There are numerous reasons why the Pacific coast of Mexico is one of the most popular surfing locations in the world. This untamed stretch is home to several surf villages that serve adventurous wave riders with reasonable prices for board rentals, ice-cold beers, and the tastiest post-session tacos you’ll ever taste, not to mention magnificent sunset-facing beaches with amazing waves.
While some coastal cities have become surfing hotspots, many of Mexico’s top surf areas are still difficult to find and vary in size and price. Some sites have large-scale resorts that cater to luxury guests, while others will direct you to a beach where you may pitch your tent. When the lineups in the main coastal towns like Puerto Vallarta and Salina Cruz get too congested, head to one of these incredible Mexico surf communities, where the people are small and the vibes are incredibly positive.
1. Punta de Mita, Nayarit
Punta Mita is a stunning peninsula north of Puerto Vallarta that defines the northern edge of the Bay of Banderas. Although luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons and St. Regis surround the beautiful green shoreline, budget travelers may discover hostels and more modest hotels near El Anclote Beach in Punta de Mita. To visit all of the top surf places, you’ll need a car, but if you’re staying at a large resort, lessons and transportation to the greatest surrounding breaks like La Lancha and Punta Burros are simple to organize. Renting a condominium at the Punta Mita Surf Lodge, where you can also organize classes and excursions, is another budget-friendly option for the large resorts.
2. Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita, a little fishing community around an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, has drawn hippies and surfers since the 1960s, and its countercultural vibe lives on today. Hostels, yoga studios, and more vegan restaurants than you’d think for such a small town line the narrow cobblestone streets. Beginners love the main beach break, while expert and intermediate surfers can check out the various adjacent waves if Sayulita gets too crowded.
Sayulita is an extremely budget-friendly destination, particularly in terms of lodging. The co-living hostel Selina has an outpost here for people who need to get some work done in between sessions. If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat, the Amor Boutique Hotel offers seaside villas with private infinity pools.
3. San Pancho, Nayarit
San Pancho, located 15 minutes north of Sayulita, is another renowned surf destination. It has a beach break that is excellent for beginner and advanced surfers and is even smaller than Sayulita. Despite the fact that the waves are not suitable for novices, many surf schools, such as Wildmex, offer shuttle services from San Pancho to Playa La Lancha. Even if you aren’t ready for the surf at San Pancho, the town is worth a visit, with several beautiful restaurants, cafes, and art galleries lining the busy main street that goes to the beach.
It’s a far more cheap surf town for Nayarit, and its location on the coast ensures stunning sunsets whenever the weather permits. Some many bed-and-breakfasts and hostels appeal to backpacker surfers, as well as trendy and pleasant hotels like Ciyé and nature-inspired concepts like Maraica.
4. La Ticla, Michoacán
La Ticla is a beach on Michoacán’s rustic coast, 90 minutes from Tecomán, where you’ll find a traditional no-frills Mexican surf town surrounded by nature. It’s a gorgeous area to lay out in the sun, with golden beaches lined with palm and papaya trees, and surfers will discover exciting waves to conquer, particularly in the summertime when circumstances are greatest.
Because the town is small and has few hotels and no surf schools, newbies should have at least just a few sessions under their belt before venturing out here. Numerous surfers prefer to bring their own tents and camp on the beach, but Parador Turistico and Cabaas Roga offer basic cabaas.
5. Troncones, Guerrero
Troncones, located 30 minutes from Ixtapa in Guerrero, is a small surfing community with a variety of breaks for all levels. There are both low-key bungalows and upscale hotels here, such as Lo Sereno Casa de Playa. The waves are great for beginners and veterans alike, and the circumstances are optimum between the spring and early fall, with around three miles of coastline. Because the emphasis here is on surfing or resting, eateries and entertainment options are limited. When you’re not in the water or relaxing at a beach club with a cool cerveza in hand, stop by the Present Moment Retreat, which is also a hotel and spa, for a yoga lesson.
