East Oaxaca

10 Surf spots
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Positives
  • Consistent summer swells Crowd-free options
  • Many classic breaks
  • No mass tourism
Negatives
  • Strong trade winds
  • Sketchy access to some breaks
  • Mainly righthanders
  • Rainy surf season

East Oaxaca surf travel guide

Mexico still has plenty of surf potential to be uncovered and those looking for warm water and offshore winds with low crowd potential away from the banner spots should seriously think about the eastern part of Oaxaca. Huatulco to Salina Cruz, is almost untouched by development and characterized by verdant jungle slopes meshing with spectacular white sand beaches. Dredging beachies, rifling points and secret jetties are visited by powerful southern hemisphere swells from April to October. Sketchy access to many spots keeps the crowds low.

Surf spots in East Oaxaca

Research the 10 surf breaks in East Oaxaca and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in East Oaxaca .

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to East Oaxaca

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring East Oaxaca .

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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
a
b
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

Get to Bahias de Huatulco (HUX) by plane connecting via Mexico City. Only Continental Airlines (through Houston) and some charters fly direct to Huatulco. Another option is to land in Oaxaca (OAX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM - domestic only) then drive.

Getting Around

Car rentals available at Bahias de Huatulco (HUX); Oaxaco International (OAX); Puerto Escondido (PXM) airports, but no 4WD available. Normal cars won’t handle many of the sketchy access tracks to the breaks. Rainy season doesn’t help. Salina Cruz Surf Tours can access the remote spots. Salina Cruz lies 134km (83mi) east of Huatulco (2-3h), on coastal Highway 200.

Accommodation

Punta Conejo resort has five day all inclusive packages from $900. Salina Cruz Surf Camp at Punta Chivo (with restaurant, bar & pool). Check Waterways for all incl. Salina Cruz stays or check local hotels and posadas in Salina Cruz ($30-80/dble). Wide variety of accommodations in Huatulco. Pepe's Cabana's ($15/nt) at Barra de la Cruz or luxury Villa las Tortugas at nearby Playa El Mojon (from $2000/wk). Diversity of regional cuisine, based on fish and shellfish.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Good diving options at Santa Cruz, also gentle rafting on Copalita and Zimatan rivers. Sea turtles nestling site at Morro Ayuta. See the ancient Zapotec ruins.

Hazards & hassles

Waves aren't like Puerto Escondido, but big days happen. Banditos are known to work the Highway 200 at night. Don't get stuck on tracks during rainy season. Drive defensively as locals will pass on curves. Mosquitoes are a constant nuisance. Sharks are around.

Handy Hints

No surf shop in Salina Cruz, but Las Palmeras Surf Camp may have some basics. Ideally, a shortboard for hollow waves plus a longboard/fish for the classic points. Avoid travelling at night or alone. Bring a mosquito repellent. Beware of Federales.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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