An Introduction To Troncones Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 11, 2025
Troncones surf is all about quiet beaches, steady waves, & that peaceful, small-town charm. Tucked along Mexico’s Pacific coast, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, walk barefoot to the break, & just enjoy the rhythm of the ocean. Everything’s close—no car needed—so getting from your room to the lineup is as easy as grabbing your board & heading out.
The main break at Troncones Beach offers consistent waves for every level. Whether you’re just starting out or working on your turns, it’s a welcoming spot with plenty of room to spread out. The water’s warm, the lineup is mellow, & the setting couldn’t be more relaxed.
A little farther out, spots like Troncones Point, The Ranch, & Playa Majahua offer more variety for intermediate & advanced surfers. These breaks come with gorgeous views, fewer crowds, & a chance to really connect with nature. With local surf shops, rentals, & beach cafés close by, Troncones surf is easy, uncrowded, & genuinely special—a perfect spot to catch waves & recharge.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Troncones
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Peak Troncones Surf Season | May to September
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Troncones surf peaks from May through September as south swells hit the exposed beach & point breaks. Troncones surf during this time features consistent 4 to 7-foot waves, with punchy peaks & long lefts at spots like La Saladita nearby.
Conditions are best in the morning before winds rise. Troncones surf is dependable & often uncrowded, making it a solid choice for seasoned riders seeking solitude & good waves.
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Shoulder Troncones Surf Season | March, April & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
Spring & fall bring moderate swell activity to the area. Troncones surf in these months offers 2 to 5-foot waves, clean conditions, & forgiving takeoffs. It’s a good time for progression, whether you’re practicing turns or stepping down from a longboard.
Troncones surf during this season remains uncrowded & enjoyable, with a friendly atmosphere in the water & consistent shape on the beach breaks.
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Low Troncones Surf Season | November to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Troncones surf is much smaller between November & February, with wave size in the 1 to 3-foot range. While advanced surfers may look elsewhere, Troncones surf during this period is mellow & perfect for learning.
The waves are soft & manageable, & the lineups stay quiet. It’s an ideal season for beginners or longboarders looking for gentle conditions in a laid-back setting.
Troncones Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Troncones Surf Temperature:
28–30°C (82–86°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are perfect for these warm tropical waters.
Rainfall:
12–17 rainy days monthly are typical. Expect short but heavy tropical showers, usually in the late afternoons.
Troncones Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still all you need, even in November. The warm water makes for super comfortable surfing.
Rainfall:
Rain gradually eases from 10–12 days in September to around 4–6 in November.
Troncones Surf Temperature:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are ideal, even during early morning sessions. The water remains inviting & warm all winter.
Rainfall:
Expect just 1–2 rainy days monthly, making this the driest season of the year.
Troncones Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are all you’ll need throughout spring. The water stays consistently warm & inviting.
Rainfall:
Rainfall remains low—March & April average 1–2 rainy days, May rises to 3–5 days.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Troncones
| Troncones Surf Spots | Distance from Troncones | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Troncones Beach |
In town centre |
2-6 foot |
Easy beach break |
All levels |
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Troncones Point |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Left-hand point break |
All levels |
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Playa Majahua |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
2-5 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
|
The Ranch |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) south |
4-8 foot |
Powerful reef break |
Advanced only |
Further Information To Troncones Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: North or northeast
- Swell Direction: South or Southwest
- 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
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 or 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 to high tide
- Wind: North or 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
Travel Time To Troncones Surf Spots
| Troncones Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Troncones Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Troncones Point |
Approx. 10 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Playa Majahua |
Not advised |
20-30 min. |
10 min by taxi |
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The Ranch |
Not advised |
Not advised |
30 min by taxi |
Troncones Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Troncones surf schools offer a mellow, no-rush learning experience, perfect for surfers who want to escape the crowds & focus on having fun in the water.
Surfari Mexico provides high-quality surf instruction and packages that cater to surfers of all levels. Their professional coaching ensures a rewarding experience on the waves. Tsunami Surf is another great choice, delivering engaging lessons with knowledgeable instructors who make learning both fun and effective.
Troncones Tours offers personalized surf lessons along with cozy surf cabins, providing an all-around experience for those wanting to immerse themselves in Troncones’ surf culture.
Whether you’re just starting out or building confidence on the board, Troncones surf schools make it easy to learn at your own pace.
Troncones Surf Camp
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. Select either a 5-Day or 7-Day surf camp from the options below.
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!
Troncones Surfboard Hire
Troncones surfboard hire is relaxed & hassle-free, with most rentals available through local surf lodges & beachside stays. Tsunami Surf offers quality surfboard rentals. Their collection of well-maintained boards caters to various skill levels, ensuring you’re ready to tackle Troncones’ diverse surf breaks.
From smooth longboards to something a little snappier, Troncones surfboard hire has you covered. With everything close to the beach, it’s easy to grab a board & paddle out whenever the waves call.
Troncones Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Troncones surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Troncones 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 Troncones Surf
- Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) To Troncones
Distance: 48km (30mi)
To reach Troncones surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International 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 Troncones based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1.5-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
From ZIH Airport, take a taxi or colectivo to Zihuatanejo’s main bus station. There, hop on a regional bus or van heading north toward Lázaro Cárdenas & ask to be dropped at the Troncones turnoff. A final short taxi ride will take you to the beachfront.
Although budget-friendly, expect multiple transfers & limited signage, so it helps to speak a bit of Spanish or have your stops noted.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1.5-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $25-$45 USD per person
Details:
Several eco-resorts & surf lodges in Troncones partner with shuttle providers who pick up at ZIH & offer direct, air-conditioned transfers. Shuttles may wait for other guests on shared routes, but private shuttles provide quicker departures.
These services often include storage for surf gear & can be booked through your accommodation.
Accommodation In Troncones
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€22 to €45 |
$25 to $50 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€70 to €120 |
$75 to $125 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€140 to €280+ |
$150 to $300+ |
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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 Troncones, 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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