Aticama (San Blas)
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Aticama (San Blas) is a point-break surfing spot where the wave profile is described as long and peeling, with ride opportunities that can be genuinely extended when the swell is right. The bottom is described as sandy in some notes, while other details mention mixed/rocky sections and shallow to mid-depth conditions depending on where you are on the point. One provider also notes an exposed character to the break, so conditions can vary with wind and tide. Across the supplied descriptions, Aticama is treated as beginner-friendly for point-break progression, with one source emphasizing fast-peeling long left-hand sections over sandy bottom and another describing long, mellow right-hand point waves that wrap into the bay. This means that, in practice, the exact direction/section you’ll ride can depend on swell angle and the specific part of the point you choose. Safety considerations are significant. Multiple hazards are listed including rocks and marine life such as sharks; there are also notes about sea urchins and stingrays. Additionally, the region is famous for jejenes (tiny biting gnats), especially at dawn and dusk—heavy insect repellent is strongly recommended, and timing your sessions can matter. Low tide may expose rocks along the point, making entry and exit more complicated. Wind is primarily discussed in terms of a sea-breeze/thermal pattern for the broader San Blas & Aticama area (an afternoon window is common), but spot-level wind reliability is also described as low with variability by direction. For surfing, the practical takeaway is to plan around swell and tide while also preparing for rocks and insect activity.
- Long peeling point-break rides
- Beginner-leaning progression when conditions line up
- Rustic fishing-village feel and local seafood options (ramadas/palapas) near the shoreline
- Point-break surf with long, peeling rides
- Beginners can find workable conditions (skill level described as beginner)
- Seasonal swell consistency is described for summer and autumn by one provider
- Rock hazards (including possible exposed rocks at low tide)
- Legendary/known insect pressure (jejenes) especially at dawn and dusk
- Sharks are reported as a hazard in relation to a former fish cannery
- Some sources describe low wind reliability and sheltered/variable conditions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Thermal sea-breeze pattern; generally lighter morning flow followed by stronger afternoon winds (provider notes also mention possible offshore-grooming with East to Northeast winds).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady in the provided wind details.
- Best Months
- March, April, May
- Shadow Zones
- The bay provides significant shelter from northern winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is noted, with another source describing mixed composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves are reported by providers.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access from town of Aticama; some sections are described as rocky.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — One source says easy launch; another describes moderate difficulty with rocky access at times.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; busier with locals and domestic tourists on weekends.
June to October is the rainy season with occasional tropical storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Aticama is described as a point break with very long, peeling sections over a sandy bottom (some notes indicate rocky/uneven entry at low tide).
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SSW, SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Shelter
- Exposed — Aticama is described as exposed in at least one source.
- Wind Effect
- One provider describes neutral wind effect for the spot; another notes that East/Northeast winds can be offshore and help groom the wave.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; described as holding up and also as potentially involving a long paddle in some swell conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good by one provider; another describes it as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power is reported for the spot’s typical surf profile.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling waves are consistently described.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Described as fast in one provider’s left-point-break notes.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rides are described; one source notes waves can connect for several hundred meters when swell is right.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long peelers are described; one source also reports very long rides (150–300m reported) when the swell is right and the wave wraps into the bay.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Aticama (San Blas) in the full forecast view.
Aticama (San Blas) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- W260°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 257 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.8 m12s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Aticama (San Blas) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.5–0.8 m with a period of about 12s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Sea urchins
- Stingrays
- Jejenes (sandflies/no-see-ums)
- Strong sun
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited in the broader region; no dedicated rescue service is indicated.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Tepic or Puerto Vallarta; general emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism is noted; respect the local fishing community.
Rules of the spot
General surf etiquette applies; respect the local fishing community.
- Jejenes are notorious in this region and are most active at dawn and dusk—use repellent.
- Low tide can expose rocks along the point and make entry/exit tricky.
- A shark presence is discussed in relation to a former fish cannery nearby.
- Bring insect repellent; consider a car for access as noted in local discussions about San Blas surfing access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Blas
- Nearest Town
- Aticama
- Nearest Airport
- Tepic International Airport (TPQ) is approximately 70km away; Puerto Vallarta (PVR) is 160km away.
- Parking
- Street parking available in Aticama town near the beach.
- Public Transport
- Local buses (camiones) and taxis connect the coastal towns to San Blas and Aticama.
- Access
- Accessible by road from San Blas or Tepic via Highway 74; the left point is noted as visible from the San Blas road, and local discussion suggests access typically needs a car.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Small local guest houses in Aticama and hotels in nearby San Blas.
- Food & Drink
- Excellent local seafood restaurants known as ramadas line the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as limited for gear; bringing your own gear is recommended. Regional context indicates surf and SUP rentals are widely available, while specialized wind/kite gear is limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A laid-back, rustic fishing-village area with lush coastal ecosystems and historic sites around San Blas; seasonal nature tours are a local draw.
A mangrove swamp and spring-fed pool accessible by boat tours, famous for birdwatching and crocodiles.
Seasonal boat tours to see humpback whales in the Pacific (December-March).
Casual seafood spots known for pescado sarandeado and fresh oysters.
Seasonal opportunities to participate in sea turtle conservation and hatchling releases.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Aticama (San Blas)?
The best overall months at Aticama (San Blas) are June, July, August. The best wind months are March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Aticama (San Blas)?
Aticama (San Blas) works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Aticama (San Blas) suitable for?
Aticama (San Blas) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.