I have had the frustrating experience of looking for the right waves for myself or my family, only to find pumping advanced waves that just aren’t the right fit. So, living in Mexico and traveling all around, I thought I’d offer some of my favorite longboard waves in Mexico that are worth checking out. I’m going to skip the whole “what makes a good longboard wave” type thing, and just hop right into it!

Punta Mita

Located at the northern end of Banderas Bay in Nayarit, Punta Mita is a little peninsula covered in all-inclusive resorts. The town isn’t much other than a bunch of resorts, but there are a ton of breaks right here around this wildly shaped point, making it one of the best places to learn how to surf. There are actually a couple waves popular with longboarders in the area.

La Lancha is probably my favorite of the longboard waves here. It’s at the southern end of the point and is a mellow and playful wave that might be the most consistent in the area. There’s not much going on as far as bars or restaurants, which keeps it mostly surf-focused. There are a bunch of rights and some punchier lefts. Also, WildMex is located right nearby, one of our favorite surf camps in Mexico.

Right in town is Stinky’s, another popular spot for both shortboarders and longboarders. When the swell isn’t too big, it forms a lovely longboard wave. It’s also closer to the hotels and resorts if you’re staying at one of them.

If you’re going to Punta Mita to surf, you could stay in nearby San Pancho for something mellow. You can also stay at one of the resorts for a more all-inclusive surf vacation.

Sayulita

Just south of Punta Mita in Nayarit is the surf haven of Sayulita. It can get insanely crowded during high season with beginners absolutely everywhere. It is indeed one of the most popular and best beginner surf spots in Mexico.

There are pretty small and soft waves right in town. It’s hard to beat how accessible the longboarding waves are here. It’s a beach break with a few underwater reefs. Winter, or dry season, will be much smaller and more manageable, but you’ll find huge crowds around the holiday season. The town itself has grown at an insane rate, and is popping and touristy. You’ll have no problem finding rentals and classes right on the beach here. The activity in town and waves on offer give it a place on our list of the Best Surf Vacations for Beginners.

From the Store

Scorpion Bay

San Juanico, known often as Scorpion Bay, is a spot in the north of Baja California Sur. With a population of under 700 people, it’s a tiny little town with not a whole lot going on outside the surf scene. It’s not as consistent as Sayulita or Punta Mita, but when it fires it’s probably better.

You’ll find super empty lineups compared to many other spots in Mexico, right hand point breaks, and a super chill atmosphere. I’m talking a remote desert surf trip in a van kinda atmosphere. If you can get here, the wave is worth it!

Puerto Escondido

When most surfers think of Puerto Escondido, they probably think of the absolute bomb that is Zicatela. It’s perhaps the best advanced wave in Mexico, but there are plenty of other waves coming through this area. The town itself is a popping little surf town with a lively atmosphere. Whether you want to relax in nature at an eco-resort or go out drinking and meeting fellow travelers, Puerto Escondido is a rad place to visit.

The first longboard wave in the area is known as La Punta. As the name suggests, this is the point break at the southern end of the beach that breaks down to the left. It can get rather crowded, but it’s a great longboard wave. Super big shoulders, and one of the more forgiving waves I’ve been on.

The other solid longboard wave here is Carrizalillo. Over in a nearby cove, this is both a great longboard wave and a solid midlength wave. The walk down to the beach can be daunting (stairs), but it’s a sandbar break and super beginner friendly in our opinion.

La Saladita

Located in the state of Guerrero, La Saladita is simply my favorite longboard wave in Mexico. La Saladita is a small town just north of Zihuatanejo. It was long a secret spot, now growing rapidly in the international scene. Many aren’t happy about this as it’s pushing out locals, raising prices, and destroying the environment. However, it does offer an amazing longboard wave that draws people from all over the world.

The wave itself is a super long left. It breaks from a southern pointinto the bay where it is also fed by the rivermouth. Summer does give some shortboard days, but this is mostly a longbord spot year-round. I also love my Harley Ingleby Moe midlength surfboard on this wave. It can get up to head-high, but remains soft usually and absolutely perfect for longboarding!