La Bocana≈ 20 min
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Home / Guides / Surf in Huatulco
Complete guide · updated 2026
Surf in Huatulco, Oaxaca
Four waves, from the forgiving to the one that forgives no one. Where they are, who they're for, when to come and what the ocean is doing today.
Water27–31 °C
Biggest monthsMay, June & Sept.
To learnDec. to March
AirportHuatulco (HUX)
How the ocean looks right now
El Mojón30–40 min
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Barra de la Cruz40–50 min
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Zicatela≈ 2 h
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Open-ocean swell, not a beach report: the real wave depends on the bottom, tide and wind. Approximate drive times from La Crucecita. Data: Open-Meteo.com
From La Crucecita outward
Huatulco is the base. To the east, past the Copalita river, a chain of surf beaches runs all the way to Salina Cruz. To the west, about two hours away, is Puerto Escondido. Huatulco's bays themselves are calm: the waves are at the edges.
ZicatelaPuerto Escondido
≈ 2 h · west
≈ 2 h · west
La CrucecitaBase
La Bocana≈ 20 min
El Mojón30–40 min
Barra de la Cruz40–50 min
Salina CruzRight-hand points
further east
further east
← WestApproximate drive timesEast →
Four waves, four levels
Beginner – intermediate
La Bocana
Copalita river mouth · ≈ 20 min from La Crucecita
The closest and friendliest wave. It breaks left and right over sand next to the river mouth. On small days it's a good place to learn, and there's a surf school with lessons and rentals on the beach.
TypeRiver / sand
Best swellSouth
Best windNorth
TideAll, best rising
Intermediate – advanced
El Mojón
East of the Copalita river · 30–40 min
Barra de la Cruz's quieter sibling: fewer people and a punchier wave over sand. It's for surfers who already paddle out alone and read the ocean well. Respect the locals and, on your first visit, go with someone who knows the break.
TypeSand bottom
CrowdLight
Best windNorth–west
TideLow to mid
Intermediate – advanced
Barra de la Cruz
Right-hand point · 40–50 min on Highway 200
One of Mexico's most famous rights: a long point with a barreling section up top that opens into walls you can turn on all the way into the bay. The beach is run by the community, which charges an entry fee and has showers, bathrooms and a restaurant. Lessons and board rentals are available too.
In June 2006 it hosted the world tour's Rip Curl Search, won by Andy Irons with Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning in the draw. That event put it on the international surf map.
TypeRight point
Best swellSouth
CrowdBusy on swells
AccessCommunity fee
Experts only
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido
The "Mexican Pipeline" · ≈ 2 h west
One of the heaviest big-wave beach breaks in the world. Thick barrels over sand that easily reach several metres on a south swell. It's no place to learn or swim: watch from the sand unless you're experienced in big surf.
It hosted the WSL Big Wave Tour's Puerto Escondido Challenge, and in 2026 Puerto Escondido was dedicated as the 14th World Surfing Reserve by Save The Waves.
TypeBeach break
WaveHeavy barrel
SeasonMay – Oct.
LevelExpert
The surf year, month by month
This isn't opinion: it's the average biggest wave of each day in the open ocean, 2021 to 2025. Swell builds in May and June with south swells, eases a bit in July and August, picks up again in September and calms down from December to March.
La Bocana
Months with more than half the days above 1.5 mRest of the yearAverage daily maximum open-ocean wave height, metres. Source: Open-Meteo, 2021–2025.
December – March
To learn
The smallest surf of the year. Ideal for your first lesson at La Bocana.
April · October – November
To progress
Waves with more push without the peak of the year. A good window for intermediates.
May – June · September
For experienced surfers
Swell season: Barra and El Mojón at their best, and Zicatela in serious mode.
Boards, lessons and getting around
Getting there. Huatulco airport (HUX) is about 20 minutes from La Crucecita. The eastern spots sit along Federal Highway 200 toward Salina Cruz.
Getting around. Renting a car or booking a driver is easiest. If you're a group with boards, get a van with space or a rack: a regular taxi won't cut it.
Boards and lessons. La Bocana and Barra de la Cruz both have board rentals and lessons on the beach. If you're learning, start at La Bocana on a small day. More in learn to surf.
What to bring. No wetsuit needed. A long-sleeve rash guard, mineral sunscreen, water and cash for the entry fee and food.
Respect. At Barra and El Mojón the wave belongs to the community. Ask around, wait your turn and don't drop in.
Surf photo & video
Take your wave home
Shot from the beach during your session, from your first wave standing up to the walk back. Edited photos, ready to download from a link.
What people ask us most
Are there waves in Huatulco in December?
Yes, but they're the smallest of the year. From December to March the daily maximum open-ocean wave averages around 1 to 1.2 m: a good time to learn and for mellow sessions.
What's the best month to surf Huatulco?
May, June and September have the most swell: in those months, on more than 6 out of 10 days the open ocean off La Bocana and El Mojón tops 1.5 m.
Is Huatulco good for beginners?
Yes. La Bocana, about 20 minutes from La Crucecita, is a sandy river-mouth break that can suit beginners when the ocean is manageable, with lessons and board rentals right on the beach.
How far is Barra de la Cruz from Huatulco?
About 40 to 50 minutes by car from La Crucecita on Federal Highway 200, heading toward Salina Cruz.
Do I need a wetsuit?
No. The water sits between 27 and 31 °C all year; a long-sleeve rash guard for the sun is enough.
Sources: Open-Meteo swell history and forecast (2021–2025); WSL and Stab Magazine (2006 Rip Curl Search, Puerto Escondido Challenge); Save The Waves Coalition (World Surfing Reserve, 2026).