Summary
Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s stunning Pacific coast, is a vibrant surf destination that caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or an experienced surfer chasing more powerful swells, Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region offer a variety of surf breaks and year-round waves.
Some of the best surf spots near Puerto Vallarta include Sayulita, Punta Mita, La Lancha, and San Pancho, each providing unique conditions from mellow beach breaks to more challenging reef setups. The town itself is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and great accommodation options, making it an ideal base for a surf trip that blends adventure with relaxation.
When to go
The best time to surf Puerto Vallarta is from November to March, when the waves are at their best and most consistent. However, there are waves to be found all year long in Puerto Vallarta.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 22°C 72°F | 23°C 73°F | 26°C 78°F | 27°C 80°F | 26°C 79°F | 24°C 75°F |
| Water temperature | 25°C 77°F | 25°C 77°F | 27°C 81°F | 28°C 82°F | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Crowd | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 70% | 85% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 75% |
| Swell height | 4 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft |
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
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Best hotels for surfers in Puerto Vallarta
Surf spots near Puerto Vallarta
San Pancho
San Pancho (San Francisco) offers more powerful and faster waves compared to Sayulita, making it a great option for intermediate and advanced surfers. It can handle a bit more size and works best at low to mid tide.
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Reef
- Best tide: Low to mid
- Skill level: Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction: SW
- Optimal wind direction: E
Sayulita
Sayulita is one of Mexico’s most famous surf towns, known for its relaxed vibe and beginner-friendly waves. The main beach offers gentle left and right-hand waves, perfect for longboarding and surf lessons.
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Reef and sand
- Best tide: Any
- Skill level: Any
- Optimal swell direction: SW
- Optimal wind direction: E
La Lancha
Located near Punta Mita, La Lancha is a beautiful, uncrowded beach with fun, mellow waves that suit surfers of all levels. It’s a great spot for beginners but can also offer longer rides for intermediate surfers.
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Bottom: Sand
- Best tide: Any
- Skill level: Any
- Optimal swell direction: SW
- Optimal wind direction: E