Puerto Escondido has earned its reputation as one of Mexico’s most magnetic coastal destinations, yet it remains a world apart from the polished resort towns that dot the country’s tourist corridor. Here, the Pacific Ocean dictates the rhythm of daily life, shifting between gentle morning lulls and thunderous afternoon swells that shake the volcanic sand. For surfers, this stretch of Oaxaca’s coastline is not just a vacation spot—it is a proving ground where local legends are made and visiting wave riders test their nerve against some of the heaviest beach breaks on the planet.
The town’s surfing identity is anchored by the infamous Mexican Pipeline at Playa Zicatela, a wave so powerful that it draws big-wave chargers from every corner of the globe. But to reduce Puerto Escondido to a single break would be to miss the full picture of what makes this coastline so special. Within a short drive or a casual walk along the shore, you will find playful point breaks, longboard-friendly rollers, and sheltered coves that cater to beginners finding their feet for the very first time.
What separates Puerto Escondido from other surf destinations is its raw, unfiltered energy. The town has grown considerably over the past decade, yet it retains a working fishing village soul that feels increasingly rare along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Fishermen still launch their pangas into the surf at dawn, beachside comedores serve fresh catch under palm-thatched palapas, and the absence of high-rise development keeps the focus squarely on the ocean and the sport it inspires.
Choosing the right beach for your skill level is the single most important decision you will make when planning a surf trip here. A wave that feels exhilarating for an experienced rider can be genuinely life-threatening for someone who misjudges the conditions, and the power of Puerto Escondido’s summer swell is not something to underestimate. Conversely, an advanced surfer who spends their entire trip at a mellow beginner break may leave feeling underwhelmed by a coastline that has so much more to offer.
This guide is built around that principle: matching the surfer to the wave. Whether you are a seasoned barrel hunter chasing the ride of a lifetime, an intermediate looking to progress on forgiving faces, or a complete novice hoping to stand up for the first time, there is a beach here with your name on it. The key is knowing where to go, when to paddle out, and how to respect the ocean and the local surf community that calls these breaks home.
Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of the best surfing beaches in Puerto Escondido, organized by what makes each one unique. From world-famous peaks to hidden gems that rarely appear in mainstream travel guides, this list reflects years of firsthand experience in the water and conversations with the local surfers who know these waves better than anyone.
Playa Carrizalillo
| Address | VVMR+GR, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
The waves were so powerful ,everyone was battling to get out of the water because the waves pulled you in deeper or forced you to go in and out aggressively. I do not recommend children or elderlys to swim here. I was scared most of the time until I finally got out to sit at the cabana even the waves reached to that area and people almost jumped on to me from the waves pressure . It was better to float on a surf board to rest i was so tired from all that movement then to get out your have to go up so many stairs and that was so tiring.
This beach is right in the heart of the Rinconada neighborhood. Get a lounge with an umbrella, 500 pesos for 2 people, 250 for one. There is food and drink to be had, a massage, Laura selling beaded necklaces. There are a lot of people but that's also what makes it fun. The water is wonderful and the beach is clean, that yellow more granular sand. No need to wear water shoes but bring your snorkel gear there's a lot to see.
This beach is excellent for swimming.
Massage therapist strolling the beach
I prefer Pina coladas from the last restaurant all the way down to the end... excellent 👌
There are 200 stairs to walk down to arrive at beach
Very busy beach. It's the best place to swim in Puerto Escondido, but it's small and it requires of many stairs to arrive. It is a must to visit anytime.
Very nice, very good atmosphere, it is a beach to enjoy, relax and live together.
Blue Beach Surf School
| Address | Av. Hidalgo 205, Centro, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 954 141 5053 |
3rd times using these guys. Always great instructors. Very nice people. I would definitely recommend, as I am a repeat customer myself. The best. And very easy to deal with. Communication was great too! Zero complaints. Thank you!! See you next year!
If you’ve wanted to try surfing, blue beach surf school is a must! My instructor Angel was the best, he taught me the concepts, gave me feedback and I was able to stand and surf! 🏄♀️ This was my first time ever surfing and honestly it was 10000 x better than I could have ever imagined! Highly recommend to get a friend or some one to take pics/videos of you and going for 4-6pm because the sunset is stunning. Muchos gracias Angel and the entire team at blue beach surf for marking my experience so special and memorable! 🫶
My experience with Blue Beach Surf School was incredible. They were able to help me cross another objective off my bucket list! I cannot recommend them enough! Everyone on their staff went above and beyond to make my surf lesson an amazing experience— from the driver to my instructor Jaciel! Everyone at the establishment was extremely professional and punctual. Providing assistance, encouragement, as well as clear and concise education on all topics related to the lesson! Both administrative and on the water! With patience and instruction, Jaciel had me looking like a pro! Right away, I was catching waves in beautiful Carrizallio! Thank you so much Blue Beach and Jaciel, this experience has left me gleaming with excitement!
Alexis was a great instructor. He was knowledgeable about the conditions of the waves and took good care of me on the water. He catered to my level and checked in if I want to try bigger waves. Overall the lesson was awesome but the waters were so crowded that it didn’t feel super safe. But that’s out of the control of the surf school. He picked me up and dropped me off at my accommodation too. Thank you!
Great school, easy to book via WhatsApp with fast response. Heczer is the best instructor! Highly recommend
La Punta Zicatela
| Address | Heroes Oaxaqueños 33, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Brisas de Zicatela, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Cool beach, cool people. I wouldn't recommend any of the beach clubs, they're nothing special. But I will say this is not a ocean for swimming, its for experienced surfers. The waves are huge and the will pull you out. But go there for sunset and beach walks. There are prettier beaches.
Gorgeous setting, the sunsets were spectacular. Some beach clubs leave something to be desired, we tried a few and got varying quality, from amazing food and reasonably clean facilities to contact dermatitis off the sunbeds, even through our towels. Note that this is a dog-friendly beach!
Beautiful beach, amazing waves… beautiful sunset.
Came to spend some time at punta Zicatela, we loved it. Beach gets very nice waves for surfing, or
Swimming if you are not afraid of big waves.
Sand gets hot during the day, so if you are not used to it, your feet will burn.
Sunsets are beautiful and a lot of people come to watch the sunset at the beach.
Now it's the "new Tulum" where all the tourist foreigners want to spend the vacation or the winter season, it's fancy with hippie vibes. But it's getting overpriced.
Its large beach with a relax atmosphere. Experienced surfers will love it. You have many bars and restaurants nearby
Con: the dogs on the beach can something be very annoying (peeing on shoes, trying to grab a drone etc... )
Pacific Surf Academy
| Address | Av. Hidalgo s/n, entre camino hacia Playa Carrizalillo y Puerto Angelito, Hidalgo, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 208 4911 |
Taking the 5-class individual package was so worth it! Not only did I get to discover new beaches and explore more of the area, but I actually caught waves and made real progress on my skills. The team is super beginner-friendly and provides everything you need: full equipment, rashguards, face zinc, and solid theoretical instruction. Practicing my pop-ups on land before heading into the water each session made a huge difference. Communication was seamless, and they responded quickly whenever times needed to shift. Big thanks to Edwin and Donovan for the amazing classes! They helped me build a great foundation to keep practicing, and I’ll definitely be back with Pacific Surf Academy.
Awesome experience. I did 3 lessons and one board rental. Isabela was incredibly patient and friendly and kept it fun. We were both able to pop up and ride some waves. I would definitely recommend this to other travelers interested in learning to surf!
This was my first time surfing with an instructor, and I absolutely loved it! The team at Pacific Surf Academy is so nice, friendly, and just genuinely great people. The lesson lasted over an hour and a half, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I will 100% come back and highly recommend them!
My friend doesn't speak Spanish, which was no problem at all since they have fluent English-speaking instructors. We started with a quick theory lesson on the beach and then went straight into the water. My instructor always made sure I felt safe and took the time to figure out which waves I was most comfortable catching. After wiping out about 5 times, I actually managed to stand up and ride 3 or 4 waves, which felt huge! Thank you to the whole team and thank you for our little gift!
We stayed in the area for 5 days and walked past the surf school every day—then it finally clicked that we could sign our 14-year-old up for a lesson. The team was super chilled and supportive, providing all the gear and sun protection. Lessons take place within walking distance of the school, so we just waited at the beach where you can swim or sunbathe—it was perfect.
Our son’s instructor, Baloo, was brilliant. He explained everything clearly, made it easy to understand, and really boosted our son’s confidence. It was a 10/10 experience, which is why I’m leaving this review! The one-off 2-hour lesson was £60, but I think they offer other packages too. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.
Our experience with Donovan was top tier! It was only our second surf lesson ever but with Donovan’s help we were able stand up on the board with the first wave & catch almost every wave after that. He made us feel comfortable, encouraged & excited to surf more in the future. He even made sure we had transportation to the beach & to a restaurant afterward. Highly recommend!
Punta Zicatela
| Address | Unnamed, Chrej Ne hio'o Rd., 70934 Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
If you’re visiting Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido you should consider visiting this spot, it will take a few hiking Miles but it’s totally worth, If you’re a Sunset Lover you will enjoy it to the fullest
Great place to surf for sure! Waves were gnarly and great place to watch surfers, not recommended for swimming at all! Not so busy on a Friday. Small street which is still mostly not cemented except for the main one where you can get taxis.
Perfect for a hippie vacations.
I mean it’s not a huge city with all the public structure but the people of the town are working to make a better services.
Cheap city , poor conditions of services but a huge paradise.
I love it if you want disconnect and admire a virgin paradise.
Beautiful spot to watch the sunset and hang out at day times. A bit hard to get to since you’d have to climb some rocks and several paths are private; these are restricted to enter. Still, absolutely worth any hassle, and certainly one of your future's favourite spots in Puerto Escondido.
This area has become a hipster neighborhood, overrun by gentrification with overpriced restaurants and shops. Even the beach umbrellas are ridiculously expensive. For example, a coco 70, while the regular market price is only 30. It feels like the place is catered entirely to foreigners.
Playa Zicatela
| Address | Playa Zicatela, Oaxaca, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Didn't like the fish smell and the weather is super hot. I couldn't stay for more that a day. Not a very beautiful place to stay or do shopping. View is similar to other beaches ⛱️. My personal opinion
Very long beach ⛱️ if you walk do so in the morning as the surf is too strong for swimming to go for dip. Central beach area known for surfing, this area also hosts a number of good restaurants and bars. Very hot 🥵 30 - 31C Feb/Mar.
A 3.5 km long stretch of paradise.
The sunsets I saw here are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen.
The waves can be pretty tough depending on which side of the beach you’re on so do be careful.
Loungers for rent scattered across the playa.
A happy and peaceful place to spend the days.
As touristy as it gets!
Beautiful beaches and lots of vars and restaurants!
On the path to be a fancy Tulum in a few years.
Great place to sit on the beach and watch the waves crash in… swimming here though not a good idea with large waves and undertow
Playa Carrizalillo
| Address | Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Chill, free beach to spend the mornings. The palapas will rent the camastros and tables for low prices, be ready climb down and up the stairs, “free” parking, the parking is based on donation, please be sure you guys feed the two little dogs on the empty lot! We left food and water bowls under the three.
It’s looks really pretty and the water is a nice temp. However, it was crowded and there was some kind of rubbish floating on top of the water. The swim area gets deep rather close to the shore, but it’s nice and calm to swim in.
Lovely beach - we paid $500 for a bed on the left hand side of the beach. Very comfortable and staff took care of us.
Be mindful of the steps down to the beach and lack of toilet facilities available
A great little beach with calm water for swimming. We paid 500 pesos for 2 chairs for the day.
Very long stairway to get to the beach. Unless you really want to get there and in very good shape, well, good luck. We went down a little ways as the sun was setting and it was lovely.
Lucy Surf School Puerto Escondido
| Address | Playa Carrizalillo, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 164 6047 |
Great spot for beginners & intermediate, even advanced. Whether it’s 1st ride or you want some coaching - this is the place. Right on the beach so don’t have to carry board downstairs, our group had many lessons and all caught waves at all skills levels. ~1000pesos/person if in a group. Special shout out to Tana & Alex - incredible instructors 🤙🏼
After trying several different surf schools and unfortunately also having some challenging experiences with surf instructors, I can genuinely and highly recommend Lucy Surf School.
Daniel Tana is an exceptionally professional and respectful surf instructor. He clearly has a deep understanding of surfing, explains everything in a very clear and structured way, and I learned an incredible amount within just one lesson.
The owner, Lucy, is equally outstanding. She is incredibly friendly, supportive, and genuinely helpful. She provides valuable advice, is very honest in her approach, and never tries to push or “sell” anything unnecessarily. Instead, she creates a very welcoming, empathetic, and motivating environment.
Overall, I felt completely safe and well taken care of, and I would highly recommend this surf school to anyone — especially women who are looking for a respectful, professional, and supportive learning environment.
I had a great experience with Lucy Surf School. It was easy to book a day in advance via WhatsApp and Lucy answered all of my questions. My instructor Daniel (TA) was very good. He was calm, gave excellent instructions, and helped me surf for the first time! I felt safe and comfortable and had an excellent first-time surfing experience. Would highly recommend Lucy Surf School!
Communication with Lucy was easy and fast. We enjoyed our first class so much that we went back for a second class.
We especially enjoyed Balu's detailed instructions. He was extremely patient and helped both of us get up on the surf board quickly.
Me and my teenage kids took lessons with Gerardo and Alex. They were both great instructors! Once in the water we were actually able to stand up and surf right away. Obvioisly Gerardo explained the technique very well and was very helpful correcting our posture. I was confident my kids were in good hands, as both instructors put huge emphasis on safety. It was amazing watching my screen addicts having so much fun. And me - well, to be honest my primary hope was to survive this experiment but I had a fantastic time and might do it again!
Surf with Luis - Surf Lessons in Puerto Escondido
| Address | Focas, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 131 3823 |
Had an amazing surf experience with Tavo from Surf with Luis. The beach is perfect if you haven’t surfed in a long time, but you’re not exactly a beginner either - although it’s also great for beginners.
The conditions were consistently 5-star, and I caught more waves than ever before. I also had the best time with Tavo while waiting for the waves - such a fun and easygoing instructor.
The surf school itself is super cute, they have a photographer if you want some photos, and their merch is really nice too.
100% recommend 🙂
Amazing surf school! The instructor was patient, professional and made me feel safe in the water. Super fun atmosphere and great teaching. You can tell how much expierence Luis has. You also get a licra and Zinc to protect your face and skin from the sun. Highly recommend taking classes here!
Luis and his instructors were incredible! I took lessons at Playa Carrizalillo and went on a half day surf trip to a different beach the following day. Luis, Israel and Miguel (known as Westside) were very knowledgeable and patient. Israel was my instructor and even helped me back to the waves when I would get lazy and tired of paddling back. I can’t wait to be back and keep learning from the whole team at Surf with Luis.
I had the best experience with Luis. It was my first time surfing and I caught so many waves, I never imagined that. It was actually so much fun that I came back and took 2 more classes during my 5 days in Puerto Escondido.
Just tried a surf lesson here and had a really good experience from the friendly and informative staff. Out of all the times I’ve had surf lessons, our instructor Heczar (hopefully I spelled that right) was the only one I had that actively corrected my (terrible) form, and helped surf alongside with me.
I’m happy that I at least got up decently once, and got to see a beautiful sea turtle while waiting for a decent wave.
Heczar was really motivating the entire time, the one thing he told me that helped me catch a wave was that if I didn’t, his kids would go hungry…that being his dog and cat. Anyways that was enough for me to try and I got a high five from him after he said I did well.
All in all it was the best experience for beginner waves. I felt safe, it was constructive with the feedback and I had a good time despite being in the water most of the time. Hahaha
Oasis Surf & Spanish School
| Address | Calle Orcas, Cda. de Pargos 10, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Phone | 954 207 5263 |
My husband and I got a packaged deal for beginners surf, Spanish, and accommodation. Overall really great with lovely surfing instructors. We had Diego for four days so we had a chance to get to know him and gain lots of tips on surfing. He's really funny. The Spanish class was also really great. Learned from Liz who was patient and helped me learn the rules on conjugating verbs. The accommodation was clean, spacious, and had a lovely view of the ocean (we were on the third floor). We missed the salsa night as tickets were meant to be picked up on Friday. We didn't check out phones during the day so missed the 5 pm deadline. A suggestion to the staff would be to give the tickets out the day we arrive so that we don't have to remember five days later about picking up the tickets.
I only have good things to say about my stay at Oasis. The staff at the front office are amaze and very welcoming. The rooms are clean and well-equipped and Rinconada itself is a calm and peaceful area. I felt super safe. Roger (the owner of the surf school) and his surf crew are attentive, professional and you can really tell that they love teaching and know what they are doing. I always felt seen and like I was in good hands in the water. Oasis was my first accommodation and surf school since arriving in Puerto and the bar is set very high for the rest of my stay, I can tell you that 😁
A big thanks to the entire Oasis gang! 🫶
I had severel lessons with the team, mainly with Charly and Ziki, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience! 🏄♀️🌊
Both of them were very patient, encouraging and attentive to my individual needs. I always felt safe and comfortable in the water, which made it much easier to push myself and keep learning. They gave me really helpful and constructive feedback and knew exactly when to challenge me and when to give me a little more time.
Not every session was equally successful (as surfing goes), but even on the more difficult days I always left the water feeling like I had learned something and had something to work on. I really appreciated their positive attitude and the fact that they never made me feel frustrated or pressured.
A big thank you to Charly, Ziki and the whole team for making it such a great experience. I learned a lot, gained confidence and, most importantly, had a lot of fun. I can absolutely recommend them! 🤙🌊
I also want to give a special shout-out to Tati at the reception and Sol, who were both incredibly kind, helpful and welcoming. They were always happy to help with any questions or little things that came up and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Thank you so much! 💛
Oasis Surf school was the best experience. I took a week of classes and liked it so much I stayed an extra week. The school had so many extra activities set up to meet others and experience different activities in the area. We had Diego and Zicki as our instructors and had so much fun learning from them, highly recommend both of them when you’re making your booking! Great school, great experience, if you’re hesitant this is your sign to give them a try.
I spent a wonderful 2-week holiday at Oasis with Spanish classes. The rooms are super clean, spacious and provide all the needed amenities. The area (Rinconada) is calm but still lively, with many cafes, restaurants, small shops and of course beautiful beaches in walking distance. I felt safe everywhere. The staff (especially Moni
Vidasurf Ecotours
| Address | Cda. de Pargos 111, Rinconada, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 111 8324 |
I had an amazing experience with Vida Surf. During my trip, I did a beautiful sunset paddleboard session and took two surf lessons, and both were highlights of my time there.
Antonio was an incredible instructor. His kind attitude and patience made a huge difference, especially as a beginner. He always picked the best waves for my skill level, which helped me build confidence in the water. He was also very encouraging the entire time, celebrating the small wins and making sure I felt comfortable and safe.
The sunset paddleboard was absolutely stunning and such a peaceful experience on the water. The surf lessons were just as memorable — fun, supportive, and really well guided.
If you're new to surfing or just want a great experience on the water, I highly recommend Vida Surf. Antonio’s positive energy, patience, and ability to find the right waves make it a fantastic place to learn and enjoy the ocean.
We spent 2.5 unforgettable months in Puerto Escondido, and one of the highlights of our stay was getting to know Antonio, who happened to be our amazing neighbor. His surf and eco-tourism company, Vidasurf, is absolutely top-notch, and his passion for sharing the beauty of Puerto Escondido and its waves shines through in everything he does.
Our 5-year-old son had never been surfing before, but Antonio was patient, encouraging, and made the experience so fun and safe for him. Watching our little one catch his first wave with Antonio’s expert guidance was a moment we’ll cherish forever. He truly has a gift for teaching and connecting with kids and adults alike.
Antonio also gave incredible surf lessons to us as adults, tailoring his approach to our skill levels. His knowledge of the local breaks and his clear, encouraging teaching style made learning both fun and effective. By the end of our stay, we felt so much more confident out on the waves!
Beyond surfing, Antonio organized an unforgettable bioluminescence tour. We ventured by motorboat through glowing open waters, and it was a surreal, magical experience. The evening was capped off with a cozy beach fire and freshly cooked fish—a perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy the company of others. Antonio also took us on a whale-watching trip, where we marveled at whales breaching and dolphins swimming alongside the boat—a truly breathtaking experience.
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido, don’t miss the chance to book with Vidasurf. Whether you’re a beginner surfer, a seasoned pro, or just looking to explore this beautiful region, you couldn’t ask for a better guide—or neighbor!
Thank you, Antonio, for helping make our stay so special. We can’t wait to return!
Antonio (the owner and best guide for bird watching in the mangroves on a SUP or kayak and surf lessons) is a great and fun guy😊
Communication and booking a surf lesson via WhatsApp was easy. He picked us up and chose the beach with the best waves for beginners. Antonio is a good teacher and he helped us to catch some waves! That is what’s it all about and it was fun too 🤙🏄
In the afternoon we’ve booked a trip to the mangroves with him. And I would fully recommend this experience as well! We’ve seen a lot of birds, had fun on the SUP and watched a beautiful sunset. After that we went on o boat to drive to some places where you could experience the bioluminescence. Thank you again for a great day, Antonio! All the best and 5* for Vidasurf and Antonio 🐯🤙
Thank you Antonio for our SUP Mangrove - Bird Watching Trip! We really enjoyed our time with you and would love to come back for some surf lessons!
Had a mostly lovely experience with Antonio surfing. I booked him for a private lesson and he was nothing but fun, supportive, and encouraging. He knows the surf well and was able to coach me from the level I was at and find me appropriate waves to surf. I would definitely take another surf lesson with Vidasurf again!
Puerto Surf House & School
| Address | Calle Nuevo Leon s/n esq. Benito Juarez, Brisas de Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Phone | 954 122 0172 |
I had the most beautiful week at this Surfcamp in La Punta – truly a little green oasis. The place is lovely, calm and full of nature. My room was clean and comfortable, and the kitchen was well equipped and clean.
Everyone at the camp is incredibly warm and welcoming. You immediately feel at home and well taken care of.
I took beginner surf lessons and couldn’t have asked for better instructors. The explanations were clear and easy to understand, always with good vibes, humor and lots of encouragement. A special thanks to Michel and Julio – both are amazing teachers and people.
The location is perfect: only about 100 meters from the beach, with plenty of great restaurants, cafés and everything you need for daily life just around the corner.
I can highly recommend this surf camp and would come back anytime. Thank you for such a special experience!
Our family of four had a fantastic week at Puerto Surf House & School. The accommodation was excellent and the location is perfect - 50m from the beach at La Punta and from the main street of cafes, bars, and shops. We took surf lessons for five days and the instructors were so good - Michel, Julio, Jesus, Luis, Isabel, y Carlos! Caring people and excellent surf coaches. If you trust someone to look after your kids in the ocean that’s the highest recommendation there is.
We also booked Spanish lessons through Puerto Surf House and Arely Guzman, the teacher, was fantastic. Fun & practical lessons to give us what we needed to speak the basics.
Would love to come back to Puerto Surf House and School one day. Thanks for a great experience!
I had an amazing time surfing with Puerto surf school during my 6 nights stay. Michel, Julio and Luis have been very helpful to improve my surf skills as a beginner.
They were all patient and brought a nice vibe to the group.
Thank you, Michel and the rest of the team.
I would highly recommend them if you want to learn how to surf or continue improving your skills.
The room was comfortable and clean and the kitchen is also nice to use.
There is also drinkable water to refill your bottle at any time.
The location is perfect, everything you need is in walking distance and it's only a 2 minute walk to the beach.
I'm very sad about leaving today and definitely try to come back in the next couple of years.
We took three days of lessons and it was amazing! The instructors were excellent and everything was perfectly organised. After just three days we really felt that we had learned a lot, and it’s a fantastic place to surf. They take care of everything down to the last detail, including transport, wetsuits and towels.
A little chaotic start but great great instructors (ask for Felipe)
I did 3 days of surf lessons. 1 group, 2 semi private. I was left at the school the first day and watched as the van pulled away without me. Was a bit of a chaotic and the didn’t come back for 45 minutes. Might have been my fault as well although I was told they would wait for me so there might have been a little confusion especially with a big new group.
Felipe, our instructor handled the situation very professionally and got us back on track and feeling good. Once we got things straightened out they took us to the beginner beach (Cara) which was great and beautiful to be at first thing in the morning.
We worked with Felipe who has been surfing all of his life. He gave great instruction and wasn’t afraid to be straightforward to help see improvements quickly. We decided to work with him the rest of the days and really happy we did. By the third day I was able to surf la punta on a softer day and ride the waves backside. I couldn’t have progressed in that way without his coaching and support.
Felipe @nomada_95 would be my recommendation but I’m sure all of the instructors are great.
Now feel confident to get out there on some baby waves by myself and keep growing and enjoying being out on the water.
The surf management staff was also very responsive on WhatsApp which was helpful.
Essential Tips for Surfing Puerto Escondido
No matter which beach you choose, a few practical strategies will dramatically improve your experience in the water and help you avoid the common mistakes that trip up visiting surfers. Puerto Escondido is a place where preparation matters, and the ocean here rewards those who take the time to understand its moods before paddling out.
Time your sessions around the tide and wind. Early morning sessions are almost always your best bet in Puerto Escondido. The offshore winds that groom the waves into clean, hollow peaks tend to fade by midday, and afternoon onshores can turn a perfect lineup into a choppy mess. Check a reliable surf forecast before you commit to a spot, and remember that many of the beach breaks here are highly tide-dependent. Some waves only work on a pushing mid-tide, while others become dangerously shallow at low water.
Be brutally honest about your ability level. The power of a Zicatela wave cannot be understood from photos or videos. If you are not comfortable duck-diving under a wall of whitewater or navigating a strong rip current, choose a sheltered beach like Carrizalillo or La Punta on a smaller day. There is no shame in working your way up gradually, and the local surf schools are excellent at helping visitors build confidence in safer conditions.
Respect the local lineup. Puerto Escondido has a proud, multi-generational surf culture, and the locals are generally welcoming to visitors who show respect. Wait your turn, do not snake waves, and avoid paddling straight to the peak as an outsider. A friendly attitude and a simple greeting in Spanish go a long way toward earning goodwill in the water. If you are unsure of the etiquette at a particular break, observe for a few minutes before paddling out.
Protect yourself from the sun and heat. The Oaxacan sun is relentless, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A high-quality rash guard, zinc-based sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat for the beach are essential. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common among visiting surfers who underestimate the tropical climate, so carry water with you and take breaks in the shade between sessions.
Bring the right equipment for the conditions. If you are traveling light, you will find plenty of surf shops in town offering board rentals, but the quality and selection vary widely. For bigger days at the beach breaks, you will want a board with enough volume to paddle into powerful, fast-moving waves. For smaller days at the point breaks, a funboard or longboard will serve you far better than a high-performance shortboard. If you are planning to tackle serious Zicatela surf, consider renting a proper step-up or gun and using a leash you trust completely.
The true beauty of Puerto Escondido lies in its variety, and the best surf trips here blend challenge with pure enjoyment. Spend a morning testing your limits at a heavier break, then unwind in the afternoon at a mellow cove where the waves roll in gently and the sunset paints the sky in shades of orange and pink. That balance is what keeps surfers coming back year after year, long after they have checked other destinations off their list.
Above all, remember that the ocean here demands humility. Conditions can change in a matter of hours, and a beach that felt manageable yesterday may be unrecognizable today. Listen to the locals, watch the water before you enter, and never hesitate to sit out a session if something feels off. Puerto Escondido will still be here tomorrow, and the waves that make it famous are not going anywhere.
