How do you get started surfing if you’re a beginner? We have everything you need to know about Puerto Vallarta surf spots, surf season, and lessons, as well as Puerto Vallarta surf rentals and hotels near the beach if you want to stay close to the action. Whether you want to learn more about your favorite spot, are looking for new spots to surf in Puerto Vallarta, or need help choosing the right surfboard and other equipment.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular surfing destinations. But knowing when to surf in Puerto Vallarta and what spots are best during each season can be a bit confusing. To help, we’ve put together a guide on Puerto Vallarta surfing.
Surf Lessons in Puerto Vallarta
Best Surf Spots in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s best surf spots are along Bahia de Banderas and short distances outside of the bay. One of the best is Punta Mita, the northern tip of the bay. For good waves between April and October —just make sure you check tide charts first.
Sayulita
With a wide range of surf spots at a variety of skill levels, Sayulita is one of Puerto Vallarta’s best bets. As one of Mexico’s most famous beach breaks, Sayulita is ideal for any surfer looking to catch their first wave or work on advanced tricks. In addition to its excellent surf spots and strong community spirit – both surfers and locals alike are friendly and welcoming – Sayulita also has a lot of accommodation options to meet any budget. There is a yearly longboard competition called MexiLogFest.
There are 2 surf spots in Sayulita, one is on the left side of the beach, which is where they normally give surf lessons since the wave breaks softer and it is more shallow for swimming. The other point is on the right side of the beach and there the waves break much deeper, the waves are longer so it is for people with more experience.
Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a north-end destination that boasts numerous ways to get in on Puerto Vallarta’s surfing scene. This surf spot is known as El Anclote, and since it is in the middle of the town of Punta Mita, there are many restaurants and more than 2 businesses that are dedicated to renting boards or giving surf lessons. At this point two waves break, one left and one right. There is also a lot of coral and stones. It is a very easy wave and perfect with a longboard or paddleboard. There is a yearly longboard competition called Clasico El Anclote. The tides have to be very good to be able to surf with a shortboard.
Punta Burros
Punta Burros is a bit tricky to get to, as you have to use the Palladium entrance from the highway, park there, and take a short walk through the jungle until you come out on the beach. This break has a lot of reefs on the right-hand side and a lot of big rocks on the way in. It is a wave that breaks to the right and when there is a very good swell it usually makes a left on the left side of the beach. It is worth mentioning that there is no shade, therefore, I always recommend that you bring an umbrella and that you leave your belongings in a safe place. We do not recommend this beach for beginners since the wave breaks very deep, there are many rocks, and it is fast!
La Lancha
Park next to the gas station and walk for about 10 minutes through the jungle until you reach the beach. Two waves break on this beach, on one side a left wave and on the other side a right one. It is a beach that is perfect for both learning and experienced surfers. It is worth mentioning that next to the gas station there is a surf shop where you can rent surfboards and hire an instructor for surf lessons.
San Pancho
While Puerto Vallarta is the main tourism hub in the area, if you really want to surf, you’ll have to venture outside the city. The good news is that San Pancho isn’t far away, and it’s been gaining popularity in recent years. You can rent boards at a local surf shop in town and there are a few instructors in town for surf lessons. It isn’t very good for beginners, and you have to watch out for coral and sharp rocks. It is a relatively short left-hand break with south swells. The best season for great surfing in San Pancho is during the rainy season in the summer when the river mouth opens up which strengthens the wave.
Surfing Season in Puerto Vallarta
The Pacific Ocean along Mexico’s western coast is known for having year-round surfable conditions. Winter surf season is great because the North Pacific swells hit, and during the rainy season there are summer storms that bring strong currents and big waves.
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