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Best known for: Great wave, warm water, sun!

Surfing near Bucerias is great, with Punta de Mita only 10 minutes away and Sayulita about 25 minutes away you catch some of the best Mexico has to offer for waves!

Surfing looks way easier than it is, so give the local surfers some credit for trying! Try your hand at boggie boarding too, theres fun for everyone. Boards can be rented at very reasonable costs or you can even get lessons (very valuable if you do not want to surf upside down)!

THE WINTER: (November-March), swells will wrap into the Bay of Banderas, providing the biggest conditions.
THE SUMMER: (May-October) surf season brings more winds/storms. Some like the summer months because of the seasonal hurricane swells that can come in any direction. 

• Winter has the most consistent times with regular swells in the 4-8ft.

Real Surfers

Thanks Magic Seaweed for the pics of real surfers, when we grow up, maybe we will look this cool!

These, Not so much!

Where to Surf

Sayulita has a good wave reputation and has become a "little" surf city. The reefs are mellow and ideally suit beginners to intermediate and very mellow longboarders who don`t mind the crowds. Sayulita & San Pancho are more adapted to intermediate or beginner level surfers. The surf in these two towns peaks August and September but those waves are not good for beginers or intermediate surfers.

Punta Mita offers surf suitable for beginners and challenging waves for advanced surfers alike on the right swells at the right tide if you know the right breaks to go to. Some of the Southern Mexican states of Oaxaca, Michoacan and Colima. The swells double in size and come in with full direct Pacific power.

Punta del Burro and Destiladeras Beach among others, have swells often 8-12 ft throughout the year. Winter and Summer waves break up to 30 ft. at some spots.

Equipment

Equipment and rentals are available at Coral Reef Surf Shop in Bucerias or Acción Tropical Surf Shop in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Remember the time difference Starting at the (Jalisco State) line. Puerto Vallarta is one hour ahead of Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho. This is important where you rent your boards and what time they are expected back.

Getting around

Sayulita and San Francisco are within 1:30 h drive N of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200. Ride the bus ($4) or Rent a car in Bucerias ($65/d). Regular local buses cover the whole Bahia de Banderas area and accept short boards.

North shore of Banderas Bay: Some spots are accessible through the Villa Vera Beach Club at Destiladeras beach. The breaks in Punta de Mita require surfing by a boat or renting a "Panga" (local 23 ft. fishing boat) from the town of Corral del Risco, located at the end of the highway that goes to Punta Mita, located 20 minutes from Bucerias.

Lodging & food: Resorts are plentiful from San Blast to Puerto Vallarta. One of the best places for beginners, families and young surfers we highly recommend in Banderas Bay is Viva Vallarta Resort facing Punta del Burro. A "World Class" surf spot that breaks all year. In Sayulita try Bungalows Las Gaviotas ($25/dble) for those on a lower budget or Las Olas all women surf camp ($2000/week all included).

Punta Mita offers accommodations to fit every budget. Ask for the "Family Package" at Palladium Vallarta Resort or visit any one of the the Punta Mita acommodation resorts or hotels.

Average Temperatures

Temperatures range 84°F/28°C to 69°F/20°C at night with ocean temperatures averaging 79°F/26°C - so you will not need a wet suit (just sunscreen).

Extras

One more thing, although this page is about surfing, there are some that prefer the simpler side of wave riding and choose the edgy side of boogie boarding. Randal’s family and mine went to Sayulita one day and we asked a friend to catch us riding a good wave and to catch the ultimate wave. Well, the photos were hilarious as Randal clearly won this dual (he still gloats). However, I will be back for another dual, stay tuned….

Local Surf Report

Please remember it is a guide and the weather changes dramitically, use discretion and caution at all times. Most of all have fun, get great pictures and let everyone back home know who the surfer dudes are!