The 7 Best Surf Spots in Mazatlan Mexico: Ultimate Surf Guide

If you’re a surfer seeking an unforgettable experience, Mazatlán, Mexico, is the perfect destination. From the consistent waves of Playa Brujas to the serene rollers of Isla De Venados, this coastal city offers an array of surf spots that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned wave rider or a beginner enthusiastic to catch your first curl, Mazatlán’s diverse surf landscape promises an adventure you won’t soon forget. Enjoy this ultimate surf guide to uncover the seven best surf spots that await your exploration.

Key Points

• Mazatlán offers a variety of surf spots catering to different skill levels, including the renowned Playa Brujas, Olas Altas, and Playa Cerritos.
• Punta Camarón and Los Pinos are intermediate-friendly point breaks, while Isla De Venados provides a unique offshore surfing experience for beginners.
• Playa Estrella Del Mar offers a secluded surf spot with variable conditions, suitable for intermediate surfers during smaller swells.
• The surf spots in Mazatlán feature consistent, year-round swells, with wave heights ranging from 2-8 feet, suitable for both longboarders and shortboarders.
• The surf spots are complemented by nearby seafood restaurants, craft shops, and other amenities, enhancing the overall surfing experience in Mazatlán.

Playa Brujas

Though located just north of the coastal city of Mazatlán, Playa Brujas is a renowned surf spot favored by locals and global wave-riders alike. The current temperature of 77° makes it an ideal surfing destination. This exposed beach break offers consistent, year-round surf with reliable southwest swells. The sandy bottom produces moderate to strong, clean waves that peel left and right, catering to intermediate to advanced surfers. While occasional strong currents can pose a hazard, the thrilling rides make Playa Brujas a prime destination for experienced surfers. The beach’s unique wave patterns make it perfect for practicing advanced maneuvers and cutbacks. With its nearby seafood restaurants and craft shops, the beach provides ample amenities to complement the world-class waves.

Olas Altas

Olas Altas Beach is situated at the southern end of the Malecon, just a short walk from Mazatlan’s historic Old Town. This popular surf spot is known for its high waves, ideal for both novice and experienced surfers, especially from April to October.

Olas Altas Beach, at the southern end of the Malecon, is a popular surf spot known for its high waves suitable for all skill levels.

• Olas Altas features a saltwater swimming pool, sunsets, and local eateries serving traditional dishes like aguachile, making it a tourist favorite.
• The beach’s top end serves as a turtle conservation area, with designated protected zones to preserve marine life.

Offering scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere, Olas Altas is one of Mazatlan’s most famous beaches, accessible with easy parking.

Playa Cerritos

Playa Cerritos is a beloved surf spot located within Mazatlan’s vibrant coastal landscape. This beach break offers consistent, mellow waves that are ideal for longboarding and beginners.

The waves provide both left and right breaks, varying with the swell direction. Year-round consistency guarantees smaller winter waves (2-4 ft) and occasional larger summer swells (up to 6-8 ft) in the region. Reports include analysis, charts, and guides to help surfers prepare for the conditions.

Cerritos is known for its relaxed atmosphere and minimal competition for waves, making it perfect for refining surf skills. With easy access, a sandy bottom, and nearby amenities, this beginner-friendly spot distinguishes itself among Mexico’s surf destinations for its predictability and versatility.

Punta Camarón

Punta Camarón is a left-hand point break located north of Valentino’s Beach, within the Mazatlán Metropolitan Region’s Zona Dorada tourist area. Swell size, period, and direction are primary factors influencing the surf quality here. You’ll access this wave via Playa Las Gaviotas on the north side of a landmark rock formation.

Expect:

• A mushy takeoff suitable for intermediates over a sandy reef, delivering long rides with minimal steep sections on 3-5ft swells.
• Ideal conditions during the summer months when southwest swells and easterly offshore winds converge at mid-tide.
• Proximity to hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, and beach clubs, but watch out for rock and urchin hazards that require booties.

Isla De Venados

One of the three islands that make up the “Islands of Mazatlán” trio, Isla de Venados is an uninhabited landmass situated off the coast of Mazatlán. The island is accessible via amphibious vehicles and panga boats from nearby transit options near the Holiday Inn and Restaurant Panchos. Accessible via a short boat ride from the mainland, the island is a protected natural area with no permanent facilities, making it a day-trip destination.

The surf breaks here are reef-based with gentle rollers, ideal for beginner and longboard surfers. Wave heights typically reach 2-4 feet during the prime season from November to April. Calm mornings offer glassy conditions, while the island’s proximity to tourist zones like Zona Dorada and Centro Histórico adds to its appeal for visitors seeking a unique offshore experience.

Los Pinos

Los Pinos is a renowned surf spot located near the northern coast of the cape in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Los Pinos, a renowned surf spot near the northern coast of the cape in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

It’s a powerful left point break that rolls onto a sandy beach, favoring longboards or mid-length boards due to the slow-breaking waves. While it can get crowded on good days, especially during summer, Los Pinos is one of Mazatlán’s most consistently good surf spots:

The waves are fast during the summer months, with offshore wind from the East benefiting the surfing conditions. Caution is needed due to sea urchins on the inside reef at low tide. Easily accessible near downtown Mazatlán, Los Pinos is popular with locals and families, with vendors present in the afternoons.

Playa Estrella Del Mar

Situated 9 kilometers north of Mazatlán International Airport, Playa Estrella Del Mar is part of the 364-hectare Estrella del Mar complex. Exceptional oceanfront experience overlooking golf course and gardens. This 5.5-kilometer stretch of secluded shoreline offers direct Pacific Ocean access, adjacent to the Dreams Estrella del Mar Golf & Spa Resort and Luxury Suites. The low-density development guarantees minimal crowds compared to urban beaches, though entry requires passing through the gated Estrella del Mar community. Surf conditions vary, with intermediate-friendly waves during smaller swells and challenging conditions during the ideal winter season. Resort guests enjoy priority beach access, with amenities like loungers and umbrellas. Nearby attractions include the Estrella del Mar Golf Club and whale-watching opportunities.

Final Words

Mazatlán’s surf scene is a glittering gem in Mexico’s crown, offering a diverse tapestry of waves to captivate surfers of all stripes. From the consistent perfection of Playa Brujas to the secluded serenity of Playa Estrella Del Mar, this coastal paradise is a surfer’s dream come true, where the ocean’s rhythmic dance and the land’s natural beauty intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience for those who dare to ride the waves.