Boca de Iguana

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessKitesurfing big airWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • No dedicated kite gear rental on the beach
  • No on-site gear repair or storage
  • Stingrays are common in the shallows
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 2mm shorty or boardshorts / skins/UV protection in summer
Crowds by Season

Quieter on weekdays; busier on weekends and during holidays like Semana Santa.

Storm/Rain Season

June to October is the rainy and hurricane season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Side-onshore thermal wind, wide sandy beach, and generally safe conditions for freeride and foiling.

FreerideFoilStraplessBig air
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for freeride and slalom kits during the afternoon thermal.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
6–8.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Waves are usually small and mushy; occasionally suitable for longboarding or beginners.

Beach break
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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHarnessLeashWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • No kiting in designated swimming zones directly in front of some hotels.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Camping
Toilets
Showers
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.