Colima and Michoacan
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Positives
- Big swell consistency
- Calm wind patterns
- Uncrowded, barrelling waves
- Cheap and exotic
Negatives
- Summer swell excess
- Wet summer climate
- Muddy road access
- Mosquitoes and bandidos
Colima and Michoacan surf travel guide
This central mainland region faces directly into the the southern hemi S-SW swells and also benefits from swell amplifying, deep-water bathymetry. Some spots are happy in NW swells as well as the more sought after South’s. Colima is home to Pascuales, which is the state’s best wave and an ultra-powerful, experts only beachbreak barrel when an overhead S hits the uncompromising black sandbars. Like many of the waves in these three states, it’s usually perfect in the morning NE offshores then blown-out junk in the afternoon, before a possible dusk glass-off. Michoacan is the place to go for challenging, fast peeling rivermouth waves like La Ticla and Nexpa, both awesome waves on their day.
Surf spots in Colima and Michoacan
Research the 9 surf breaks in Colima and Michoacan and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in Colima and Michoacan.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Colima and Michoacan
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Colima and Michoacan.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 41,313,000
- Population
- 128,932,753
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MXN
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 10.87 MXN MXN
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +52
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, Nahuatl and various Mayan.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
No visa is required for most nationalities for stays of up to 180 days. If entering by a land border you maybe required to get a Forma Migratoria Multiple to present at checkpoints within the country. This can cost 390 pesos (about US$20). You can also download this online.
Getting There
International flights usually land in daunting Mexico City. Aero California and Alaska Air fly LA-Manzanillo direct. Fly from Mexico City to Manzanillo (Playa de Oro) with Mexicana, from where it’s 45km (30mi) SE to Manzanillo City. It’s a 90min drive to San Juan.
Getting Around
With your own vehicle, the Mex200 goes through Pascuales, Ticla and Nexpa. Avoid driving at night and be careful of bandidos and the Federales.
Accommodation
San Juan has been developing more accommodation options (Maria Isabel $35-75 dble; Antonic $53-75/bungalow) than most of the small coastal towns, which offer dirt-cheap basic 'palapas' (Pascuales or Nexpa from $15/d) or cheap camping (La Ticla or Maruata from $5/d). For more choice try Caleta de Campos or Playa Azul. Food is basic and very cheap at around $5/meal.
Activities
This area is very green with jungle all around and a lush, mountainous shoreline cut by large rivermouths. Wildlife is plentiful, but sharks are only a worry close to harbours and rivermouths. Colola is a famous turtle nesting site.
Hazards & hassles
Thieves are a problem, especially at La Ticla campground and around Nexpa. Carry cash in small bundles and stash some. Travel in groups and never at night. Montezumas' Revenge is a particularly nasty stomach bug indigenous to Mexico.
Handy Hints
There is a surf shop in Tecoman. Bring spare boards, including guns in summer for the chargers. Come in the winter for good weather and clean, easy beaches and points.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.