An Introduction To Punta Mita Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 10, 2025
Punta Mita surf is all about mellow vibes, beautiful coastline, & a mix of breaks that make it easy for everyone to find their wave. Tucked into Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, it’s a peaceful place to paddle out—whether you’re a total beginner or looking for something more advanced. With walkable paths, bike rentals, & plenty of taxis, it’s super easy to get around without needing a car.
The main break at El Anclote is a great starting point. It’s soft, slow, & super forgiving—perfect for learning or just cruising. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, spots like La Lancha, El Faro, Stinky’s, & Playa Punta de Mita are just a short ride away. Each one has its own personality, offering everything from smooth, playful waves to punchier sections that challenge more experienced surfers.
What makes Punta Mita surf especially appealing is how easy & enjoyable the whole experience is. Everything’s close, the water’s warm, & after a session, you’ve got beachfront restaurants & sunset views waiting for you. It’s a surf trip that feels as relaxing as it is rewarding.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Punta Mita
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Peak Punta Mita Surf Season | May to September
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Punta Mita surf is at its best between May & September when southern swells wrap into the multiple reef & point setups around the peninsula. Punta Mita surf during these months ranges from 3 to 5 feet, offering mellow but super fun rides.
It’s a great destination for longboarding, with playful waves at breaks like El Anclote. The variety of spots means Punta Mita surf stays rideable most days, even with wind & tide changes.
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Shoulder Punta Mita Surf Season | March, April & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
Punta Mita surf during shoulder months is mellow but consistent. Wave heights stay around 2 to 4 feet, & the area’s sheltered coves help block wind. Punta Mita surf in spring & fall offers fun peelers & smaller swells, ideal for cruising or refining turns.
While bigger sets are rare, the laid-back vibe & accessibility of breaks make this a perfect season for relaxed sessions. Punta Mita surf remains enjoyable, especially with a fish or longboard.
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Low Punta Mita Surf Season | November to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Winter brings smaller, slower waves to the region. Punta Mita surf during this time is perfect for learners & casual longboarders. With wave size generally in the 1 to 3-foot range, breaks like El Anclote offer user-friendly surf without much crowd pressure.
While occasional north swells may sneak in, Punta Mita surf is mostly calm & ideal for easy paddling & extended rides. Expect mellow conditions & warm water year-round.
Punta Mita Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Punta Mita Surf Temperature:
28–30°C (82–86°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are perfect, with a rash vest if you’re staying out for hours under the sun.
Rainfall:
Expect 10–15 rainy days monthly. Storms are usually short-lived but can bring intense bursts of rain & wind.
Punta Mita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still ideal, with warm water well into November.
Rainfall:
Rain begins to decrease—September is still wet with 10–12 rainy days, but by November, that drops to 3–6.
Punta Mita Surf Temperature:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are usually fine, but some early morning surfers might want a thin spring suit.
Rainfall:
This is the dry season, with only 1–3 rainy days per month. Conditions are sunny, dry, & perfect for long beach days.
Punta Mita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are the best pick, offering freedom & comfort in the warm waters.
Rainfall:
Rainfall remains low until late May. March & April see 0–2 rainy days per month, while May rises slightly to 4–6.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Punta Mita
| Punta Mita Surf Spots | Distance from Punta Mita | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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El Anclote |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) south |
1-4 foot |
Gentle, mellow waves |
All levels |
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Playa Punta de Mita |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) northeast |
2-5 foot |
Long rides, easy waves |
All levels |
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Stinky’s |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) southeast |
1-3 foot |
Mellow, forgiving waves |
Beginner or intermediate |
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Playa La Lancha |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) southeast |
2-6 foot |
Consistent reef break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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El Faro |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) west |
3-7 foot |
Powerful reef break |
Advanced |
Further Information To Punta Mita Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North
- Swell Direction: South or Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
El Anclote is a mellow longboard-friendly beach break that shines at mid tide when a robust south-southwest swell meets light northerly offshore winds. Waves peel both lefts & rights over a soft, shallow sandbar, delivering waist- to chest-high rollers with gentle shoulders perfect for cruising & flow-style turns.
The take-off is forgiving, allowing surfers of all abilities to enjoy extended rides. Despite its consistency & long ride potential—sometimes over 500 m—the remote setting keeps lineups sparse. With predictable shape & minimal consequence on falls, El Anclote is ideal for refining technique in uncrowded conditions.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Playa Punta de Mita is a versatile point break that performs best at mid tide when a west-northwest groundswells wrap into the bay under clean north-northeast offshore winds. The wave breaks over a mixed rock & sand bottom, offering a fast, critical take-off that opens into long, rippable walls.
Surfable from waist- to head-high, the peak rewards precise rail work & maneuvering across successive sections. While the lineup can get busier during prime winter swells, the multiple peaks along the point help disperse surfers. Punta de Mita’s consistent shape & reliable offshore conditions make it a standout for intermediate & advanced riders.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low tide
- Wind: North or Northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Stinky’s is a glassy sand-&-rock beach break just west of El Anclote, thriving at low tide with a south-southwest swell & light northerly winds. The wave offers both lefts & rights, typically at chest-high size, with punchy shoulders & occasional small barrels. Its forgiving take-off zone makes it accessible for beginners, while the peaky sections reward intermediates seeking speed & flow.
The lineup is moderate, as its proximity to town draws local surfers but rarely overcrowds. Stinky’s consistent, user-friendly shape combined with minimal chop creates an ideal playground for refining turns in clean, offshore conditions.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to low tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: South or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Playa La Lancha is a pristine white-sand beach break that excels at mid to low tide when a south-southwest swell aligns with offshore north-northeast winds. Waves peel over a gentle sandbar, delivering forgiving waist- to chest-high rollers ideal for green-wave progression.
Occasional stronger sets push into head-high, rippable walls that challenge intermediates refining bottom turns & cutbacks. The spacious shoreline & consistent shape keep crowds low, providing multiple take-off zones. La Lancha’s smooth, glassy faces & minimal chop make it a perfect spot for longboarders & short-boarders seeking clean, easily accessible waves.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: West or northst
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
El Faro is a seasonal point break that lights up at mid tide when a westerly swell rolls in under clean north-northeast offshore winds. Breaking over a rocky reef, it offers fast, hollow rights with steep take-offs & well-defined walls. Wave heights range from head-high to overhead, rewarding confident drops & barrel attempts.
The rocky bottom demands respect, & the lineup remains moderate, mostly attracting experienced surfers. El Faro’s punchy, performance-oriented nature & consistent offshore conditions make it a high-reward break for those versed in navigating reef hazards.
Rating: 4/5
Travel Time To Punta Mita Surf Spots
| Punta Mita Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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El Anclote |
Approx. 10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Playa Punta de Mita |
Approx. 20 min. |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
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Stinky’s |
Approx. 25 min. |
Approx. 10 min. |
5 min. taxi |
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Playa La Lancha |
Approx. 45 min. |
10-15 min. |
10 min. taxi |
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El Faro |
Approx. 60 min. |
20-30 min. |
10 min. taxi |
Punta Mita Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Punta Mita surf schools offer a premium learning experience with gentle reef breaks, warm water, & experienced instructors. Punta Mita Surf Lessons provides expert coaching in a picturesque setting, helping students build confidence and refine their skills.
Mita Adventures delivers high-quality instruction in a vibrant environment, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Tranquilo Surf is an excellent option, known for its laid-back vibe and personalized lessons tailored to your goals.
Mictlan Surf offers professional coaching with an emphasis on progression and safety. Sunset Sessions Mexico combines expert instruction with unforgettable sunset views, creating a unique surf experience.
With mellow waves & high-quality instruction, Punta Mita surf schools provide a smooth path to surf progression.
Punta Mita Surf Camp
For an immersive surf experience, Punta Mita is home to several excellent surf camps that cater to various preferences. Punta de Mita Surf Camp offers a well-rounded surf-focused retreat, combining expert instruction, comfortable accommodations, and the opportunity to connect with a vibrant surf community.
For a touch of luxury, Punta Mita Surf Lodge provides boutique-style accommodations, stunning ocean views, and easy access to the area’s world-class waves, offering a more refined yet equally surf-centric stay.
If you venture just 30 minutes north from Punta Mita to Sayulita, you’ll find an amazing surf camp with Wild Mex Surf and Adventure. More information about this top-rated experience can be found below.
Sayulita Surf Camp With Wild Mex Surf and Adventure
WildMex offers progressive surf camps in Sayulita that combine small group coaching with access to a variety of point & beach breaks across Nayarit. All sessions are led by bilingual instructors with a 4:1 student-to-coach ratio (or 2:1 for kids), focusing on ocean safety, wave selection, & technique.
You’ll get land & boat transfers to the best waves each day, plus unlimited use of WildMex’s massive board collection. Between surf sessions, enjoy the laid-back rhythm of Sayulita, relax by the pool, or catch sunset from your terrace. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across Mexico and around the world!
Punta Mita Surfboard Hire
Punta Mita surfboard hire is convenient & high-end, with a wide range of boards available through local surf shops, resorts, & camps.
Tranquilo Surf boasts a diverse range of boards for all skill levels, ensuring you’re fully equipped to enjoy the area’s renowned surf breaks.
Mictlan Surf offers well-maintained rentals, making it easy and hassle-free for surfers to explore the region’s diverse wave conditions. For those seeking flexibility, Sapos Surf School provides quality surfboard hire, perfect for riding Punta Mita’s waves at your own pace.
With quality rentals & expert advice, Punta Mita surfboard hire services make it easy to enjoy the area’s gentle, consistent waves.
Punta Mita Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Punta Mita surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Punta Mita 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 Punta Mita Surf
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) To Punta Mita
Distance: 40km (25mi)
To reach Punta Mita surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) & then take a taxi or local bus to your destination.
Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Punta Mita based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
From PVR, take a local bus to Bucerías or Mezcales, then switch to another bus bound for Punta de Mita. Buses are frequent but slow due to multiple stops.
You’ll likely need to walk or taxi from the final stop to your specific lodging. Budget-friendly but time-consuming, this is only recommended if traveling light.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $25-$45 USD per person
Details:
Several companies offer shared & private shuttles from PVR to Punta Mita, often serving hotels & surf camps directly. These services run multiple times per day & are ideal for travelers with boards.
While shared shuttles may wait for additional passengers, private transfers leave immediately & ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.
Accommodation In Punta Mita
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€30 to €60 |
$35 to $65 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€100 to €350 |
$110 to $380 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€400 to €600+ |
$430 to $650+ |
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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 Punta Mita, 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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