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Surfing Zihuatanejo

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Zihuatanejo isn’t just a tranquil fishing village—it’s a rising star in the world of surf travel. With warm Pacific waters, a mix of beach and point breaks, and a thriving surf culture, this region along Mexico’s Guerrero coast offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of surfer.

Best Surfing Beaches Around Zihuatanejo

Whether you're a seasoned surfer chasing point breaks or a first-timer looking to catch your first wave, Pacific Vacation | StayPV puts you right in the heart of a diverse surf region. With Zihuatanejo Bay and Playa Linda just minutes away, you can easily enjoy a relaxed morning paddle or a full surf session before breakfast.

 

But for those looking to explore further, some of Mexico’s most iconic waves—like La Saladita and El Rancho—are just a short drive away. These day-trip destinations offer longer rides, more powerful waves, and remote settings that reward your effort with world-class conditions and fewer crowds.

 

From reef breaks you can walk to, to legendary lefts just up the coast, staying at Pacific Vacation gives you the best of both worlds: convenient local surf and bucket-list waves within reach.

 

Playa Linda (Ixtapa)

Located just north of Zihuatanejo in the resort area of Ixtapa, Playa Linda is a consistent beach break perfect for beginners and intermediates. The wave is soft and forgiving, with sand-bottom takeoffs and plenty of room to spread out. It’s also a great place to take a surf lesson or rent a board for the day. Conditions are typically best in the mornings, especially during winter when the swell is smaller and more manageable.

Best for: Beginners, longboarders, surf lessons

Wave type: Beach break

Access: Easy—parking, restrooms, and vendors nearby

 

Playa Las Gatas

Located at the southern tip of Zihuatanejo Bay, Playa Las Gatas is more protected than open coast beaches. The reef here creates a mellow wave that breaks over a rocky bottom, best at high tide. While it’s not always consistent, when conditions align, it’s a fun option for intermediates looking for a gentle reef wave in a scenic, calm setting.

Best for: Intermediate surfers

Wave type: Reef breakVibe: Relaxed, mostly locals and visiting families

Access: Boat taxi from downtown Zihuatanejo or hike the coastal path

 

Playa Escolleras (Ixtapa)

This break lies next to the Ixtapa marina and works well on south swells. The setup includes a jetty that creates both lefts and rights, with punchier waves and more crowd than many other spots in the region. It can get crowded with locals and experienced surfers, so it’s best for confident riders who can handle a bit more intensity in the lineup.

Best for: Experienced surfers

Wave type: Reef and jetty break

Vibe: Local, with faster waves and more aggressive drop-ins

Access: Easily reached by car or public transportation

 

Barra de Potosí

South of Zihuatanejo, this remote beach break sits in front of a quiet fishing village and protected lagoon. When the sandbars line up and a south swell hits, Barra de Potosí can deliver long lefts with minimal crowds. The setting is breathtaking—lush mountains, wide beach, and palm groves. It’s an excellent choice for surfers looking for peace, beauty, and an off-the-grid surf adventure.

Best for: Intermediate surfers looking for solitude

Wave type: Beach break with river mouth potential

Access: About 40 minutes south of Zihuatanejo by car

Vibe: Untouched and uncrowded

 

La Saladita

About 45 minutes north of Zihuatanejo, La Saladita is one of the most famous surf spots on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Nicknamed “The Wave Machine,” it’s a long, peeling left-hand point break that can offer rides over 500 meters long. Ideal for longboarding, it draws surfers from around the world looking for consistent, smooth walls to trim and carve.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced longboarders

Wave type: Left point break

Vibe: Laid-back and uncrowded midweek; busier on weekends

Local tip: Go early to beat the wind and crowds

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Troncones Beach & El Rancho (The Ranch)

Troncones is a relaxed surf village about 30–40 minutes north of Zihuatanejo. It features multiple breaks including beach and reef setups, making it great for intermediate to advanced surfers. El Rancho, known locally as “The Ranch,” is one of the longest and most powerful left-handers in the area. It works best on a solid south swell and provides hollow, fast sections with opportunities for both performance surfing and long rides.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced shortboarders

Wave type: Reef and point break

Access: Drive to Troncones and hike in or paddle across the river

Vibe: Remote and uncrowded, especially during the week

 

Surfboard Rentals & Local Shops (With Contact Info)

Here are trusted surf shops where you can rent boards, take lessons, and get expert guidance:

 

Catcha L’Ola Surf Shop

  • Location: Centro Comercial Kiosco, Local 12, Ixtapa, Guerrero 40880

  • Phone: (755) 553 -1384 or ( 755 ) 557 -1442

  • Offerings:

    • Surfboard rentals for all levels (shortboards, longboards, soft tops)

    • Accessories including wax, leashes, and rash guards

    • Private and group surf lessons tailored to your experience

    • Guided surf trips to Playa Linda, La Saladita, El Rancho, Escolleras, and Las Gatas

    • Local insight and safety tips for navigating the region’s best surf spots

Catcha L’Ola is a convenient go-to for surfers based in Ixtapa or staying nearby. With decades of local knowledge, a wide gear selection, and trusted instructors, it’s ideal for both beginners and returning surf travelers.

 

Tsunami Surf (Troncones)

  • Location: Avenida La Playa, Troncones, Guerrero

  • Phone: ( 755) 103 -0018

  • Email: surf@isamexico.com

  • Offerings:

    • Surfboard “library” with flexible rentals—swap boards to match daily conditions

    • Private and group surf lessons directly on the beach

    • Surf guiding and coaching with local expertise

    • Equipment advice and wave forecasting tips

    • Ideal for beginners, intermediate surfers, and traveling longboarders

Tsunami Surf offers a relaxed, flexible surf experience right on the beach in Troncones. With personalized instruction and a wide board selection, it’s a great choice for visitors who want to adapt their gear to match the break.

 

Rudos Surfboards (Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo)

  • Contact via: Alber.Tours

  • Phone: (755) 100 -1219

  • Email: guia@alber.tours

  • Offerings:

    • Custom surfboard shaping and local designs

    • High-quality board rentals for all experience levels

    • Ding repair and board maintenance services

    • Surf accessories: wax, leashes, fins, and more

    • Personalized guidance on the best surf breaks for your skill level and the day’s conditions

Rudos Surfboards combines local craftsmanship with expert surf knowledge, making it a reliable resource for both travelers and experienced surfers exploring the Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa area.

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Wave Warriors Surf School

  • Location: Playa Linda, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero 40880

  • Phone: (755 )129 -4301

  • Email: olasymasolas@hotmail.com

  • Website: waveswarriors.com

  • Offerings:

    • Private and group surf lessons for all skill levels

    • Surfboard and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals

    • Paddleboard lagoon tours and surf guiding

    • Surf photography and video packages

    • Scooter rentals for exploring the coast

    • Multi-day surf camps and custom adventure itineraries

Wave Warriors is a locally run surf school based at Playa Linda, offering everything from beginner-friendly instruction to guided trips to the region’s top surf breaks. Perfect for travelers looking to learn, progress, or explore Zihuatanejo’s surf scene with trusted locals.

 

Casas Playa Saladita & Saladita Surf School

  • Location: Playa La Saladita, Guerrero, Mexico

  • Phone (Mexico): (755 )101-9711

  • Phone (US/Canada toll-free): 1‑877‑927‑6928

  • Email: info@casasplayasaladita.com

  • Surf School Contact: surfschoolsaladita@gmail.com

  • WhatsApp: +52 755 101 0886

  • Offerings:

    • Surfboard rentals (fish, funboards, longboards from 6′ to 10′2″)

    • Soft-top boards and SUPs

    • Surf camps, private and group lessons tailored for all levels

    • On‑site surfhouse accommodation with beach access

    • Equipment, wax, accessories, and personal video surf analysis

Casas Playa Saladita provides a full-service surf experience—board rentals, lessons, lodging, and surf coaching—right on the iconic Saladita point. Ideal for surfers looking for convenience and quality in one spot. 

Monthly surf report

When to Surf in Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo offers year-round surf, but conditions vary seasonally—making timing important depending on your skill level and the type of waves you're chasing. Whether you're after mellow longboard lines or punchy reef breaks, here's what to expect throughout the year:

 

May to October – South Swell Season (Rainy Season)

This is the prime surf season for Zihuatanejo and the surrounding breaks. Long-period south and southwest swells generated by storms in the South Pacific reach the Guerrero coastline, energizing the region’s more powerful spots.

 

Wave Conditions:

  • Larger, more powerful waves—ranging from shoulder to overhead at exposed spots like El Rancho and Escolleras

  • La Saladita can offer endless peeling lefts, perfect for longboarders and advanced intermediates

  • Reef breaks become more consistent and challenging with increased swell energy

Weather:

  • Warmer and more humid

  • Afternoon rain showers are common, but mornings are often clean and glassy

  • Water temps hover around 82–85°F (28–29°C)—no wetsuit needed

Best For:

  • Intermediate to advanced surfers

  • Shortboarders looking for punchy walls

  • Longboarders at Saladita during mid-swell pulses

Bonus:

  • Early summer (May/June) and late season (October) often bring good swell with fewer crowds

 

November to April – Dry Season (Winter Swell)

During the Northern Hemisphere winter, conditions mellow out, and the surf becomes more friendly and approachable. The south swells taper off, and smaller, shorter-period waves dominate, particularly at protected breaks.

 

Wave Conditions:

  • Smaller waves (waist to chest high)

  • Consistent, beginner-friendly conditions at Playa Linda and Las Gatas

  • Saladita continues to work thanks to its excellent shape and swell magnetism

Weather:

  • Dry, sunny, and breezy with daytime highs around 85°F (29°C)

  • Water temperatures remain warm at 80–83°F (27–28°C)

  • Offshore winds in the mornings create clean, groomed conditions

Best For:

  • Beginners learning the basics

  • Longboarders seeking smooth, easy peelers

  • Families and travelers new to Mexico surf

Bonus:

  • December to February is high season for tourism, so booking early is recommended

 

Year-Round Surfability

While peak swells hit in summer and gentler waves dominate winter, Zihuatanejo has surfable conditions every month of the year:

  • Morning sessions are typically best due to glassy surface conditions and light offshore winds

  • Tidal shifts play a big role: reef and point breaks like Las Gatas, Escolleras, and Saladita often work best on a rising or high tide

  • Crowds are lighter than in better-known surf regions (like Sayulita or Oaxaca), offering plenty of space in the water—especially midweek

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Ideal Timing by Surf Goal

  • Learning to surf? Visit in November–April for friendly surf and fewer rips.

  • Longboarding? Saladita is world-class year-round, but March–June is especially ideal.

  • Chasing barrels and steeper waves? Book a trip June–September when the south swells are strongest.

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Pro Tips for Surfing Success

  • Check tides and wind – Reef breaks (Las Gatas, Escolleras) are best at high tide; offshore winds typically come from the north-northeast.

  • Respect local etiquette – Lineups tend to be friendly but disciplined; follow seated lineup practices.

  • Gear maintenance matters – Most shops offer ding repair, wax, leashes—take advantage and stay smooth in the lineup.

  • Plan your sessions – Early bird gets the clean waves: mornings are ideal across all surf spots.

Playa La Ropa

 

Final Thoughts

Zihuatanejo is more than just a surf town—it's a multi-award-winning destination with stunning beaches, rich culture, and a welcoming local vibe. Whether you’re chasing a 300-meter left at La Saladita or just catching your first whitewater wave at Playa Linda, this coastline delivers unforgettable surf in a setting that’s as scenic as it is soulful.

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