Oaxaca · Pacific coast
Puerto Escondido surf camp, from first lesson to barrels
A Puerto Escondido surf camp gives you three very different waves in one Oaxaca town. Tell us your level and dates, we suggest local camps that match.
- Level
- All levels, by beach
- Season
- Year round
- Wave
- Cove, point, barrels
The waves
Three beaches, three levels
Camps pick the beach that matches your surfing on each day. Here is how they compare.
| Beach | Wave | Level | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Carrizalillo | Small, gentle waves in a sheltered cove | Beginner | First lessons, standing up |
| La Punta | Left-hand point at the south end of Zicatela | Improver to intermediate | Longer rides, first turns |
| Zicatela | Powerful beach break, heavy barrels near shore | Expert | Experienced surfers, or watching from the sand |
When to go
Surf all year, the size is what changes
Learners do best from November to April, when swells are smaller and mornings are glassy. Experienced surfers come from May to August for the big south swells.
- Smaller, best for learning
- Consistent, for improvers
- Biggest south swells
Know before you paddle
Zicatela is not a learning wave
Zicatela breaks hard over sand, close to shore, with strong currents. A good camp teaches you at Carrizalillo or La Punta and only guides experienced surfers on the main beach.
If barrels are your goal, say so in the form: we look for camps that coach at Zicatela on suitable days.
Beyond the surf
Surf, Spanish and slow afternoons
Surf and Spanish programs
Many schools pair morning surf with afternoon language classes.
Yoga and recovery
Several camps add yoga sessions between surfs.
Local airport
Puerto Escondido airport (PXM) is a short drive from the beaches.
Sunset at the point
La Punta has a relaxed strip of cafés and hostels by the water.
Your request
Get Puerto Escondido camp options
Tell us your level and dates. We check which local camps have space and suit how you surf.
FAQ
Puerto Escondido surf camp questions
Can beginners surf in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, at the right beach. Beginners learn at Playa Carrizalillo, a small cove with gentle waves, and move on to La Punta once they can ride green waves. Zicatela is for experienced surfers only.
When is the best time to surf Puerto Escondido?
There is surf all year. November to April has smaller, cleaner waves for learning. May to August brings the biggest south swells, when Zicatela is at full power.
What is the difference between Zicatela and La Punta?
Zicatela is a powerful beach break with heavy barrels close to shore. La Punta is the left-hand point at its southern end, with longer, softer rides that suit improvers and intermediates.
Can I combine surf lessons with Spanish classes?
Yes. Surf and Spanish programs are common in Puerto Escondido, and several camps add yoga too. Mention it in the form and we include those options.
How do I get to Puerto Escondido?
Fly into Puerto Escondido airport (PXM), usually via Mexico City or Oaxaca city. Huatulco airport (HUX) is the alternative, about two hours away by road.