The full guide to every break in Bahía de Banderas — beach breaks, reef breaks & point breaks. Pick your wave.
Bahía de Banderas offers a great variety of surf spots — beach breaks, reef breaks and walls. There are places for all levels, from beginners to advanced, and each one is unique. Here's the full map.
The big picture — every key surf spot from Punta Mita up to San Pancho.
Click any spot to see the full breakdown — wave description, best tide, difficulty level & access.
Mellow reef break. 5-min paddle out, sand inside for beginners. Easy jungle path.
Right-hand reef wave, occasional left. Stronger than La Lancha. Great for cruisers & longboards.
Two breaks — Paredon & beach break. Strong walls on SW swells. Cruisers & performance.
One of the best lefts in the bay. Strong, long wall. Goofy footer paradise. Boat access.
Surf town beach break, 10 min from Sayulita. Lefts & rights. Good food, cold beer, chill vibes.
Secret local spot 45 min from PV. Only breaks on big swells (8/10 times a year). Lucky surfers only.
20-min boat ride from Punta de Mita. Mellow but strong wave for longboards to performance.
2 hrs south + 30 min dirt road. Uncrowded paradise, all-day pumping surf. Pure magic.
Our home break. 2 min from the store, 15 min from PV. Perfect for beginners & intermediates.
Five surf spots in one peninsula. The crown jewel of the Riviera Nayarit. Known for its luxury resorts, but the waves are the real treasure.
The longboarders' paradise. Long, mellow rollers — perfect for cruising on a 9'2". Walking distance to beachfront restaurants.
The challenge. Powerful reef break that turns on with bigger swell. For experienced surfers only.
Tucked corner with shoulder-to-overhead waves. Less crowded than El Anclote.
Hidden gem reached via short jungle hike. Consistent waves, secluded vibe. Recently access-restricted — go with a local guide.
Popular reef break, often crowded in winter. Off the beaten path — bring food & water.
Mexico's most iconic surf town. Three distinct breaks, cafés, yoga, & killer sunsets. The vibe is electric.
Designated learning area. Soft, foamy beach break — the place where most of the surf schools work.
The best wave in town when it's working. Faster, hollower, more punchy than the lefts.
South end of the bay. Mellower, more forgiving than the main peak. Great for stepping up.
Sayulita's heaviest wave. Reef break, advanced surfers only. Best at mid tide with a solid swell.
A hidden gem. Short jungle hike, secluded sand, consistent waves. Stunning views & a peaceful vibe — the antidote to Sayulita's crowds.
A long, mellow rolling wave. Soft & forgiving. Perfect for learning bottom turns & trim.
A bit faster, a bit punchier. Great waves to practice turning & reading the wave.
When the swell is up — long, fast right-handers off the outside reef. Pure performance.
San Blas. Powerful wave reserved for advanced surfers. Only appears during summer swells. Famous for its strength & exclusivity.
Mexico's most iconic surf town. Waves for everyone — three distinct types & a designated learning area.
Home to the longest wave in the region. Once held the Guinness World Record. Endless rides on the right swell.
Powerful waves & high tubes. Great mix of beginner & intermediate spots. Picturesque setting.
Open ocean. Strong waves up to 4 meters during summer. Charming village & mellower scene than Sayulita.
The Punta Mita trio. Calm, forgiving waves perfect for beginners & intermediates. A relaxed surf day combo.
Boat-only access. 20-min ride from Chacala Bay. Experts only — intense waves & remote location.
Large waves for intermediate surfers. Secluded, fewer crowds — a hidden gem.
Adrenaline territory. Powerful waves, rocky surroundings — for experienced riders only.
Border of San Blas & Compostela. Laid-back, moderate waves. Perfect for a relaxing day.
Smaller, more consistent waves. Sunny days, water 24–26°C. Perfect for beginners.
Bigger swells, more power. Peak: June–August. Water reaches 29°C.
No wetsuit needed. Ever. 🌞
Inexpensive and frequent — connecting Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita and Punta Mita. Best for budget travelers.
~$3 USD to Sayulita
Readily available but pricier than buses. Uber works in PV. Quick and convenient if you have boards.
~$30–50 USD to Sayulita
Ideal for accessing remote beaches like La Lancha or chasing different spots in one day. Bring straps for board roof racks.
~$40 USD/day
Always respect locals and their waves. They've been surfing here longer than you. Be humble, learn the rules of the lineup.
Don't snake. Don't drop in. Take turns catching waves — the surf will reward patience.
Eat at family restaurants. Stay at local stays. Tip your coaches. Strengthen the community that makes this place magic.
Don't pick a spot blind. Book a guided session with Emilian — he reads conditions daily and takes you where the waves are working.