.jpg)
A Surf Guide to La Saladita & the Surrounding Coast
There’s a reason surfers keep coming back to this stretch of coastline. It’s not just the wave quality- though Saladita Point offers one of the longest, most consistent lefts in Mexico - it’s the rhythm of life here. The warm water, the early mornings, the shared lineup with local kids, traveling longboarders, and fishermen heading out before dawn. There’s an ecosystem at play, one that depends on mutual respect: for the wave, for the locals, for the land.
As Saladita becomes better known, we think it’s important to talk not just about how to surf here, but how to be here. This guide is meant to help you do both.
We’ve included an overview of the main breaks - Saladita, Troncones, Zihuatanejo - plus tips on the best seasons to surf, what kind of board to bring, and a few key notes on surf etiquette. You’ll also find links to trusted local surf instructors and retreat offerings if you’re new or looking to deepen your practice.
And no, we won’t be giving away the secret spots. Those are still yours to find.
Saladita Point: The Main Draw
Saladita is best known for its long, peeling left-hand point break. Ideal for longboarding, the wave breaks over a cobblestone reef and offers long rides, especially when the swell fills in. While it can get crowded, the vibe is generally mellow—if you follow local etiquette.
- Type of wave: Left-hand point
- Best board: Longboard, mid-length
- Skill level: All levels
- Bottom: Rocks
- Works best: Late April through October (south swells); November–March has smaller but often cleaner conditions
- Water temp: Warm year-round, no wetsuit needed
If you’re a beginner, take a lesson from one of the local surf schools on the beach before paddling out on your own. This isn’t just about safety, it’s about learning the break and entering the lineup with awareness. The local instructors have deep knowledge of the wave and its rhythms.
We recommend –
For lessons:
Saladita Surf School
Mexcalli Surf School
For week-long retreats:
Log Surf Retreats
Experience Saladita
Saladita Surf School
For photos or videos of your session, shoot @saladitabeach a message
Surf Etiquette in Saladita
Respect in the water goes a long way. Locals and long-timers here care deeply about the break, and the vibe depends on everyone doing their part.
- Don’t drop in on someone already riding the wave
- Wait your turn especially at the takeoff zone
- Don’t film or shoot content without consent if locals are involved
- If you’re unsure, ask someone. Better to learn than assume
And above all: remember that this wave has been surfed and cared for long before you showed up.
Troncones
About 25 minutes south of Saladita, Troncones is a beach town with a variety of breaks, mostly beach and reef. The waves here are more exposed and varied than the long, peeling point at Saladita – think faster takeoffs, punchier sections, and a bit more unpredictability depending on swell direction and sand movement.
- Type of wave: Beach and reef breaks
- Best board: Shortboard, fish
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo has a few reliable options depending on the swell, the tide, and what’s happening farther up the coast.
- Playa Linda can offer both a left and a right depending on the sandbar and how the swell hits. It’s a beach break with shifting conditions, but when it lines up, it’s fun and fast. It’s also one of the few waves in the region that can work nearly year-round—just know the shape depends on the bottom and recent storms. It’s exposed, so winds can be a factor.
- Playa las Gatas is left tucked inside the Zihua bay. It only really breaks on big swells. When Saladita is maxing out or blown out, Las Gatas might be just coming alive. It's not consistent, but it's worth checking when everything else is too big.
Secret Spots
There are tons of other waves along this coast. We’re not listing them here on purpose.
Some you’ll stumble upon. Some you’ll be told about after a few conversations. And some you’ll have to earn. That’s how it should be.
La Saladita is one of the best surf spots in Mexico for longboarding, with warm water, consistent waves, and a strong local surf culture. Whether you're here to ride, learn, or just watch, respect the lineup, support local businesses, and leave the beach better than you found it.
