Summary

With its pristine beaches, consistent waves, and laid-back atmosphere, Isla Chacahua is still a hidden gem in the surfing world. 

Chacahua is a little piece of paradise that kept its authenticity through the growing surfing tourism in Mexico and this village will charm you instantly whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.

A surfing paradise off the beaten path

Located a few hours from Puerto Escondido, a popular surf town in the state of Oaxaca, Isla Chacahua is much less crowded due to its remote location. In fact, the only way to get to Chacahua is by boat which makes the journey extremely exciting!

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know on how to get to Chacahua, where to stay, when to go and many more little hints!

How to get to Isla Chacahua

Getting to Isla Chacahua is not as difficult as it seems. Here are the steps. In total you can make it from Puerto Escondido in about 3 hours and for 200 pesos.

1. From Puerto Escondido, grab a collectivo to Rio Grande which will cost you around 70 pesos. You can go to the TUR station and get your ticket from there.

2. Take a taxi or collectivo to El Zapotalito. this will cost you between 25 to 50 pesos.

3. Take a boat to Chacahua. There are 2 options. The scenic route which will take you through the lagoon and drop you straight in Chacahua square. This will cost between 800 to 1200 pesos per boat. The second option is to take to collectivo boat (50 pesos) and then the collectivo camioneta (50 pesos).

Where to stay on Isla Chacahua

On Isla Chacahua, there aren’t any proper hotels. Most places to stay are cabanas or homestays and almost all of them are very close to the beach. A private room will cost you anywhere from 500 to 2000 pesos per night which is about US$25 to US$100. You can also just rent a hammock for about 50 pesos per night and still under the stars at one of the homestays. During the low season, you can pretty much just show up and look around for a place to stay. During high season, from November to May, it is much safer to book in advance as things do fill up.

Make sure you stay somewhere near the town center as this is where all shops and restaurants are located.

Surf Spots in Chacahua

Playa Chacahua

This is the main surf spot in the area and is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Right next to the jetty is a sort of point break with 3-4 peaks along the beach. Beginners can catch some mellow waves on the inside while more experiences surfers can go straight out the back for steeper and more powerful waves.

The Other Side

Across the lagoon is another surf spot which usually picks up more size than Playa Chacahua. You need to catch a “lancha” to go across the lagoon which will cost around 20 pesos. Some people also paddle across but you have to be careful with the current. Also keep in mind that after a certain time, boats stop running and you will find yourself stuck on the other side.

Best Time to Surf Isla Chacahua

The best time to surf Chacahua is during the rainy season, from May to October. During this period, the Pacific Ocean produces consistent swells, offering excellent conditions for surfing. The crowds are also smaller during that period so you can catch waves almost by yourself. Be aware that during the rainy season, some restaurants might be closed but everything is still running smooth.

During the dry season, from November to April, you will find sunny weather, smaller but still consistent waves and the town will have much more life and buzz around it.

Things to know

• Bring some cash! There are no ATM’s on the island and some places will charge you up to 10% fees to cash out.
• There are a lot of surfboard rentals along the beach for about 150 pesos per hour or 300 pesos for the day.

The post Isla Chacahua, Mexico appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Mexico is one of the world’s top surf destinations, offering thousands of kilometers of coastline, consistent Pacific swells, and a lively surf culture. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an expert chasing heavy barrels at Puerto Escondido, Mexico delivers waves for all levels.

On top of world-class surf, you’ll find amazing weather, delicious food, affordable surf camps, and a great social vibe. Mexico is a perfect mix of surfing, culture, and adventure.

Best time to surf in Mexico

Mexico offers year-round surf, but your timing should depend on your skill level and surf goals:

• April to October (Rainy Season): Bigger, more powerful swells and the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers. Puerto Escondido and Barra de la Cruz shine during these months.

• November to March (Dry Season): Smaller, cleaner waves ideal for beginners. Consistent swells still hit key surf spots like Sayulita and Saladita.

Best Places to Surf in Mexico

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a world famous surfing destination on the Mexican Pacific Coast with one of the world’s heaviest beach break, Playa Zicatela. However, surfing conditions are definitely not always monstrous in Puerto Escondido. During the shoulder seasons, even beginners can catch some fun waves in Puerto Escondido, either at Playa Zicatela or at one of the surrounding beaches.

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Sayulita

Sayulita is a lively and charming surf town located in Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. With several surf spots and year-round mellow waves, Sayulita is a great place in Mexico for beginners and intermediate surfers. The surfing vibe in Sayulita is awesome with many hostels, bars and restaurants that provide a great social aspect to your surf trip.

Read our complete surfing guide to Sayulita, Mexico

Baja California

Baja California is a surfers’ favorite on a surf trip to Mexico with many empty and unexplored waves as well as some world-class surf spots. The region is separated between Baja North, including Ensenada and Rosarito, and Baja Sur which includes Cabo San Lucas, Punta Abreojos and San Juanico. 

Read our surfing guides to Baja North and Baja Sur

Barra de la Cruz

Barra de la Cruz is a world-class surf spot located a short drive south of Puerto Escondido, near Huatulco. This right-hand rocky point break has hosted the World Surf League twice and remains one of Mexico’s most iconic waves. Barra de la Cruz is part of a reserve which makes it a bit secluded and there aren’t that many options of places to stay within a short distance to the wave. Most people stay in Puerto Escondido and drive down when swells hit.

Read our complete surfing guide to Barra de la Cruz, Mexico

Playa Saladita

Saladita is an awesome left-hand point break located in the state of Guerrero, just north of Zihuatanejo. This spot is still a hidden gem and is a long boarders’ favorite. Playa Saladita is a true wave magnet with waves all year round.

Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Saladita, Mexico

Best Surf Camps in Mexico

8-Day Surf Camp and Learn Spanish in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
US$590, including:

• 1.5 hours of Spanish semi-private tuition from Monday to Friday
• 7 nights of accommodation
• Learning material and final Spanish Diploma
• Yoga classes along the week
• Surf theory class
• Coaching session
• Welcome activity
• 5 surf lessons
• Surf photos

7-day Exclusive Surf Retreat in Cabo San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur
US$425, including:

• 5 surf lessons
• 1 guided art-walk through San Jose art district
• All equipment, documentation photo and video, and professional instructors
• Daily healthy breakfast and ground transportation
• 6 nights accommodation
• Camping night

Budgeting a surf trip to Mexico

While Mexico used to be extremely cheap, prices have increased since the rise of digital nomads and post-Covid tourism. Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for surfers in 2025:

Travel Tips:

• Sayulita and Puerto Escondido are now quite popular and can get expensive in peak season (December to March).

• Look for surf camps or shared housing to save on accommodation.

• Street food is cheap, delicious, and an easy way to cut costs.

The post Ultimate Surfing Guide to Mexico appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Mexico is a popular surfing destination in America for its cheap cost of living, great beaches and tropical weather. However, due to the country’s impressive size, it can be hard to decide where to settle on a surf trip to Mexico. Here are our top 5 options of places to go on a surf trip to Mexico to have the best possible experience.

Top find the best surfing destination for YOU, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine!

Sayulita

Read our complete surfing guide to Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita is a buzzing surf town with a great mix or tranquility, party, quality surf and beautiful beaches. Sayulita is in the Nayarit region and receives most swells coming from the Pacific Ocean, making it a very consistent surfing destination in Mexico! With many surf spots, Sayulita is perfect for surfers of all levels as everyone can find its perfect wave…

Book a Surf Camp in Sayulita, starting at US$710

Puerto Escondido

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido has a reputation for being one of the heaviest beach break on Earth. In fact, Playa Zicatela, which is Puerto Escondido’s main surf spot turns into a barreling machine from April to October. However, even beginners can find some waves in Puerto Escondido whether it is during the low season, from November to March, or at some sheltered spots during the high season.

Book a Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, starting at US$333

Huatulco (Barra de la Cruz)

Read our complete surfing guide to Barra de la Cruz, Mexico

Halfway between Puerto Escondido and Salina Cruz is a world-class point break called Barra de la Cruz. This surf spot is famous for the World Surf League event which was held here in 2006 in epic conditions. Waves in Barra de la Cruz are usually a bit more fickle and smaller than Puerto Escondido, but when it does turn on, it is probably Mexico’s best wave.

Baja California Sur

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur

The Baja California peninsula is a very fertile land in terms of waves and surf spots. Many surfers who venture in Baja California Sur do so to find some uncrowded, perfect waves which they will find towards the middle of the peninsula. Down south, at the tip of Baja, is Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo which attracts more crowd and development. Either way, there are great waves to be found everywhere in Baja Sur.

Book a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185

North Baja California

Read our complete surfing guide to North Baja California

North Baja includes the cities of Tijuana and Ensenada which both have great waves. Once again, for more adventure and uncrowded surf, you may way want to venture towards the center of Baja California towards Rosarito. This small surf town if a perfect place to have a mix of nightlife and surfing and fall in love with Baja California!

The post 5 Best Places to Surf in Mexico appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Summary

Over the years, Puerto Escondido built for itself nothing less than the reputation of being the Mexican surfing mecca. Puerto Escondido is one of the few places in the world where professional big wave surfers and beginners can both catch waves within the same surfing area.

In fact, Zicatela, one of the main breaks in Puerto, is also called Mexican Pipeline due to its massive barreling waves reminding anyone riding them, the Hawaiian type of power.

However, that kind of swell only occurs on few occasions during the summer months, from June to August. Any beginner heading down to Puerto Escondido in winter, which is the smaller surf season, will have a very pleasant time hiring a board or getting a lesson with a surf school and make their first steps in the ocean.

Puerto Escondido has a lot to offer in terms of social life and activities making it a top destination for a complete surf trip.

When to surf Puerto Escondido

The best time to surf Puerto Escondido, Mexico depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. November to April will be better for beginners and families looking to hang out in the sun while catching a few smooth waves. May to October will bring bigger waves and weather will be a little rainier.

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

Best surf hotels in Puerto Escondido

Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel

Punta Zicatela Hotel

Casa Joseph Zicatela

Getting there

The most convenient way to reach Puerto Escondido is by flying into Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM). Direct flights are available from Mexico City and Oaxaca City. Alternatively, long-distance buses connect Puerto Escondido with major cities across Mexico.

Safety/things to know

• Mexico has a fairly high crime rate. Staying in tourist areas is strongly recommended.
• Even if waves are small, beginners should take surfing lessons to make sure they stay safe and make of their experience an enjoyable one.

Surf spots in Puerto Escondido

Playa Zicatela

Mexican Pipeline as they call it…This beach break is hollow and heavy, especially on medium to large swells. Should be kept for surfers looking to get barreled, nothing else.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

La Punta

At the very southern end of Playa Zicatela is La Punta, a nice left-hand point break that is not as heavy as the beach break and provides a nice set up for surfers who are not so keen for intense wipeouts at Zicatela. La Punta tends to be very crowded on good days.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Carrizalillo

The best spot for beginners in Puerto Escondido is without a doubt, the pretty bay of Carrizalillo. Waves here are mellow and perfect for learners to make their first steps.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Colotepec

Further down the coast, Colotepec is a beach break and a rivermouth that offers great conditions, usually not as heavy as Zicatela, but still good for progressing.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

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