The Pacific coast of Mexico is a paradise for surfers worldwide, offering a mix of breathtaking waves, tropical landscapes and vibrant local culture. In Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit you'll find surf spots for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. This guide ranks the top 10 surf spots in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, from the sheltered corners of Banderas Bay to the long summer points of San Blas, so you can make the most of your surfing trip.
Why Surf in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are ideal destinations for surfers of all skill levels. From mellow waves perfect for first-timers to challenging breaks for seasoned riders, this region is a haven for wave lovers. Add the tropical climate and Mexican hospitality and it's clear why surfers keep coming back.
Benefits of surfing here
- Waves for every level — beach breaks, points and reefs within a 90-minute drive.
- Warm water year-round — boardshorts and a rash guard are all you need most of the year.
- Two seasons, two coasts — winter north swells light up Punta Mita; summer south swells wake up San Pancho, Sayulita and San Blas. See our month-by-month guide to when to surf Puerto Vallarta.
- Culture and food — surf towns with real Mexican kitchens, yoga, diving and fishing when the ocean goes flat.
The Top 10 Surf Spots in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
📍 10. Platanitos
Located on the border of San Blas and Compostela, Platanitos is ideal for surfers looking for a laid-back session. Its moderate waves and long, uncrowded beach make for a relaxing day, and the seafood palapas on the sand are a reason on their own to drive up.
📍 9. Santa Cruz de Miramar
This spot is for advanced surfers seeking an adrenaline rush. With powerful waves and rocky surroundings, Santa Cruz de Miramar is exciting but unforgiving — a wave for experienced riders who know how to read a reef.
📍 8. Lo de Marcos
Lo de Marcos offers bigger beach-break waves suited to intermediate surfers. This quiet town north of San Pancho draws far fewer people than its neighbours, so on a good day you can trade waves with a handful of locals and nobody else.
📍 7. Ola Lola · Chacala
Accessible only by boat, Ola Lola is a well-kept secret in the Compostela area. A 20-minute panga ride north from Chacala Bay takes you to a wave reserved for experts thanks to its power and remote location — no lifeguards, no crowd, no shortcuts.
📍 6. Burros, La Lancha and El Anclote · Punta Mita
Located on the Punta Mita peninsula, these three beaches are among the region's favourites, offering forgiving waves and a stunning setting. La Lancha and El Anclote are perfect for beginners and intermediates; Punta Burros adds a faster right-hander for those who want more speed. We teach surf lessons in Punta Mita right here.
📍 5. San Pancho
At San Pancho you feel the open ocean: on big summer swells the shorebreak reaches three to four metres, which makes it a go-to spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. The village vibe, galleries and restaurants add to its charm on the days it's too heavy to paddle out.
📍 4. Los Veneros
With powerful waves and hollow sections when the swell lines up, Los Veneros is excellent for confident beginners and intermediates on smaller days and a proper challenge when it gets bigger. Its picture-postcard setting between Punta Mita and Bucerías is part of the appeal.
📍 3. Las Islitas · Matanchén Bay
Home to the longest wave in the region, Las Islitas once held the Guinness World Record for the world's longest rideable wave. It only breaks properly on solid summer south swells, but when it does you can ride for hundreds of metres — a bucket-list session for longboarders.
📍 2. Sayulita
One of Mexico's most iconic surf towns, Sayulita offers waves for everyone, from first-timers to pros. With a mellow longboard right, a faster left off the river mouth and a designated learning area, it's the natural place to book surf lessons in Sayulita and spend a week living the surf-town life.
📍 1. Stoner Point Break · San Blas
This powerful right-hand point between El Borrego and Matanchén in San Blas is reserved for advanced surfers. Only appearing on summer swells, Stoner Point Break is famous for its strength, its length and its exclusivity — most surfers who visit the region never see it fire, which is exactly why it tops this list.
Surfing in Puerto Vallarta itself
While most surf enthusiasts head north, Puerto Vallarta has options of its own. Playa Los Muertos, on the southern side of the city, is a favourite among locals; its strong currents and punchy shorebreak make it a wave for experienced surfers. For beginners there are slower waves along the coast for paddleboarding, including the water near Los Arcos. For a mix of challenge and scenery head south to Quimixto, where summer waves provide a fun training ground. Wondering if it's even worth bringing a board to the city? Read Can you surf in Puerto Vallarta?
Surfing near Puerto Vallarta: the Riviera Nayarit run
For those willing to drive north, the beaches along the Riviera Nayarit coastline provide some of Mexico's best surf experiences, all within an hour of the city.
Punta Burros
Often crowded during winter, Punta Burros is a popular reef break with a fast right. It sits off the beaten path with no amenities, so bring food and water if you plan to stay all day.
La Lancha
Access to La Lancha has become more restricted in recent years, but with a local surf guide you can still enjoy some of the best waves in the area. Perfect for everyone from beginners to pros, La Lancha combines fun surf, a relaxed vibe and a jungle walk in.
Sayulita
A surf-town icon, Sayulita is known for its mellow longboard waves and faster shortboard breaks. Its food scene and yoga retreats make it a well-rounded base for a surf trip.
San Pancho
Less crowded than Sayulita, San Pancho is a local favourite. It features an open beach break, charming boutiques and good restaurants — a quieter alternative for surfers staying near Puerto Vallarta.
Meet Emilian Sitges: your surf guide in Puerto Vallarta
For an unforgettable surfing experience, connect with Emilian Sitges, a seasoned surf instructor based in Puerto Vallarta. Emilian's expertise, friendly guidance and deep knowledge of the local surf scene make him the ideal guide for surfers of all levels. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to refine your skills, he'll take you to the right peak on the right tide — and skip the trial and error.
Ready to ride one of the ten? Book a surf lesson or browse all our surf spots with level, season and access notes for each wave.