An Introduction To La Saladita Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 09, 2025
La Saladita surf is all about long rides, mellow vibes, & the kind of setup that makes you want to stay awhile. Tucked along Mexico’s Pacific coast, this laid-back surf town is famous for its consistent left-hand point break & peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place for surfers of all levels, & best of all—you don’t need a car to enjoy everything it has to offer.
The main wave at La Saladita—often called “The Wave Machine”—is what puts this place on the map. Its soft, peeling lefts roll on forever, making it perfect for beginners getting the hang of things & longboarders chasing cruisy, endless rides. The consistency is hard to beat, with surfable conditions almost year-round & a break that’s super forgiving & fun.
Beyond the main break, you’ve got other great spots nearby like The Ranch, Playa Majahua, & Playa Troncones—all within easy reach & offering a bit more variety & challenge. With chill cafés, friendly locals, & everything close by, La Saladita surf is the kind of place that lets you settle in, slow down, & just enjoy the ride.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf La Saladita
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Peak La Saladita Surf Season | April to September
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
La Saladita surf peaks from May through September, when steady southern swells light up the long, mellow left-hand point. During these months, La Saladita surf offers consistent 3 to 6-foot waves that peel for hundreds of yards, perfect for longboarding & relaxed rides.
The wave is famously forgiving, making it one of the best summer destinations for style-focused surfers or anyone wanting to work on flow. Early mornings are best before wind increases. La Saladita surf during peak season is all about smooth lines & chill sessions.
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Shoulder La Saladita Surf Season | March & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
During spring & early fall, La Saladita surf delivers smaller, clean waves in the 2 to 4-foot range. These months still see solid southern energy on occasion, with long rides still on offer. La Saladita surf is perfect during this time for beginners looking to practice on soft walls or intermediates who want to refine technique.
With fewer surfers in the water & warmer weather, it’s a relaxed & scenic time to visit. While consistency drops slightly, La Saladita surf still works well at mid to high tide.
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Low La Saladita Surf Season | November to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
La Saladita surf is at its weakest from November to February. Swell activity drops, & wave height generally stays around 1 to 3 feet. While advanced surfers may grow restless, beginners find ideal conditions for learning.
La Saladita surf during this season offers gentle rollers that are easy to catch & ride. It’s a peaceful time, with minimal crowds & pleasant water temperatures, perfect for longboarders or first-timers wanting mellow waves & low-stress sessions.
La Saladita Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
La Saladita Surf Temperature:
28–30°C (82–86°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini will keep you comfortable during the hot, humid summer months. A rash vest helps on long sunny sessions.
Rainfall:
This is the rainy season, with 12–18 rainy days each month. Expect regular tropical downpours, mostly in the afternoons & evenings.
La Saladita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still perfect as the water stays balmy well into November.
Rainfall:
Rain gradually decreases. September has 10–13 rainy days, while October & November drop to 5–8, offering more consistent dry windows.
La Saladita Surf Temperature:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are fine year-round here. Even early morning surf won’t need extra layers.
Rainfall:
This is the driest part of the year, with 1–3 rainy days monthly & consistent sunshine.
La Saladita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini will be more than enough. Spring sessions are warm, consistent, & super pleasant.
Rainfall:
Rainfall remains low in March & April with 1–3 rainy days, increasing slightly to 4–6 in May.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From La Saladita
| La Saladita Surf Spots | Distance from La Saladita | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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La Saladita |
In town centre |
2-8 foot |
Consistent left-hand point break |
All levels |
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The Ranch |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Fast left-hand point break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Playa Majahua |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Fun beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, good for building confidence |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Troncones Point |
Approx. 7km (4.3mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Left-hand point break |
All levels |
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Playa Troncones |
Approx. 7km (4.3mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
Further Information To La Saladita Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North-northeast
- Swell Direction: South or Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
La Saladita is a legendary left-hand point break that excels at mid tide under a south-southwest swell & light north-northeast winds. Waves peel along a gently sloping rock shelf onto a sandy run-out, generating smooth, long walls that often exceed 150 meters in length. The take-off is mellow yet offers plenty of speed for trimming & rail-to-rail maneuvers.
Occasional barrel sections appear on larger swells, providing added challenge. Moderate lineups form as surfers lap the same peak multiple times, but the point’s generous length keeps crowds manageable. La Saladita delivers a dreamy, marathon ride ideal for intermediates seeking a classic point-break experience.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North-northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
The Ranch is a powerful right-hand reef break just south of La Saladita. Best at mid to high tide with a south-southwest swell & clean north-northeast winds, it yields steep, barreling waves that break over a shallow reef shelf. The take-off demands precise timing, as waves pitch quickly into fast, hollow sections.
Rides can deliver critical barrels & high-performance walls for top-level maneuvers. The lineup fills with skilled riders seeking these heavy, high-adrenaline conditions, resulting in a high crowd factor on good days. The Ranch’s raw power & consistent offshore setup make it one of the region’s most coveted advanced breaks.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North-northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Playa Majahua is a laid-back beach break that performs best at mid tide under a south-southwest swell & light north-northeast winds. Waves break both lefts & rights over a broad sandbar, producing waist-to-chest-high rollers & smooth shoulders. The take-off is soft, offering a forgiving environment for beginners & longboarders, while intermittent larger sets provide playful sections for intermediates.
Its remote access & minimal nearby infrastructure keep lineups light, allowing surfers to spread along the shoreline. Majahua’s consistent shape & gentle conditions make it an ideal spot for skill development & relaxed surf sessions.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Troncones Point is a high-quality left-hand point break that peaks at mid tide with a south or southwest swell & offshore north or northeast winds. Waves peel over a mixed rock-&-sand shelf, creating fast, hollow rights with steep take-offs & head-high sections. Rides often extend 50–70 meters across successive peaks, rewarding precise trim & bottom-turn execution.
Moderate crowds gather when conditions are prime, yet the point’s length provides enough peaks to disperse surfers. Troncones Point delivers a consistent, performance-oriented wave in clean offshore conditions, ideal for intermediate & advanced riders seeking long, high-speed rides.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North-northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southeast
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Playa Troncones is a versatile beach break that thrives at mid tide when a south-southwest swell aligns with light north-northeast offshore winds. Peaks break both ways over a sandy bottom, delivering waist- to chest-high walls & occasional shoulder-high drops. The take-off is straightforward, & the wave shape supports both flow-style carving & soft barrels on larger days.
With multiple peaks along the stretch, lineups remain moderate, & surfers can easily rotate between peaks to maintain momentum. Playa Troncones offers consistent, user-friendly conditions ideal for beginners through intermediates.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To La Saladita Surf Spots
| La Saladita Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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La Saladita |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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The Ranch |
Not advised |
Not advised |
30 min taxi |
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Playa Majahua |
Not advised |
Not advised |
30 min taxi |
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Troncones Point |
Not advised |
Not advised |
30 min taxi |
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Playa Troncones |
Not advised |
Not advised |
30 min taxi |
La Saladita Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
La Saladita surf schools are perfect for beginners & longboarders, offering easy-going instruction on one of Mexico’s longest & smoothest left-hand waves.
Saladita Surf School provides professional coaching in a welcoming and relaxed environment, ideal for those looking to develop their technique or build confidence on the waves. Dr. Salty is another excellent option, known for its friendly instructors and personalized lessons that focus on progression.
Brandon Surf delivers high-quality instruction tailored to individual needs, making it suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Whether you’re riding your first wave or practicing cross-steps, La Saladita surf schools provide the right environment for relaxed progression.
La Saladita Surf Camp
While Saladita doesn’t currently have a dedicated surf camp, just 25 minutes south in Troncones, you’ll find a solid option for surfers. This quiet beach town offers a well-regarded surf camp where you can focus on improving your skills & making the most of the consistent waves. More information about the camp in Troncones can be found in the section below.
Troncones Surf Camp With Surfari Mexico
Surfari Mexico offers curated surf trips in Troncones with a strong local touch, taking you to the area’s top six breaks with insider guidance & zero stress. From the moment you arrive, a surf guide welcomes you with a cold beer or lemonade before guiding you through a surf-focused itinerary filled with personalized coaching, surf spot transfers, & home-style hospitality.
With authentic Mexican meals included daily & flexible options for different diets, this is a true surf-meets-culture immersion in one of Guerrero’s most relaxed beach towns.
5-Day Troncones Surf Camp With Surfari Mexico
Great for short getaways or long weekends. Includes 4 nights of accommodation, 5 surf sessions at different breaks, & daily transfers to & from the surf. You’ll also enjoy 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 4 dinners at local restaurants, plus unlimited water, coffee, & tea. Surfboards are included, & dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian are gladly accommodated on request. Find Out More
7-Day Troncones Surf Camp With Surfari Mexico
Ideal for deeper wave exploration & a more immersive vibe. Includes 6 nights in a private room, 11 guided surf sessions across 7 waves, & a special boat trip to a secret spot. Daily meals feature 6 breakfasts of your choice, 7 authentic Mexican lunches, & 7 hearty local dinners. You’ll also get one yoga session or massage, full equipment use, all surf transfers, & free all-day water refills. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across Mexico and around the world!
La Saladita Surfboard Hire
La Saladita surfboard hire is straightforward & surfer-friendly, with most rentals available through local surf camps & beachfront accommodations.
Surf School offers reliable surfboard hire, ensuring you have the right equipment for the local conditions. Brandon Surf and Dr. Salty also provide surfboard rentals, making it easy to access quality boards to match your skill level and surfing preferences.
For a smooth & stylish session, La Saladita surfboard hire delivers the gear you need. The focus on quality longboards & local knowledge ensures a great experience on one of Mexico’s most beloved lefts.
La Saladita Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on La Saladita surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and La Saladita surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To La Saladita Surf
- Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport (ZIH) To La Saladita
Distance: 50km (30mi)
To reach La Saladita, the most convenient route is to fly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport (ZIH) & then take a taxi to your destination. Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to La Saladita based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
Take a local colectivo or taxi to Zihuatanejo’s central bus station, then board a regional bus north toward Lázaro Cárdenas. Ask the driver to drop you at the Los Llanos turnoff, the closest stop to La Saladita.
From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the beach area. Though the route is straightforward, wait times & transfers can stretch out your journey.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $25-$45 USD per person
Details:
Surf lodges & local transfer companies offer both shared & private shuttle services from ZIH to La Saladita. These often cater specifically to surfers & include secure board storage. Shared services may wait for arriving passengers or make stops at Troncones or other beaches along the way.
Private transfers can be customized for groups or solo travelers & are best arranged before arriving.
Accommodation In La Saladita
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€70 to €150 |
$80 to $160 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€230 to €420+ |
$250 to $450+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at La Saladita, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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Discover La Saladita: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When surf conditions are flat, enjoy these local activities to experience the beauty & culture of the area.