Puerto Vallarta
Best Surf Lessons in Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita: Wave Surfing Guide 🌊
Writen By: Haya Tariq
Puerto Vallarta
Surf’s up! Do you know what it feels like to ride a wave? It’s an incredible adventure with the bliss of the ocean - which is why you need to try surfing at least once in your life - and trust me, you’ll be addicted 😉
Wave Surfing is Puerto Vallarta’s most fun and safe surfing spot to go. If you’re visiting Punta Mita or Nuevo Vallarta, come say hi! Their surf lessons take place on beautiful, wide beaches with soft, long waves (that are perfect for beginners). Their popular spots for lessons include Playa Varadero, La Lancha, and Anclote.
Your adventure can come through a private lesson, a group lesson, or a family session. Whether you're solo or with the whole fam, you’re welcome with open arms! Leave the stress and responsibilities at home, because everything you need is provided by Wave Surfing: transportation to the beach, surfboards, rash guards, and water to stay hydrated.
What you’ll learn? Surfing basics, ways to practice, and how to get comfortable standing on the board, all to bring you closer to mastery on the waves! Bond with others, meet new people, try something new, and have way too much fun on the water. Build real confidence with the waves. Because that’s what Wave Surfing is here for.
Surf Trips & Coaching
“Meh. I need something that pushes me past the edge”
Oh, Wave Surfing’s surf trips and coaching can help with that all right. For you experienced surfers, we know what you’re craving: nice varieties of breaks, wave chasing, and the best surfing spots. Am I right? They’ll take you around the Riviera Nayarit and Pacific coast for all that.
There are so many surf areas, and the team chooses the best one based on your level, the swell, and the season. From fast beach breaks to long point breaks, every session will be new, exciting, and freeing.
For even more exploration, the trips can go south to Costa Alegre in southern Jalisco. Step into a world of beautiful beaches, less crowds, and everything from slow rolling point breaks to powerful beach breaks. Spots like Peñitas and Arroyo Seco are local favorites. Pascuales and La Ticla are also classic Mexican breaks with strong, consistent waves year-round.
The Surf Scene
Some of their popular surf spots near Punta Mita are Burros, Paredon, Bahia, and Faro. When conditions are right, beach breaks like Veneros, Litibu, Palmitas, and Patzcuaro can be amazing. If you travel a bit farther north past Sayulita, you’ll find Platanitos—a long sandy beach with great peaks and rights. For fun left-handers, Chacala is said to be a favorite. And when the swell is perfect, surfers love going to Stoners, known for having one of the longest right-hand waves in the region.
If you love surfing or want to get better while exploring new places, this experience is calling just for you. 🌊🏄♂️
🌊 Surfing Bahía de Banderas: Quick Guide
This area, north of Puerto Vallarta, has surf spots for everyone, all year long.
📅 When to Go:
- Best Time: Winter (Nov–Mar). Many spots get their best, biggest waves during this time (Winter Break).
- Surf Anytime: Some spots like Sayulita work all year (All Year Long Break).
📍 Where to Surf by Skill Level
Difficulty: Easy & Recommended for Beginners
- Sayulita
- Sandy bottom, good for learning & taking lessons
Intermediate: Medium difficulty
- La Lancha, Litibu, & Veneros
- Sandy/rocky bottom
- Great for surfers who can ride a wall and manage small turns
Advanced: Hard level
- El Faro, Chacala
- Rocky bottom
- Best for experienced surfers looking for powerful waves.
🏝️ Break Types (Sea Floor)
A break in surfing is simply the specific spot where a wave collapses and becomes rideable. The sea floor makes the wave slow down and stand up, which causes it to "break." It's defined by what's on the ocean floor:
- Beach Break (Sandy): Waves break over sand. Good for beginners, often softer. Found in spots like Sayulita.
- Reef Break (Rocky): Waves break over rock or coral. More powerful and consistent, but more dangerous if you fall. Create better, more consistent waves but require more care. Common around Punta Mita (e.g., El Faro, La Lancha).
🗺️ Surfer Tip: Most of the best and most challenging spots are near the Punta Mita peninsula, an hour's drive north of Puerto Vallarta.
A Lil’ About Wave
Wave brings real connection to travelers in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy awesome beaches and waves Punta Mita, Sayulita, and Vallarta while learning from locals who seriously love the ocean. Where you’re a solo traveler, with family, or anywhere in between, if you wanna have fun with others outside, you’re invited.
The founder, Joaquín, grew up surfing these waters and has traveled the world chasing waves. After more than 12 years of teaching, he still treats every lesson like a new adventure and loves helping people experience the joy of riding their first wave.
Wave also cares deeply about nature. They avoid plastics, use reef-safe sunscreen, and join beach cleanups and coral restoration projects. Their goal is simple: enjoy the ocean, and protect it. They also volunteer with Surfeando Sonrisas, helping children with disabilities experience surfing—bringing the joy of surfing to everyone.
Need foodie recommendations? They’ll also point you to the best local food spots 😮💨—get yourself some fresh ceviche, fish tacos, and real flavors from the community after your surf! With Wave, you’re not just learning to surf—you’re supporting the ocean, the community, and something meaningful. 🌊💙
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