Surf Spots in Mexico - produced for FlyerDiaries.com
The Best Surf Spots in Mexico
Mexico’s long been a favourite with sun worshippers – with gorgeous, golden beaches, languid tropical climates and crystalline ocean waters, it’s a dream winter sun getaway.
But the Pacific coast of Mexico has a lot more to offer than just tacos and tequila. It’s also a global surfing hotspot – with some record-breaking waves, monster barrels and secret surfing beaches where you can escape the crowds.
You’ll find a huge range of diversity amongst the best surf spots in Mexico – from hedonistic party beaches and chilled out, ultra-hippy vibes, to truly monstrous world class barrels. So grab your surf board and sombrero, and start planning your dream surfing tour of Mexico’s finest waves.
Northern Baja California
Closest to the US border with California, the gorgeous coastline of Baja California is the perfect place to start a rundown of the best surf spots in Mexico.
The coast of Northern Baja is a little more rustic – be prepared for off-road driving, pack your camping gear, warmer gear and a good map.
With the brimming surf scene spilling out of the US in the twentieth century, keen surfers from Southern California soon made Northern Baja their alternative playground, and Ensenada became the unofficial hub of Mexican surfing.
With good sized waves of 5 feet or more and plenty of right and left turns along its several beaches, Ensenada is a popular and chilled out surf community. Long waves promise fun rides, and its beaches have something to offer for every level.
Hankering for a little more nightlife fun?
Head to nearby beach, Rosarito, which is perfect for all-levels surfing and has a buzzing nightlife scene to boot. It’s a popular tourist spot, so expect crowds, but if you love being immersed in a lively part atmosphere and want to get a little surfing practice in too, this lengthy beach has plenty of varied breaks on offer.
But beyond the party beaches, Baja is also home to some of the most powerful swell on the Mexican coast, and if you’re an experienced surfer, look forward to indulging yourself in a slice of paradise, all to yourself.
Baja Malibu is a pretty epic beach break spot, with huge barrels on offer, and a strong northern swell. Malibu is thin on the ground when it comes to all the usual surf facilities however, but if you have your own board and don’t need the extra frills, you’ll be rewarded with all the space you could ever ask for.
Northern Baja has great swell through the year, but you’ll find the best breaks during winter – when it also gets pretty busy. While the area holds many of the
best surf spots in Mexico, just be warned that the water can still get chilly, so pack a wetsuit.
Southern Baja California
For a little more glam, and warmer waves, Southern Baja delivers a more polished take on surfing in Mexico. With slower and gentler breaks, this might be just the ticket if you’re still getting the hang of things, and want to soak up a little more luxury while you’re at it.
Autumn to spring is prime time here. Between October and April, you’ll find great south and south-western swell, with warmer temperatures in the water than further north.
Los Cerritos is probably Southern Baja’s most beloved surf spot, with a long stretch of sandy beach, headed by a cliff. You’ll find a fun beach break here which can often get busy with intermediate and beginners close to the shore, but more experienced surfers can find plenty to enjoy further out back.
With a laid back vibe and emerging upscale eateries and boutique hotels and apartments emerging, it’s a little less hippy surfer vibe, and a little more gloss.
If you’re craving something a little stronger though, fly down to Isla Natividad, home to Open Doors – and some of Mexico’s most infamous breaks.
The island is only accessible by plane or boat, which means you’ll only be in the company of the most dedicated surfers. Watch and learn, as Doors usually delivers pretty powerful lefts and some of the world’s toughest beach break barrels. There’s not much else on offer apart from the waves here, so check the surf report before you head down.