Summary
Salina Cruz is an emerging surf haven on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, about 250 km southeast of Puerto Escondido. Known for its endless right-hand point breaks and consistent swell, Salina Cruz is quickly becoming one of the top surf destinations in Mexico.
The area is home to world-class waves like Punta Conejo and Punta Chivo, offering long, peeling rights that work best on solid south and southwest swells. Whether you’re an experienced surfer chasing barrels or an intermediate rider looking to progress, Salina Cruz has waves for everyone.
With fewer crowds compared to Puerto Escondido and reliable offshore winds, this surf town is perfect for those seeking a more exclusive surf experience.
When to Surf Salina Cruz
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.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 27°C 81°F | 28°C 82°F | 29°C 84°F | 30°C 86°F | 29°C 84°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Water temperature | 26°C 79°F | 27°C 81°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°C 82°F | 28°C 82°F |
| Crowd | Fairly crowded | Few people | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 45% | 70% | 85% | 85% | 75% | 40% |
| Swell height | 5 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft | 7 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft |
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
The most famous wave in Salina Cruz, Punta Conejo is a perfect, long right-hand point break that can deliver rides over 200 meters on a solid swell. Works best on south to southwest swells with offshore northerly winds.
- 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
Another iconic right-hand point break with fast, powerful sections and occasional barrels. Works best with north swells and southerly winds.
- Wave direction: Right
- Bottom: Sand and rocks
- Best tide: Any
- Skill level: Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction: N
- Optimal wind direction: SSW
Getting to Salina Cruz
The nearest major airport is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX), about a 3-hour drive from Salina Cruz. You can also fly into Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) or Oaxaca City (OAX) and arrange ground transportation.
Surf camps usually offer airport pick-ups and 4×4 transportation to the best surf spots.