Boca de Iguana
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Boca de Iguana is a major kitesurfing destination in the La Manzanilla Coast area, centered on a wide sandy launch and a dependable afternoon thermal wind. The wind typically builds after about 1:00 PM and continues until sunset, with one common peak period between roughly 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Overall conditions are described as steady rather than gusty during the main window, making it a strong place to plan sessions around the thermal. The beach provides a very large launch area and room for safe kite setup, which helps reduce congestion and launch complications. Water is generally described as clean and suitable for freeride and foiling, and the water depth shallow near shore but deepens quickly enough for hydrofoils after walking out past the initial shore break. Currents are generally mild within the bay, though some side-shore drift can occur during stronger wind. For safety, the key warning is stingrays in the shallows—always use a stingray “shuffle” when entering the water. Sun exposure can be strong, and dehydration risk is noted, so sun protection and hydration are important parts of planning. There are also restrictions on kiting in designated swimming zones in front of some hotels, and it’s recommended to keep clear of swimmers near the beach club and to respect local fishing boats. Other disciplines are possible: wingfoiling is described as excellent due to consistent wind and the generally non-hazardous, small-wave character of the water. Windsurfing works well for freeride and slalom setups in the afternoon. Surfing is not the main attraction—waves tend to be small and mushy with poor quality overall, and conditions are influenced by the afternoon thermal chopping the surface.
- Wide sandy launch area
- Reliable afternoon thermal (typically after 1:00 PM)
- Clean water and good space for freeride/foil sessions
- Wide sandy beach with space to set up and launch multiple kites
- Consistent afternoon thermal winds with generally steady gusts
- Generally clean water with shallow-to-quickly-deeper conditions for foils
- No dedicated kite gear rental on the beach
- No on-site gear repair or storage
- Stingrays are common in the shallows
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Reliable afternoon thermal that builds after about 1:00 PM and typically lasts until sunset.
- Reliability
- High during spring months with consistent daily thermals.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady conditions during the main thermal window.
- Best Months
- February, March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach with plenty of space to set up and launch multiple kites safely.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Quieter on weekdays; busier on weekends and during holidays like Semana Santa.
June to October is the rainy and hurricane season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Side-onshore thermal wind, wide sandy beach, and generally safe conditions for freeride and foiling.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom kits during the afternoon thermal.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
A strong wingfoiling location thanks to consistent wind and lack of major underwater hazards or heavy swell.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Deepens quickly enough for hydrofoils.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter after walking past the initial shore break.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Waves are usually small and mushy; occasionally suitable for longboarding or beginners.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Strongly affected by the afternoon thermal which chops the surface.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Poor
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Boca de Iguana in the full forecast view.
Boca de Iguana wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- SE135°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–3.1 m10s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Boca de Iguana is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.3–3.1 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Stingrays in the shallows
- Strong sun exposure
- Dehydration
- Occasional driftwood
- Some rocks at the very far ends of the bay
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated kite-rescue service; in an emergency, local boatmen can be hired.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical clinic is in La Manzanilla (about 10 minutes away by car). Use local emergency number 911 when needed.
Rules of the spot
Maintain distance from swimmers near the beach club and respect local fishing boats. Follow the stingray-entry precaution when walking into the shallows.
- No kiting in designated swimming zones directly in front of some hotels.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stepping on stingrays.
- The wind often peaks between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Manzanillo
- Nearest Town
- La Manzanilla
- Parking
- Parking available at the beach club or along the access road near camping areas.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport; taxis and local buses (camiones) run along Highway 200.
- Access
- From Manzanillo take Mexico-200 westwards until Boca de Iguana.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping at Boca de Iguana and accommodation options in La Manzanilla.
- Food & Drink
- Several small restaurants and bars are located at the beach and in the nearby town of La Manzanilla.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops on the beach; riders are advised to bring their own gear. Equipment rental is limited and may be available through seasonal mobile schools or private instructors.
- Gear Storage
- Not available.
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair services available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Boca de Iguana?
The best overall months at Boca de Iguana are February, March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Boca de Iguana?
Boca de Iguana works with W, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Boca de Iguana?
Recommended equipment sizes at Boca de Iguana: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Boca de Iguana suitable for?
Boca de Iguana suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.