Puerto Escondido is known for its big waves and international surfing competitions. Learn more about Puerto Escondido Surf and what surfers call the “Mexican Pipeline”.
What was once a port town that was used to get coffee to the market has since grown into a destination that has somehow still managed to preserve its authenticity and charm yet continues to grow as a hotspot for surfers, remote workers and vagabonds alike.
The article will provide you with a look into what you need to know before getting to Puerto Escondido for an unforgettable adventure filled with sunshine, surfing, beautiful beaches and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Table of Contents
- The Latest Puerto Escondido Surf Forecast
- When is the Puerto Escondido Surf Season?
- Puerto Escondido Surf Beaches
- Surf Events in Puerto Escondido
- Popular Puerto Escondido Surfers
- Puerto Escondido Surf Video
The Latest Puerto Escondido Surf Forecast
When is the Puerto Escondido Surf Season?
The best months to surf Puerto Escondido is between the end of April until approximately the beginning to mid-September when the beautiful weather begins to fade and the storms and huge swells start to approach, becoming more and more unpredictable by the day.
If you want to surf when it’s less crowded, the best time to visit Puerto Escondido is between September, October, and the beginning of November.
The best time for experienced surfers is in June when massive thunderstorms create huge offshore winds, especially in the afternoons.
Tip: For more information about Puerto Escondido surf conditions and forecasts, and more, be sure to check out Surfline Puerto Escondido.
Don’t be surprised if you spot a few professional surfers wandering around town during these months enjoying everything Puerto Escondido has to offer.
Puerto Escondido Surf Beaches
Below, you’ll find a short list of the best surf spots and best waves in Puerto Escondido in order from beginner to intermediate and experts only.
Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is a beautiful beach with golden sand and great surf opportunities for beginner’s to catch their first wave. It also has two breaking points that move inwards towards the center of the bay. The best places to surf are at the middle or low tides, where the wave’s height is at the chest height.
New surfers often frequent this beach and classes are being given on a daily basis, so if you’re experienced, you will need to be patient out there.
Tip: For those coming to Puerto to learn how to surf, you will find many surf instructors hanging around on the beach but it’s recommended to connect with one of the many Puerto Escondido surf schools in town for more information about classes, schedules and pricing.
Level: Beginner
La Punta (Punta Zicatela)
La Punta is where you’ll find some of Puerto Escondido’s best restaurants, bars and boutique shops. You’ll also find the perfect surf for intermediate level surfers.
You will find fewer beginners in the water here, so there will be ample time for you to sharpen your skills and enjoy the medium-sized waves that often form on the shore. However, the spot is rocky, so be on the lookout if you’re surfing along the point.
At the southern end of the point break the waves are not as powerful, and it’s easier to maneuver. However, it’s crucial to be cautious when surfing here due to the exposed reefs and crowds. Sometimes the waves around the areas cause massive rips and some of the most challenging lefts and tears while surfing.
Level: Intermediate
Playa Zicatela
Playa Zicatela (also known as the Mexican Pipeline) is located on the southeastern side of Puerto Escondido and is said to have the best beach break in the world. It’s also the main surf spot that attracts pro surfers from around the world.
If you’re an experienced surfer, you won’t want to miss out on Playa Zicatela and its various surf competitions like Mexpipe or World Masters Competition.
Note: Playa Zicatela offers very steep and racy takeoffs in barrels moving from left to right across the beach. This is not an ideal surf spot for beginners — professionals only.
Tip: It’s recommended to check the Puerto Escondido Surf Cam for live updates of the surfing conditions.
Level: Expert
Surf Events in Puerto Escondido
The most famous surfing event in Puerto is known as the Puerto Escondido Cup Surf Open and it’s held in November. The open surfing Puerto Escondido event has the most elite surfers from across the world coming together to test their prowess and see who the best is.
Another competition that has put Puerto Escondido at the top as one of the most incredible surfing destinations is MexPipe Challenge and the ESPN X games that attract enormous crowds from all over the world to Puerto Escondido.
Popular Puerto Escondido Surfers
- Greg Long
- Teuhen Petroni
- Marcial Monreal
- Brad Domke
- Tessa Thyssen
- Bianca Valenti
- John Mel
- Cesar Petroni
- Andres Flores
- Nic Lamb
- Jafet Ramos
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