West Guerrero

15 Surf spots
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Positives
  • Long surf season
  • Saladita longboard heaven
  • Surf breaks galore
  • Good weather
Negatives
  • No standout thruster wave
  • Expensive resorts
  • Bandidos at work
  • Rainy season, hurricane risk

West Guerrero surf travel guide

Guerrero catapulted Mexico onto the world tourism stage with the 1940’s development of Acapulco, still the number one tourist destination in the country today. Surfing began in the extremely mountainous state in the 1960’s, then ‘70s surf explorers Naughton and Peterson unveiled Petacalco, an insane, world-class grinding, sand-churning right barrel, in a land of mellow lefts. West Guerrero is chock-full of thumping beachbreak and a fair number of points and reef/sand combos.

Surf spots in West Guerrero

Research the 15 surf breaks in West Guerrero and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in West Guerrero.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to West Guerrero

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring West Guerrero.

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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

Aeromexico and Mexicana fly to Zihuatanejo (ZIH) and Acapulco (ACA) from Mexico City. Alaska Airlines has a direct flight from Los Angeles to Zihua. Buses link Mexico City to Zihuatanejo (11h, $50) and Acapulco (7h, $30). Acapulco is 5h drive from Zihuatanejo.

Getting Around

Booking a car in advance may end up being cheaper than picking one up upon arrival ($60/d). A 4WD isn’t necessary for most beaches. Bring portable surf racks. Driving at night isn’t safe, but during daylight hours, the Green Angels are there to assist motorists. Taxi fares are fixed within cities. Buses are dirt cheap.

Accommodation

Winter is peak season with top prices. Itxapa is packed with luxury resorts; Zihuatanejo is more accessible with doubles around $40. Troncones area offers plenty of surf-facing accommodations. Try La Chuparosa de Saladita, Casa Delfin Sonriente or the Saladita SC (all fr $70). Enjoy shrimp and fish tacos or tiritas (fish & onions).

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Explore the cave in Troncones. Fish and hike in the surrounding area. In Zihuatanejo check out the central market and walk over to the lighthouse (El Faro) from Las Gatas. Ixtapa is a modern resort with many nightclubs (Christine Club). Take a trip to the colonial town of Petatlán.

Hazards & hassles

Guerrero has mostly mellow waves, but big days happen. Bandidos target campers and Highway 200 at night. Take hurricane warnings seriously, winds over 200km/h (120mph) are no laughing matter.

Handy Hints

Take a shortboard, step-up and a longboard. You can find gear at Catcha L'Ola Surf Shop in Ixtapa or Anfibios in Zihuatanejo. Lessons and rental boards at Jaguar Tours or The Inn at Manzanillo Bay.

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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