Coast guide
Surfing and activities
To learn, pick Carrizalillo, San Agustinillo or La Bocana. Zicatela is for experts only. You can also find boat trips, dolphins, whales, bioluminescence, coffee, waterfalls and horseback rides. Prices are "from" prices and should be confirmed.
First time: Carrizalillo, San Agustinillo, La Bocana or the inner lagoon at Chacahua, from November to April.
Zicatela is for experts: Huge waves and rip currents; it is not a beach for swimming.
Get in early: The afternoon wind messes up the waves at almost every spot.
Wildlife: Dolphins all year; whales from mid-December to March; turtles at camp releases.
Confirm prices: Many prices come from booking aggregators and are undated: ask before you book.
Zicatela and La Punta have rip currents and heavy breaks; if a rip current catches you, swim parallel to the shore.
Check each beach's flag before going in the water.
Cyclone season: May 15 to November 30. Check Conagua and Oaxaca Civil Protection.
Many prices come from aggregators and are undated: confirm before booking.
When the waves are on
Two distinct seasons.
May to October · Strong swell from the south and southwest. Best for experts. It is also the rainy and cyclone season.
November to April · Smaller, gentler swell, better for learning. Most spots get afternoon wind: get in early.
[Whole coast] · Swell and rain by month · From May to October the biggest southern swells arrive, along with the rains and cyclones. From November to April the sea is usually gentler and better for learning. In September and October 2026 storms Rachel and Simon brought 2 to 5 m swells to Oaxaca. · With waves of 2 m or more, avoid open beaches even if you're not surfing.
Surf spots
A summary by location; see the table by level.
[Puerto Escondido] · Playa Zicatela · A hollow, very fast beach break known as the "Mexican Pipeline." For experts and professionals only. Peaks from May to October, with waves over 10 feet. Unpredictable shore break, rip currents and no permanent lifeguards. · Level: Expert; Season: May to October · It is very dangerous for swimmers: come only to watch the surf.
[Puerto Escondido] · La Punta · A point break, longer and softer than Zicatela. One source rates it advanced beginner to intermediate and another intermediate+; it is presented here as intermediate. There are rocks at takeoff and it gets crowded on weekends. Paddle out before 7 am or after 5 pm. · Level: Intermediate; Season: March to October
[Puerto Escondido] · Playa Carrizalillo · Two gentle breaks in a sheltered bay. Ideal for learning. You walk down about 160 steps to reach it. · Level: Beginner; Season: March to October
[San Agustinillo] · San Agustinillo · The surf epicenter of the area. Soft, choppy beach waves suited to beginners, with several surf schools. · Level: Beginner; Season: April to October
[Mazunte] · Playa Mazunte · An inconsistent beach break, less crowded. Strong currents. Best from April to August. · Level: Beginner to intermediate
[Zipolite] · Zipolite · A point break right that can close out, with mini-barrels at the north end of the bay. One guide says "any level" and another "advanced"; strong currents and frequent rescues. Get in early: the wind picks up around 10 am. Best from March to August. · Level: Intermediate (sources differ); Season: March to August
[Playa Mermejita] · Playa Mermejita · Not promoted for surfing. The sea comes in hard, there are currents and no services (no restaurants, restrooms or shade). It is a 20 to 30 minute walk from Mazunte. Better for taking in the view than for going in the water. · Go in only when the sea is calm; avoid waves over 1 meter.
[Huatulco] · Barra de la Cruz · A point break right with barrels, 30 to 60 minutes from Huatulco. It works with south swell from 3 feet and is best from 6. There are rocks near the shore and currents in big swell. An entrance fee is charged. Busier in July and August. · Level: Intermediate to advanced; Season: April to November
[Huatulco] · La Bocana, Tangolunda and Conejos · La Bocana: gentle waves with lifeguards from October to March, for beginners. Tangolunda: a fast wave, intermediate to advanced. Conejos: advanced, best in summer. · La Bocana: Beginner, Oct to Mar
[Chacahua] · Chacahua · A long right, one of the best in Mexico, with an inner area for learning. Beginners from October to April; advanced surfers from May to September. It takes about 3 hours from Puerto Escondido, boat ride included. There are rip currents in swimming areas. · Level: Beginner (Oct to Apr) and advanced (May to Sep); Board rental: From 300 MXN per day
Schools and board rentals
Approximate prices.
[Puerto Escondido] · Puerto Escondido · B Surfer (Zicatela and La Punta): group lesson 1,000 MXN, private 1,300. Soul Surf Lessons (Carrizalillo and La Punta): group 1,000, private 1,300, half day 2,800. Board and rash guard included. Board rental: 200 to 300 MXN per day at Zicatela and about 500 at Carrizalillo. · Group lesson: 1,000 MXN; Private lesson: 1,300 MXN; B Surfer: +52 954 110 9221; Soul Surf: +52 954 148 3342 · Confirm prices by WhatsApp or phone before booking.
[San Agustinillo] · San Agustinillo and Mazunte · Schools: Sudaka Surf School, Ocean Surf School and Jahir Surf School. No verified prices. One reference with no clear date mentions about 600 MXN for 90 minutes and 500 for a board rental per day. · Confirm prices by WhatsApp or phone before booking.
[Huatulco] · Huatulco · Huatulco Surf School, 700 to 1,200 MXN per session. Surf & Fun Huatulco, from 600 MXN. · Per session: 600 to 1,200 MXN
Water activities
Boat trips, wildlife, diving and fishing.
[Huatulco] · Boat trip and snorkeling around the bays · Shared boat to 4 bays, about 4 hours; to 7 bays, 6 to 7 hours. Departures between 8:30 and 9:30 from Santa Cruz or La Crucecita. Best from November to April, with calm water. Book one day ahead in high season, and 2 or 3 days ahead for a private boat. · 4 bays: 1,200 to 1,600 MXN per person; 7 bays: 1,800 to 2,200 MXN; Private boat (up to 8): 2,500 to 4,500 MXN; Park fee: 125 MXN; Mexican nationals with ID, about 65 MXN, cash at the marina
[Puerto Escondido] · Dolphins, turtles and whales · Dolphins and turtles are seen all year. Humpback whales from December 15 to March 21 (official season in Puerto Escondido), best in January and February. Trips last 3 to 3.5 h, typically leaving at 7:30 from Bahía Principal. If you get seasick, take medication beforehand. · Price: from 700 to 895 MXN per person
[Puerto Escondido] · Bioluminescence · At Manialtepec lagoon, 2.5 h for 500 to 950 MXN; best around the new moon, from July to September. In Chacahua operators price by format, such as a day-and-night combo or a whole boat. · Manialtepec: 500 to 950 MXN
[Puerto Escondido] · Manialtepec Lagoon · Birdwatching from 2,250 MXN (4 hours), crocodiles 1,600 (4 hours) and mangrove kayaking 1,700 (3 hours).
[Mazunte] · La Ventanilla (Mazunte) · Community cooperative. A 2-hour mangrove tour from 210 MXN per person, 8:00 to 16:00, leaving every 20 minutes. Hatchling release around 18:00, from 210 MXN. Book by WhatsApp (+52 958 106 0891) 24 h ahead. Releases happen all year, in the afternoon. · Mangrove: From 210 MXN; Turtles: From 210 MXN, around 18:00
[Mazunte] · Mexican Turtle Center · Open Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 16:30 and Sundays 10:00 to 14:30; closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission 50 MXN, students 25; free for under-12s and over-60s. · Admission: 50 MXN adults
[Huatulco] · Diving · Huatulco Dive Center (PADI 5-star), +52 958 583 4295, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 17:00 and Saturdays until 14:00. Anfibios Huatulco: discovery dive, from age 8, about 2,500 MXN; 3-day Open Water, about 11,000. Phone +52 958 587 6154. · Discovery dive: ≈ 2,500 MXN · Confirm prices by WhatsApp or phone before booking.
[Puerto Escondido] · Sport fishing · Sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna in Puerto Escondido. Evelio Sport Fishing: 5 hours for 7,000 MXN, +52 954 100 9497. Aggregator range: 4,300 to 9,000 depending on duration. In Huatulco, about 1,500 per hour on a small boat, 5-hour minimum. · Puerto Escondido: 4,300 to 9,000 MXN · Confirm prices by WhatsApp or phone before booking.
[Huatulco] · Kayak and paddleboard · Huatulco: sunrise kayaking from about 850 MXN. No verified operator was found in Mazunte or San Agustinillo.
Land activities
Viewpoints, waterfalls, coffee and adventure.
[Mazunte] · Punta Cometa · A viewpoint at the end of Mermejita street, 15 to 20 minutes along a dirt and stone trail. Set out 60 to 90 minutes before sunset. Free access; sources differ on whether a voluntary contribution is requested. · Duration: 15 to 20 min on foot
[Huatulco] · Copalitilla Waterfalls · Three waterfalls an hour from the bays. 4-hour tours, 690 to 800 MXN per person. · Price: 690 to 800 MXN
[Pluma Hidalgo] · Coffee in Pluma Hidalgo · A 5-hour tour from Huatulco with transport, admission and tasting: 900 MXN adults and 650 children. Lunch is paid separately. · Adults: 900 MXN
[Puerto Escondido] · Mezcal · Puerto Escondido, 2.5 hours from 1,400 MXN. Huatulco, Mezcal Route from 799 to 850 MXN. · Puerto Escondido: From 1,400 MXN
[Huatulco] · Horseback riding · Copalita Beach (Huatulco), from 1,690 MXN per adult. Puerto Escondido: hot springs 1,600 MXN, or sunset plus bioluminescence 1,400 MXN.
[Huatulco] · Cycling · Huatulco: rental from 300 MXN for 3 hours; Cacaluta route 800 MXN. Puerto Escondido: sunrise tour, 1,500 MXN.
[Huatulco] · Zip line and rafting · Huatulco: zip line from 600 MXN and rafting on the Copalita River (class I to II) from about 47 USD in low season, with lunch and transport.
[Puerto Escondido] · Paramotor and skydiving · Paramotoring in Puerto Escondido: 2,500 MXN for 20 minutes, up to 100 kg, wind permitting. Skydive Puerto Escondido used to advertise tandem jumps, but there's no evidence it operates in 2026. · For skydiving, ask by WhatsApp (+52 954 136 9108) whether they still operate. Paragliding and rappelling are not verified.
[Mazunte] · Temazcal, yoga and retreats · Semanawak Temazcal & Yoga (Mazunte): about 300 MXN according to one traveler. Yoga retreats in Mazunte: 564 to 1,550 USD.
[Whole coast] · What to bring on a day trip · Biodegradable sunscreen (required in Huatulco National Park), a hat, water, repellent, cash in small bills and seasickness tablets if you're heading out to open sea.
Safety in the sea
No alarmism, but stay alert.
[Puerto Escondido] · Zicatela and La Punta · There are rip currents and heavy breaks, and tourists unfamiliar with the conditions have drowned. If a rip current catches you, swim parallel to the shore and then diagonally toward the beach. There are no permanent lifeguards at Zicatela.
Zipolite, Playa Mermejita and Barra de la Cruz · Strong currents at Zipolite and Playa Mermejita: go in only when the sea is calm. At Barra de la Cruz there are rocks near the shore.
Flags and boats · Check each beach's flag before going in. On boat tours, wear a life jacket and book with a reputable operator.
Cyclones · The season runs May to November. In late September 2026 storm Rachel closed the ports to small boats in Puerto Ángel, Puerto Escondido and Huatulco due to 3 to 5 m waves, and from October 7 to 11 Simon passed off Oaxaca with rain and swell. Check Conagua and Civil Protection before going out to sea.