006. I consider myself a responsible, respectful, honest, and happy person. For me, the coolest part of being a guide is meeting incredible people and seeing the joy on their faces when they surf beautiful waves. In short, I love making people happy.

BIENVENIDO A CASA DE SURF

Mi casa es su casa...enjoy your stay and surf!

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Casa de Surf has view of the beach, and is convenientally located within walking distance to the beach and Huatulco Bay, and comes with all-day surfing tours offered by NokeSurfTrips.

We hope you enjoy your stay. 

INCLUDED AT LA CASA DE SURF

-Private rooms (air-conditioned)

-WiFi TV via cable 

-Beautiful views of Huatulco bay

-Proximity to the beach 

-3 meals daily!

-4x4 'Surfing van' for taking you to *secret spots* & the most well-known points 

-Waters and refreshments during surf sessions

-Local guides!

-Surf tours, surfing all-day 

*5 night minimum, please 

*(Please contact for more information on rates and excursions. I am happy to discuss options with you).

SPORT FISHING & BOATING

I have 6 years of experience guiding sport fishing

To add adventure to your surfing, our boat takes you to some of the most amazing surfing points only available on boat, along the coast of Huatulco to El Faro in Salina Cruz, Huatulco. 

(Please inquire for more detais).

 RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

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Surfing Guide to Salina Cruz, Mexico

Salina Cruz is a great surf town located in Oaxaca, on the southern Pacific side of Mexico, about 250km away from Puerto Escondido . Being close to several world-class point breaks, Salina Cruz is slowly becoming a surfer’s top destination and a place you don’t want to miss on a surf trip to Mexico!

Punta Conejo is probably the most famous surf spot around Salina Cruz. This awesome right-hand point break fires on a good southwesterly swell and offers epic rides.

Overall, Salina Cruz is a great destination for surfers of all levels. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced surfer looking for a new challenge, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Mexico.

The best time to surf Salina Cruz, Mexico is from April to October for consistent waves and sizable swells. However, surfing is totally possible all year long with smaller waves breaking from November to March.

Surf camps in Salina Cruz

8-day Surf Camp in Playa Brasil, Salina Cruz, Mexico US$1,300 including:

• Daily surf guides
• Bilingual surf guide/driver
• 7 nights A/C accommodation
• Salina Cruz is known worldwide for its world-class waves
• 3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Transportation 4×4

Where to stay in Salina Cruz

Hotel Calli and   One Salina Cruz are two great hotels in the area. 

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Salina Cruz!

Surf spots in Salina Cruz

Punta Conejo

Wave direction : Right Bottom : Sand and rocks Best tide : Any Skill level : Intermediate and advanced Optimal swell direction : SSW Optimal wind direction : N

Punta Chivo

Wave direction : Right Bottom : Sand and rocks Best tide : Any Skill level : Intermediate and advanced Optimal swell direction : N Optimal wind direction : SSW

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Mexico’s best pointbreaks

The salina cruz area has something for everyone with a great variety of waves to choose from. one of the best attributes of this area is the array of points on offer. as you move north up the coast, the points get hollower and more powerful., there are also a fun beachbreaks in the area, and due to constant exploration, we are finding new spots to the north and south. if you like right hand points that peel for hundreds of yards over sand, this is the best spot on earth to explore, welcome to oaxaca, las palmeras surf tours.

Headed by Salina Cruz local, David Ramirez and his wonderful wife Karla, Las Palmeras Surf Resort offers a full service alternative that encompasses your entire surfing experience. Your trip includes accommodations, transport to a variety of surf spots in the Salina Cruz region in 4 wheel drive vehicles, food and lodging. The only thing you have to worry about is surfing. (And staying hydrated and protected from the sun…)

Las Palmeras Surf Resort is now beachfront with a private resort with ocean views right on the beach at Playa Brasil! The new Resort (opened up in 2017) has three beautiful cabañas, each one with two separate rooms, and space for up to 3 people per room. Each room has queen sized beds, private bathroom with hot water, A/C, WiFi and Google Chrome built into each television. The cabañas have their own private garden area where you can relax, stretch, or practice yoga beneath the shade of the native Brasil Trees. The cabañas have their own terraces with ocean views where you can watch the waves out front and listen to the ocean from your hammock.

There is a restaurant where you will be enjoying the delicious meals Las Palmeras is famous for. The restaurant is beneath a large palapa with a shaded terrace and bar where you can enjoy your favorite beverage, watch television, or battle it out on the ping pong table. There are still amenities such as ice cream, snacks and alcohol available at the Resort for sale if you so desire.

If you want to swim, or just relax in the water after you surf, you will be able to do so in the new swimming pool situated directly in front of the ocean. The pool also has a small area specifically designed for young children where they can enjoy a safe and shallow zone to splash, swim and play in.

There are also yoga matts, foam rollers, guitars if you want to play some music, and books to read. There are surf videos, Netflix, cable TV and other movies if you want to watch the television to unwind. In your air-conditioned room, you will be provided with fresh towels, clean sheets, soap and lotion daily. The rooms will be cleaned every day while you are surfing. The new resort has an amazing view the ocean, where you can watch the sun set over Punta Chivo to the west and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Las Palmeras Surf Resort does not operate a set schedule giving you maximum flexibility to plan your vacation according to the swells and dates that best fit your needs. Minimum stay is 4 nights with most trips averaging around 7 nights, exact pricing and details are below:

Las Palmeras Surf Resort

We do not operate a set schedule like some camps do, which gives you maximum flexibility to plan your vacation according to the swells and dates that best fit your needs. Minimum stay is 4 nights with most trips averaging around 7 nights. We have accommodated people up to a month!

2024 Las Palmeras Surf Tours Pricing

Children under 4 are free. Children between the ages of 4 and 9 are discounted 50% off the normal price. Returning clients, groups of 5 people or more, and stays longer than 10 nights – please ask for your 10% discount!

What is included in your daily price:

• Guided surfing and transportation in 4WD vehicles
• 3 meals a day, water and snacks at the beach
• Resort accommodation with shared bedrooms including full bath with hot water
• Access to all Las Palmeras facilities; TV/DVD, pool, beach access, guitars
• Maximum capacity of 18 surfers
• Swimming pool
• High Speed Internet via WIFI

NOTE: Check in time is 2:00 PM / Check out time is at 1:00 PM

Please contact us to customize your trip. We will try and accommodate your needs as best we can. Contact us for dates and availability.

Las Palmeras Surf Tours – Salina Cruz 5 night package

• 2 surfers (shared surf tours): USD $1150 per person
• 3 – 5 surfers (private surf tours): USD $1090 per person
• 6+ surfers (private surf tours): USD $1040 per person

Las Palmeras Surf Tours – Salina Cruz 7 night package

• 2 surfers (shared surf tours): USD $1550 per person
• 3 – 5 surfers (private surf tours): USD $1470 per person
• 6+ surfers (private surf tours): USD $1400 per person

Las Palmeras Surf Tours – Salina Cruz 10 night package

• 2 surfers (shared surf tours): USD $2115 per person
• 3 – 5 surfers (private surf tours): USD $2010 per person
• 6+ surfers (private surf tours): USD $1890 per person

Las Palmeras Surf Tours – nightly rate (if you book less than 5 nights)

• 2 surfers (shared surf tours): $240 per person
• 3 – 5 surfers (private surf tours): $230 per person
• 6+ surfers (private surf tours): $220 per person

Las Palmeras Surf Tours – Airport Transfers

Huatulco Airport to Salina Cruz is a 2.5 hour drive. We use a third party taxi service in Huatulco which controls the pricing. The Taxistas are a union therefore PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

3 people or less costs $190 each way

4-6 people costs $290 each way

Airport transfer fee for 3 people or less is $190 each way in a standard vehicle.

Airport transfer fee for 4-6 people $290 each way in a SUV (Suburban).

(Come alone, costs $190.00 each way, come with 5 people in SUV cost is $58.00 per person each way)

We have to charge for airport transfer because of the high cost of gasoline in Mexico as well as the lengthy drive from Salina Cruz to the airport in Huatulco. Cash is preferred as well.

What is not included in your daily price

• International flights
• Airport Pick-up
• Extra sodas and Gatorades from convenience store
• Fishing and boat trips (please inquire for pricing)

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Unless otherwise specified all tour deposits and payments are non-refundable. There are no refunds or partial refunds given for early departures or checkouts from any tour, charter, expedition, or other trip. There are no refunds given for reasons pertaining to surf or weather conditions. There are no refunds given for reasons pertaining to political instability.

We do not transfer deposits. Each deposit is specific to each traveler. For more information see our terms and conditions .

Contact us for availability and pricing

Ready to book?

Fill out our online reservations form to find out availability, or give us a call direct at: 831-588-1306.

Want more information about Las Palmeras Surf Resort? Take a look at the website: www.surflaspalmeras.com

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Welcome to Punta Escondida Surf Tours in Salina Cruz, Mexico.

Home to some of the best and longest sand bottom right-handers in the world.

The coastline from Huatulco to Salina Cruz is mainly comprised with right hand point breaks with unique and picturesque beaches, there is a point to suit every style of surf, from heavy tubes, to mellow rippeable breaks, this area has it all!

Accomodations

Do you need to relax after a long day of surfing?? Just jump into our swimming pool or take a dip in the Jacuzzi outside of the main building. Stay with us at the best Surf Resort in the area, an operation run by surfers for surfers!!

Rates & Packages

Check our rates for surf tours & accomodations.

Some of our happy clients:

Mason Ho, Kolohe Andino, Gabriel Medina, Sterling Spencer, Ezekiel Lau, Nathan Florence, Adriano De Souza, Tom Curren, Dusty Payne, Alex Gray, Anthony Walsh, Carissa Moore, Bethany Hamilton, Coco Ho, Alana Blanchard, Tyler Wright, Lakey Peterson, Malia Manuel, Pauline Ado, Nicole Pacelli, Marina Werneck.

Waves around Salina Cruz (Oaxaca) are true gems. There is a point to suit every style of surf, from heavy tubes to mellow rippable breaks this area has it all. The coastline from Huatulco to Salina Cruz is mainly comprised with right-hand point breaks and beach breaks with picturesque and unique beaches, come and live every surfers dream!

The Surf Camp has 5 bedrooms, each one with a/c,  private bathroom, cable TV and a DVD player. The resort has too, an interior lounge area with a/c and 65-inch plasma TV, an Exterior restaurant with 4 plasma TVs and a game area fully equipped with a pool,  ping-pong table, little football table and all kind of games, plus our big swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Punta Escondida Surf Tours is an operation run by surfers for surfers. Our team always takes care of all minimal comfort details so you can score the best waves every day of your surf trip.  Our guides are knowledgeable about the best conditions for every surf spot, depending on swell, tide, and weather.

Our All-Inclusive Surf Packages are not set to specific days or dates in order to allow each group arrival and departure on the schedule that works best for them. Our Surf guides grew up in Salina Cruz and know which waves are working best based on the swell direction, tide and wind conditions, making sure you score the best waves at the best time. They will be with you from dawn till dusk and will assist you with anything you need.  Let us take care of you. We can assure that you will have the best Surf Trip ever!

Each tour includes

• Air conditioned accommodations with private bathroom
• 4 meals daily at camp
• Full day surf tour with private or shared surf guide
• 4×4 vehicles to take you to all the spots
• All bottled Water and snacks you can handle
• Bilingual Guides

Reviews from our guests

Aloha Punta Escondida! I loved this area of mex and your camp, can't wait to come back! Thank you for taking care of me!

Bethany Hamilton

Many many nice barrels! Extra good food! Cool guides and good sleeping, thanks!

Thxs Punta Escondida epic trip! Great times at your camp. Good is good, beer is great, people are crazy!!! Gracias por todo amigos!!

Best time ever in mexico!! Thanks for the good times, nice stay and all the fun barrels!

Dusty Payne

Amazing place you guys have here. Thanks for the waves, beers, amazing food and epic crew, see you soon.

Benji Weatherly

Thank you for making us feel at home. Your crew was wonderful, the food was yummy and the surf was fun. I hope to come back soon.

Sophia Sarlo

Punta Escondida thanks for putting together the best surf camp ever!! Good times!! Good waves!!

Matt Shuster

Thanks for bringing to such incredible waves and sharing them with us. You guys got us to every spot when they were firing and made the right calls all the time. You got an awesome setup here and a great crew. Thxs for the memories and see you soon.

This trip was incredible. Thank you for the hospitality and good vibes. It was not until I saw you get shacked today that my trip was made!! Owww!! Muchas gracias Gustavo.

Mike Guarino

Thanks for the awesome trip. Great food and great waves!

Greg Browning

Book a surf tour now

Surf Adventure Season: March - October

Click Here For More Information

Winter Vacation Season: November - March

Surf adventure resort & winter vacation get-away destination, welcome to the all new punta conejo resort, salina cruz, mexico. punta conejo resort was created with the vision of providing a unique and tranquil year round ocean front resort experience. it’s a surfers dream come true during the southern hemisphere swell season of march thru october and with water temperatures approaching 80 degrees, a warm and adventurous winter holiday experience during november thru march. punta conejo resort is located on the beautiful beaches of playa brasillito, just adjacent to the majestic and picturesque headland of punta conejo. this unique location was chosen because of its close proximity to town where guests can experience the bustling city and nightlife of the port of salina cruz yet far enough out of town to relax and unwind with the sound of waves crashing on the shore after a long day of adventure. punta conejo resort is the only ocean front resort of its kind in the region that offers “all inclusive” accommodations, including a full menu & bar, wi-fi, a/c and pool amenities. the authentic feel of the property is enhanced by embracing local artisans, culture, and the surrounding natural environment. enlist one of our private bilingual guides, who will not only get you to the best waves with 4-wheel drive trucks, but will make sure you have the best adventure and experience exploring the local culture with full and half day activities personally customized for you during your stay. or simply relax poolside with drink in hand. the water is always warm and the cerveza is always cold. we hope to see you soon..

ACCOMMODATIONS

“Ohhhhhh, Mexico,” Jimmy Buffet once famously sang. “The sun’s so hot, I forgot to go home.”

In less than a dozen words, Buffet summed up many an expat’s Mexican experiences. And no wonder. Mexico is to the US what Indonesia is to Australia—a warm, cheap, exotic, adult’s equivalent of Disneyland, where you can get anything you want, whenever you want it. Oh, and the waves are epic too. Pretty much all of the time.

Mexico has a number of things going for it, as far as surf destinations go. For one, it’s located just above the equator, with a wide-open fetch facing north, west, and south. In other words, it is one of the most wave-rich countries on the planet, regardless of the month. South swells pump all summer, lighting up Mexico’s entire Pacific coast, from Oaxaca’s famed points and big wave beachies all the way up to the sandbars in Baja Norte.

But winter can be just as consistent, with northwest swells not only filtering into the points, reefs, and bombies in Baja, but also sending swell to the beach breaks down in Mainland Mexico. In other words, regardless of the type of wave you want to surf or the season you want to surf it in, you can find it in Mexico.

On top of that, the Mexican people are notoriously friendly, the food and culture are exquisite, the weather typically ranges from balmy to downright tropical, and the cost of living is a fraction of what you’d spend in US—even when camped out in Mexican tourist traps.

There’s a reason surfers have been flocking to Mexico since the 1960s—and why many never come home. Jimmy Buffet had it right all along: “Ohhhhhh Mexico…I guess I’ll have to go now.”

Table of Contents

Regional Overview

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto escondido, salina cruz, surfing mexico.

Top Surf Spots

Surf Trip Costs Mexico

Where to Stay

Eat & Drink

Travel Basics

Transportation

Travel Insurance

Surf regions.

A foreign, rugged, coastal desert located right across the border from San Diego, Baja Norte is the easiest surf trip a Californian can take—simply load up the car, drive across the border, and disappear into the moonscape. With waves ranging from border-town beach breaks and infamous big wave spots to dozens of point breaks that bend raw winter swells into groomed perfection, northern Baja is a wintertime surf fest with something for everyone—as long as you don’t mind cold nights, hot days, and camping in the dust.

Baja Sur is a lot like Baja Norte, except a little warmer, a little less developed (if that’s possible), and thriving under south swell conditions rather than north. Points, beach breaks, and the occasional reef, all breaking in empty, azure water along a picturesque desert coastline—for those who are willing to drive two days to escape the California crowds.

Located in central mainland Mexico, with a convenient airport and a ton of accommodation options (including surf camps), the Puerto Vallarta region is home to dozens of user-friendly waves (such as Sayulita and Punta Mita , two of Mexico’s best and mellowest points). Whether you are traveling solo or with family, staying cheap or living in luxury, looking to noseride or racing down the line on a shortboard, the Puerto Vallarta area has it all—Margaritas included.

Check out : Surfing Punta Mita / Our Surf Trip to the Riviera Nayarit

The original big wave beach break, Puerto Escondido’s Playa Zicatela is a heavy, sandy barrel from head high to infinity, which is why it spent a few years on the Big Wave Tour. But the town of Puerto Escondido has more than just oversized kegs on offer. The area’s resort vibe makes it a great place to take the family, the left-hand point break called La Punta is as user-friendly as they come, and there are numerous other waves in the region as well. For a mixed-bag surf experience in a comfy setting—with the option to go as big as you want—Puerto Escondido punches the ticket.

Check out : Puerto Escondido Surf & Travel Guide

After the world tour exposed the sand-bottom point potential of the Salina Cruz region, it was only a matter of time before it blew up. A decade later, Oaxaca’s most popular surf zone sees a non-stop stream of tourists, most of whom come for the numerous world-class right-handers that peel perfectly from waist high to double overhead.

SURFING MEXICO

TYPES OF SURF BREAKS: Mexico has just about every type of wave available, from endless point breaks and reef slabs to high-performance beach breaks and big wave spots. Different regions tend to have high concentrations of one specific type of wave, so where you go will depend on what and how you want to surf.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Depending on where you go, you could surf a mellow point break, some of the world’s heaviest beach breaks, or anything in between.

SEASON AND SWELL INFO: Summer (April through September) tends to have consistent SW swells, with the occasional tropical storm swell mixed in. Winter (October through March) sees the southern regions go a bit flat, but north- and west-facing coasts enjoy consistent W and NW swells out of the north Pacific. Due to Mexico’s central location near the equator, the wind is pretty consistent year round, with light offshores in the mornings and strong sea breezes starting around midday.

CROWDS: Popular surf zones such as Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca’s point breaks, and the waves around Puerto Vallarta can be extremely crowded. That being said, one of the best things about surfing in Mexico is the huge number of waves available. If you want to surf alone, it doesn’t take much more than a 4×4 vehicle and a bit of an adventurous spirit. Baja, in particular, has over a thousand kilometers of coastline with only a half dozen spots that see surfers on a regular basis.

WATER TEMP BY SEASON: The water in Mexico ranges from freezing in northern Baja during the winter (around 15 Celsius, or 59 Fahrenheit) to downright steamy in mainland Mexico, especially during summer (when water temps can be as high as 30 Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit). Thus, depending on where and when you decide to surf, you could wear anything from board shorts to a 4/3 full suit with hood and booties.

GETTING TO THE SURF: Mexico is a classic road trip destination. Baja is over a thousand kilometers long and has highways running down both coasts, while mainland Mexico has good road access to most spots, so it is quite easy to be self-supported and search out your own surf zone. That being said, there are surf camps set up through Mexico, and some regions (such as the points in Oaxaca) have local “rules” in place that require you to hire a local guide if you want to surf without being hassled or having your vehicle damaged.

Epic surf trips made easy.

Explore luxury done-for-you surf vacations with Lush Palm Private Retreats.

TOP SURF SPOTS IN MEXICO

PUERTO ESCONDIDO: One of the heaviest beach breaks on the planet, and formerly a Big Wave Tour stop, Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is a booming barrel from head high to humongous, with the brown, sandy tubes detonating just offshore, right in the middle of town—making for one of the greatest spectacles in surfing.

SAYULITA: A long, mellow, user-friendly right-hand point near Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is popular with beginners, longboarders, and anyone who enjoys a nice, mellow trim line in warm Mexican water.

SCORPION BAY: The quintessential Baja discovery, Scorpion Bay is a series of right-hand point breaks that occasionally connect, offering rides of over two minutes. Third Point is the stuff of legends, Second Point is arguably the best noseriding wave in the world, and there are five other points to choose from, depending how much swell is in the water. The only problem is that the zone is quite fickle, requiring a specific swell to break. Also, it’s a 15-hour drive through the desert to get there.

PUNTA CHIVO: One of Salina Cruz’s crown jewels, Punta Chivo is a long, hollow, rippable right-hand sand point that is groomed by the daily sea breezes due to the fact that it bends swell lines into the wind.

BARRA DE LA CRUZ: The wave that inspired a thousand surf trips, Barra was the site of the 2006 Rip Curl Search world tour event, which scored the wave about as good as it gets, and is considered by many to be the greatest surf contest of all time. Yet another endless, hollow, sand-bottomed right-hand point in Oaxaca (a state littered with them), Barra lost its form for a few years due to development but is rumored to be improving each year now that the development was washed away by the river.

PUNTA CONEJO: Another of Salina Cruz’s classic right-hand sand points, Punta Conejo breaks off a rocky headland and peels along a lengthy sandbar, often for upwards of a kilometer.

CHIPEHUA: One of the only right-hand sand points in the Salina Cruz area that you can surf without a guide, Chipehua is yet another perfect peeler that offers up both barrels and turn sections, with swell often wrapping more than 500 meters.

KILLERS: A classic big wave bombie breaking off the island of Todos Santos near Ensenada in Baja Norte, Killers is a huge, heavy, boiled-out right-hander that was formerly a stop on the Big Wave Tour, made famous when Taylor Knox paddled the 50-foot+ K2 wave back in the 1990s, winning himself over $50,000.

SURF TRIP COSTS IN MEXICO

Mexico may be the most varied surf destination in the world. You can drive into the Baja desert and do a completely self-supported, feral surf mission for little more than the cost of gas and tortillas, or you can check into luxury resorts and spend $800 per night.

Most people end up splitting the difference, with affordable accommodations, cheap food and beer, and the occasional surf guide. In general, expect to spend around $100 USD per day if you are doing independent travel in a popular area.

WHERE TO STAY

There is a huge range of accommodations in Mexico and your money can go a long way in this department (depending on the area). You’ll find everything from free camping to luxury resorts and everything in between. Generally, the most popular and populated towns and areas will demand the highest prices, and more remote locations will be more budget-friendly. That being said, there are plenty of places to stay for every budget.

If you’re on a lower budget, campsites with amenities run $5 – $15 USD per night (or you can free camp), or you can find casitas that run $20-$40 per night. $100 – $300 USD per night will get you a pretty lovely room in a boutique hotel with a pool and amenities. And $300 per night and up will get you into the luxury range with all the bells and whistles.

Here are a handful of recommendations for every budget (prices in USD):

BUDGET • up to $100 per night

MID-RANGE • $100 – $300 per night

LUXURY • $300+ per night

EAT & DRINK

Mexican food is legendary, and for good reason. Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, fajitas, tamales, Margaritas, pina coladas, ceviche, and every form of seafood you can imagine—it doesn’t matter who you are, there is something in Mexico for everyone.

• A cheap local restaurant or street food will cost around 100 pesos ($5 USD).
• A mid-range restaurant will cost around 150 to 300 pesos per person ($7.50 to $15 USD), including a glass or bottle of beer.
• A high-end restaurant could cost anywhere from 400 to 1200 pesos per person ($20 to $60 USD), depending how fancy you decide to go.
• A can of local beer costs around 20 pesos ($1.00 USD), and imported beer around 40 pesos ($2 USD).
• An 11-oz bottle of water costs around 10 pesos (around $0.50 USD), and you typically want to avoid drinking tap water, or eating anything that has been washed in it.

TRAVEL BASICS

WEATHER: While the majority of Mexico enjoys a hot, humid, tropical climate, Baja is a bit different. The desert peninsula south of California tends to be cold at night and hot during the day—and extremely dry. But regardless if you are in mainland Mexico or Baja, the one thing that holds pretty constant is the wind. Generally speaking, Mexico enjoys glassy to offshore mornings, and then tends to blow out around midday with winds from the NW. The swells for mainland Mexico and Baja are also pretty similar, with consistent, large, long-period south swells during the summer (April through September) and W/NW swells out of the North Pacific during winter (October through March).

CURRENCY: The Mexican peso is the local currency, and is currently exchanged at around 20 pesos to 1 USD, which is quite favorable for visitors. That being said, many of the heavily touristed areas will also accept US dollars.

STAYING CONNECTED: Most towns and cities will have Wi-Fi available, and there is a pretty comprehensive cellular network available throughout the country, provided by companies such as Movistar and Telcel.

LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language of Mexico, although many service providers in tourist areas will also speak some English. Many people don’t realize that the Spanish spoken throughout Latin America varies slightly from country to country, and is considered to be somewhat unsophisticated by Spanish speakers from Spain. Mexican Spanish is utilitarian and easy-going, and the locals love to speak to you in their language, even if your Spanish is no bueno.

A few common phrases in Spanish:

• Hello: Hola
• Good morning: Buenos dias
• Good afternoon: Buenas tardes
• Good night: Buenas noches
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Please: Por favor
• Thank you: Gracias

GOOD TO KNOW & LOCAL INSIGHTS:

• Mexico has a reputation of being quite dangerous, particularly in regards to theft and cartel-related violence. Generally speaking, if you keep your nose clean, stay away from drugs and out of border towns, and don’t drive at night or party in seedy areas, you will be fine. That being said, check out the US Department of State Travel Advisory for safety updates and knowledge about safety in different areas. The US gov recommends avoiding certain states altogether due to ongoing cartel violence.
• The recent political atmosphere in the US and Mexico has led to some tension, particularly with Mexicans who feel that the policies of the US government reflect the attitudes of all Americans. But once you break the ice, get to know the locals, and demonstrate that you appreciate them and their culture, they are quite welcoming and friendly.
• Siestas are a big deal in Mexico, which is great if you enjoy an afternoon nap. Of course, if you are looking to get business done between noon and 2 p.m., you may need to invest in some patience.
• Religion is quite important in Mexico, with most locals identifying themselves as Catholic. Many of the local holidays are religious in nature, and most people attend church on Sundays.
• Family is the cornerstone of Mexican culture, and most families are quite large, featuring traditional gender roles. Hosting parties and other social events are a big deal, with the quinceañera (a girl’s 15th birthday party) being one of the biggest. Elders in families are highly respected, and family members tend to support each other in a variety of ways.

TRANSPORTATION

For transportation around Mexico, either drive into Mexico from California or fly in and rent a car. There are great highways throughout Mexico and road access to nearly all of the waves in the country. Mexico has been the classic road trip surf destination for wave riders from the US for nearly five decades.

If you’re planning on going feral to more remote spots in Mexico like Baja, a 4-wheel drive will definitely come in handy. It varies depending on the area you’re driving through, but in general, it’s best to drive during the daytime and avoid driving at night. And be sure to check out the  US Department of State Travel Advisory for the safety lowdown in different regions.

Tips for Renting a Car in Mexico

If you’re flying into Mexico, for the most freedom and flexibility on your trip (especially to explore surf breaks), we recommend renting a car. For car rentals in Mexico, we highly recommend  SIXT . 

Here’s why in a nutshell: In Mexico, there is a mandatory third-party liability insurance for rental cars. Unfortunately, many companies and websites do NOT include this insurance cost in their quote you reserve online, so you could book a great-looking price online (like $5 a day) and end up having to pay an additional $12 – $27+ per day when you pick up your car, which can literally double or quadruple the cost of your rental car. (This is why most car rental companies in Mexico have terrible reviews.) 

On our last trip to Mexico, we spent  hours  researching to try and figure out the accurate and best pricing for car rentals, and SIXT came out the winner. SIXT has clear pricing that includes the mandatory insurance (so there are no surprises), they have the best prices we found, and we ended up renting with them multiple times and had great experiences.

Check out SIXT and get a quote here >>

While we’d all rather not think about getting injured, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

That being the case, many hotels and surf properties actually require that you have approved travel insurance in case of a serious inquiry or trip cancellation, especially in the wake of COVID.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We recommend Battleface  or World Nomads Insurance . Both companies offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover heaps of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

Get a Battleface Insurance Quote >>

Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>

Questions, comments, or tips about surfing Mexico?

Let us know in the comments below, plan the best surf trip ever..

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7 thoughts on “Surfing Mexico / Everything You Need To Know”

As a beach comber and surfing enthusiast I love ❤️ surfing Mexico and find the people very friendly and many of he women very amorous. And I’m not talking about bar girls.

I am a longboard we, surf a 9ft-9’6. I’m thinking of going on a little surf trip to Mexico for my bday in mid January. I’ve already been to Sayulita and Nayarit a couple times so want to try something different.

I want to go to Oaxaca (salinas cruz: punta chivo, barra, Puerto Escondido, Zicatela, Agustinillo) and/or Guerrero (Troncones Point, Saladita).

Would these spots (or which of these spots) would be best for longboarding in January? I remember going to Sayulita & PV for my bday a couple years ago and the waves were so huge & strong we couldn’t surf or barely just go in the water.

how would the water be in Oaxaca / Guerrero in January?

Great article, thank you! I’m reading it as I head back to the states after a road trip along the Baja Peninsula the last few months. I picked up surfing in the Costa Azul region by Los Cabos and I’m hooked! I want to come back to Mexico in the winter and wondering if you can recommend a beginner – intermediate spot that breaks during winter months? (Baja or mainland)

Hi Tami, awesome! Yeah, you should check out the Sayulita/Punta de Mita area. It’s a great beginner to intermediate region that breaks during winter months. Check back on Lush Palm as we’ll be updating some of our guides to the surrounding areas soon. Cheers

Love this article! I actually wrote a similar article about mexico!:)

What a pleasant surprise to find such an awesome blog! Just the information I needed to plan my 40th Birthday trip!

Awesome, thanks for sharing. Happy 40th and wishing you an amazing trip! 🙂

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Sinaloa, Mexico

One of the only truly private surf resorts left in the world, Sinaloa Surf Adventures is fortunate to own all of the land surrounding its signature break “Patole”, a world class, 200 to 800 yard left.  Jump in at the point and get covered or if you prefer an easy approach at second or third base either way once you kick out most likely it will be the longest ride of your life! Once you get done surfing our top rated Mazatlán chief will have your meal waiting. So if you are ready to have a true surfers getaway and not fight the crowds come on down and check out SSA. 

At over 20 years running SSA has been providing its clients with a surf getaway like no other.  The camp is only open from April 1 st to early November and is a magnet for any southern energy.  Our world class left point break is surrounded by land owned by SSA so you will only be surfing with the guys from our camp. SSA knows that the last thing you want to do is jockey for waves when you travel to a surf destination and we are one of the only camps in the world that can offer this. Whether you are in the mood to drive down the line for 800 plus yards plus or pull into a barrel, you will find it at SSA.  Shortboarders and longboarders are both welcome and each will find what they are looking for here.

Wavehunters experienced operator in this region SSA is your host to some of the world's most pristine and virgin coastlines, offering world class point and beach breaks for surfers of all abilities. Patole Surf Ranch is located one and a half hours from Mazatlán, the new surf resort sits directly in front of Patole break. Temperatures hover around 75-85 degrees from May through November. In April, a vest or spring suit may be desirable. 90% of the spots we surf are sand bottom. Typically there is always an off-shore flow in the morning that lasts until early afternoon.  Once you land the crew picks you up at the airport and drops you back off the on your day of departure. 

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