Best Longboard Waves in Mexico You’ll Love

If you're like me and always hunting for mellow, peeling waves that are fun on a log, Mexico is a goldmine. From the Pacific coast to tucked-away beach towns, there’s no shortage of spots with forgiving takeoffs, long rides, and warm water year-round. I’ve surfed all over Central America, but coming back to the best longboard waves in Mexico always feels like a homecoming—easy rhythm, good vibes, and the kind of waves that make you want to stay a while.

This guide breaks down my personal top five longboard waves in Mexico, based on my own time surfing them. I’ve focused on consistency, wave quality, and overall vibe—because I know the magic of a spot is more than just the wave itself. I’ll also share tips for navigating each location, best times to go, and what I wish I’d known on my first visit.

If you’re exploring more longboard-friendly spots beyond Mexico, check out my other guides like the best longboard waves in Costa Rica and my Kauai longboard picks. But for now, let’s talk Mexico.

Key Points

• Go in the shoulder seasons (May–June or Oct–Nov) to avoid crowds and still score consistent swells. Avoid major holidays—Easter, Christmas, and New Year can get packed.
• Look for sand-bottom points for the longest, smoothest rides on a longboard. They’re also more forgiving if you fall.
• Stay flexible—some of these towns have multiple breaks, so check conditions each morning and don’t be afraid to explore nearby coves.
• Rent a board locally if you're traveling light—some of these towns have decent longboard rentals, though you’ll want to bring your own if you’re particular about shape or fin setup.

Best longboard waves in Mexico

Saladita, Guerrero

They don’t call it the “Mexican Malibu” for nothing. Saladita is my top pick and honestly one of my favorite waves anywhere. It’s a left-hand point break with a super gentle takeoff and an almost absurdly long ride—on a good day you’ll be walking the nose for what feels like a full minute.

Why I love it:

• Consistent year-round swell
• Perfect for noseriding
• Mellow local vibe, especially midweek

Tips for your trip:

• Fly into Zihuatanejo (ZIH) and take a taxi or shuttle to Saladita (about 1 hour)
• Bring reef booties if you're new to point breaks—there are a few rocks in the shallows
• Stay beachfront if possible so you can surf early mornings and evenings without hassle

Punta Mita, Nayarit

This one’s not just a wave—it’s a zone. Punta Mita is a longboarder’s dream with several breaks that suit different conditions. I usually stay near La Lancha, which is a clean, fun right that handles a decent swell but stays beginner-friendly.

Other nearby spots to check:

• El Anclote: easy, rolling wave right in town
• Stinky’s: short but super fun on a log
• La Bahia: rights and lefts, good when it's small

Tips for your trip:

• Access to La Lancha requires a 10-minute jungle hike from the highway—bring sandals
• A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore other nearby waves
• Watch the tides—some breaks work better on a push, others are better at high tide

Because the breaks are a bit spread out, having a rental car helps. If you’re curious about how these kinds of waves compare to Central America, here’s my post on Costa Rica’s best longboard waves.

San Blas, Nayarit

San Blas doesn’t get much hype, but it should. There’s a river mouth here that creates a long left-hand break—sometimes ridiculously long. The crowd is usually light, especially midweek, and the town itself has a sleepy charm to it.

Quick pros:

• Long rides
• Underrated = less crowded
• Great value for food and lodging

Tips for your trip:

• Plan your trip during small to medium south swells—that’s when the wave gets its best shape
• Mosquitos can be intense here, especially after rain, so pack repellent and long sleeves for evenings
• The wave is tide-sensitive—aim for mid-tide on a rising swell

You’ll want to time it for a decent swell and a clean tide, but when it lines up, it’s magic. Definitely one of those “worth the detour” places.

Sayulita (off-season only)

Okay, hear me out. Sayulita in peak season is a zoo. But if you hit it in the shoulder months, especially in October or early November, it can be surprisingly fun on a longboard. The wave right in front of town is soft, forgiving, and perfect for practicing footwork.

When it's good:

• Early mornings
• Off-season weekdays
• With a mid-tide push

Tips for your trip:

• Avoid December through March unless you’re okay with very crowded lineups
• Great spot for lessons or beginners, especially if you're traveling with newer surfers
• Try the nearby right at Carricitos if Sayulita gets too busy

You’ll also have access to a creative surf scene and lots of good food, but I’d recommend getting in and out early unless you thrive on crowds.

La Ticla, Michoacán

La Ticla has a bit more power than the other waves on this list, but if you’re comfortable on your board, it delivers long left-hand walls that just keep giving. It’s not as mellow as Saladita, but still very longboardable on smaller days.

What to know:

• Can get punchy with bigger swells
• More remote—come prepared
• Gorgeous, wild coastline

Tips for your trip:

• Check safety conditions before driving through Michoacán, as the region can be volatile
• Bring all your gear, including wax, fins, leash, and a repair kit—there aren't many surf shops
• Camp or stay in rustic cabanas right on the beach for the full experience

This one's for the more adventurous. If you’re doing a longer road trip through Mexico, Ticla is a great stop. The vibe here is more rustic and local, but that’s part of what makes it so special.

Want more waves like these?

If you're planning a trip and want a broader view of longboard-friendly coastlines, I’ve got a hub page that collects my favorite log waves around the world: Longboard Waves. It's a good place to start building your own wave-chasing wishlist.