Best Surf Spots in Mexico for Intermediate Surfers (2026 Guide)

Are you tired of battling “close-outs” on beginner beaches but not quite ready to charge the heavy barrels of Puerto Escondido’s Zicatela?
In this guide, I’ll share the best surf spots in Mexico where you can actually work on your turns rather than just surviving the impact zone.  Mexico is world-famous for its waves, but finding a break that offers a long wall without super critical sections can be a challenge if you don’t know where or when to go.

What Makes a Surf Spot “Intermediate-Friendly”?

For an intermediate surfer, the goal is time on the face. You need a wave with a predictable “take-off zone” and a shoulder that doesn’t shut down immediately so you have time to practice manoeuvres.

From a psycho-biomechanical perspective, intemediate is the stage where you stop “survival surfing” and start focusing on your body movements and positions. To nail a proper frontside turn, your eyes, shoulders, and hips need a wave that gives you at least 5-8 seconds of open face. Mexico’s long point breaks are the perfect laboratory for this.

The Top 4 Intermediate Breaks in Mexico

Barra de la Cruz (Oaxaca) – The right-hand wave-pool.

• Why it’s for you: Probably one of the best right hands I have ever seen. If it’s not too big it’s a perfect intermediate wave to push yourself to the next level.

Punta Mita (Nayarit) – Multiple points and a social zone

Spots like Burros or Faro offer consistent peeling rights, between the famous little town of Sayulita and the nearest city, Puerto Vallarta.

• Why it’s for you: The water is warm, and the waves are rarely “heavy.” It’s perfect for practicing your turns without the fear of hitting a shallow reef.

La Saladita (Guerrero) – The “Longboarder’s Dream”

Often called the “Waikiki of Mexico,” this is a left-hand point break that peels forever.

• Why it’s for you: The take-off is mellow. It gives you all the time in the world to set your rail.

Santa Cruz (Nayarit) – A dreamed morning left-hand point break

A rocky beach with a left-hand point break that delivers eternal waves almost every morning good for short and longboards most of the days.

• Why it’s for you: It’s very easy to read, has a fast initial section but then slows down as it approaches the channel. Perfect early morning and days with no wind.

When is the best time to visit these surf spots in Mexico?

For Nayarit, all year around, October to April are the best months for waves but you can catch waves all year round. Some spots are more consisten others are more picky. Rainy season is something you also might want to consider, as the swells may tend to be bigger but the weather might not be what you are looking for, October, november is in Nayarit and for Oaxaca for example it starts earlier, around may. Most of the spots are uncrowded or with just a few in the line up, some others closer to a town or with easy access can get a bit more crowded during peak seasons.

Ready to stop guessing and start progressing?

Finding the right spot is only a big part of the mission, then comes knowing the break and knowing what to do once you’re on the wave.
Most progressor or intermediate surfers hit a “plateau” because they lack the specific technical feedback to progress efficiently.

That’s why I host Surf Clinics around the world. We take the guesswork and complications out of your trip.

Want to join me in Mexico or any other part of the world? Small group surf clinics with video analysis and 1-on-1 coaching. [Check out our 2026 Surf Clinic Dates Here].