Where to Find the Best Waves Near Puerto Vallarta?

If you are looking to escape the hustle of the city and find waves with fewer crowds, the southern beaches of Banderas Bay offer some interesting options for intermediate surfers. These spots are primarily accessible by sea from Boca de Tomatlán. Boca de Tomatlán: The Starting Point Just as with accessing the pristine beaches, Boca de Tomatlán is your key hub. From here, you can take a water taxi that will take you to spots with suitable swell. Quimixto: The Winter Secret Although Playa Quimixto is more famous for its waterfall, during the right season, it becomes an excellent option for surfing. Why Quimixto? The configuration of its open bay allows it to receive the swell from the Pacific more directly than other protected beaches in the area. The Best Season for Surfing: The ideal season to find waves in Quimixto is during High Season (winter), approximately from November to March. In this period, the beach receives medium-sized swell, perfect for intermediate surfers looking for consistent breaks without being dangerous. Tip: Mornings are usually the best time, before the afternoon wind affects the wave quality. Other Southern Spots (Less Predictable Waves) While Quimixto offers the most consistency in winter, other southern points, such as Colomitos or Las Ánimas, generally have too calm of a swell for surfing due to their more protected locations. For surfing, it is better to look for breaks outside these enclosed bays. 🚤 How to Transport Your Board If you are traveling with your own board, don't worry! Take Your Board on the Water Taxi: The water taxi drivers (lancheros) in Boca de Tomatlán are accustomed to carrying surf equipment. For a small additional fee (or sometimes at no extra cost if the group is small), they will load your board onto the roof or side of the panga. Arrive Early: To ensure space and better negotiate the transport fee for your gear, it is advisable to arrive at Boca de Tomatlán early in the morning. ⭐ Expert Tip: Tides and Safety Tides: Check the tide charts before you go. In Quimixto, the waves tend to be better during mid-tide or rising tide. Protection: Use a rash guard and sunscreen. Although it is a spot with fewer people than the north side of the bay, it is always advisable to surf with a buddy and know your limits, especially if the waves are larger than expected.