Puerto Escondido Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

SSE, S, SSW, SW

Wind

ENE, E, ESE

Surf Height

head-high to 5x+ overhead

Tide

All, depending on sand

Puerto Escondido Surf Guide

Commonly known as the Mexican Pipeline, Puerto is compared to the deadliest wave in the world for good reason. A deep offshore trench lets S swells approach the beach unfettered, which explains why Puerto's two main waves (a left called Far Bar and a right called Carmelita's) seldom dip under head-high all summer and occasionally max out at 20-feet-plus. Despite breaking over a sandy bottom fairly close to shore, when it's big, you better know what you're doing out there. Hazards include, but aren't limited to: strong currents, inescapable rips, and board-snapping duck dives. It's a minefield out there, but if you connect with the right wave, you'll know the true meaning of the word "cavern."

Ability Level

Advanced

BegIntAdv

Advanced

Local Vibe

Intimidating

WelcomingIntimidating

Intense, highly skilled.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Heavy most days.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

Famous world class beach break. They call it the 'Mexican Pipeline' for a reason.

Shoulder Burn

Exhausting

LightExhausting

You've never seen rips like this before when it is big.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Typically pretty clean.

Hazards

Theft, strong currents, heavy waves.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Gun

Access

Easy. Hotel and restaurant parking galore.

Bottom

Sand

Best Season

March-October

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