Chacahua (Oaxaca)
- Longboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Chacahua is a remote right-hand point break on the Pacific coast near the lagoon/jetty area, producing long, mellow rides that can stay peeling for a wide range of wave sizes. Conditions are described as regular and generally “good,” with working swell often starting under 1 m and holding up toward about 2.5 m+ / 8 ft+ on bigger days. Surf quality depends strongly on wind and swell direction. North-northeast winds are typically preferred because they groom the wave faces, while more southerly wind setups can add chop. Swell from the south/southwest quadrant is commonly cited as the best match, and low to mid (including falling tide) is frequently recommended for best wave positioning. The spot is exposed and should be treated as a natural-conditions surf environment rather than a managed beach break. Hazard notes include sharks, currents/rip dangers, and pollution concerns, and there’s also mention of localism—so visitors should prioritize respectful etiquette and situational awareness. Access is generally special/boat-only, and walking from drop-offs can be long, so pacing and safety planning are important. Seasonally, the most consistent swell period is commonly described as April through October (with summer emphasis), while water temperatures stay warm year-round. Crowd levels are described as variable: the wave can be rarely crowded in some periods due to remoteness, but it can get busy around holidays and on weekends/peak swell months.
- Long right-hand point break rides
- Offshore NNE wind preference for groomed faces
- Working swell starts below 1 m and can build to about 2.5 m+
- Remote, boat-access surf setting
- Long, mellow right-hand point break with consistent summer surf potential.
- Sand bottom and generally reliable wave shape on the right swell/wind setup.
- Often less commercially busy due to difficult access, with a surf-focused scene.
- Remote, off-the-grid access (typically by boat) means logistics and return planning matter.
- Water hazards include sharks, currents, and pollution; visibility can worsen after heavy rains.
- Crowds can be higher in peak periods and on weekends/holidays.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE
- Offshore directions
- NNE, NE
- No-go directions
- S, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Offshore NNE winds are preferred; otherwise winds can shift with thermal/sea-breeze and gradient patterns.
- Reliability
- high in summer
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Shelter provided by the jetty on the point (when approaching from the lagoon/point area).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Working swell under 1 m; can hold up to around 2.5 m+ / 8 ft+.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach suitable for entry is described in one source; typical surf access involves paddling out from the beach/point area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Sources describe moderate-to-easy launch depending on approach and conditions; remote access and currents affect effective difficulty.
Through the year
Crowds can increase during Mexican holidays and peak swell months; one source also describes the spot as rarely crowded overall (with July–August busier).
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-hand point break associated with the jetty where the lagoon meets the ocean. Riders report long, mellow rides and generally good consistency in the summer swell period.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Low and mid tide are commonly referenced; falling tide is also mentioned.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed at the point; one source also notes the jetty provides some shelter effects.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore NNE/North-northeast winds groom the faces; South winds can add chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 2.5 m+ / 8 ft+; bigger swell can shift the wave toward more powerful, expert-oriented conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Can become more powerful and expert-oriented on bigger swell days.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Long, mellow right-hand point break; reliable peel on suitable swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Commonly described as about 50–200 m, with longer options on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical good-day wave can peel for roughly 150–300 m; other notes describe 50–200 m and 50–150 m as normal lengths.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Chacahua (Oaxaca) in the full forecast view.
Chacahua (Oaxaca) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- W270°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 277 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–1.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Chacahua (Oaxaca) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.1–1.7 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
- sharks
- currents
- pollution
- localism
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited/no formal rescue coverage reported; major help is in Puerto Escondido.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue/lifeguard coverage is limited or none; nearest major medical help is in Puerto Escondido.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Sources also describe localism risk as present; approach with caution and respect.
Rules of the spot
Respect local riders and follow standard surf etiquette; note that National Park / local regulations may apply.
- No longboards in park (as noted by one source).
- National Park regulations apply.
- Access is typically by boat only—plan timing and returns carefully.
- Avoid swimming in mangroves/lagoon areas due to local wildlife presence.
- Water can be murky after heavy rains due to lagoon discharge.
- Respect locals and surf etiquette.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Escondido
- Nearest Town
- Zapotalito
- Nearest Airport
- Puerto Escondido International Airport (PDS/PXM)
- Parking
- Limited parking in the village; some visitors arrive by boat.
- Public Transport
- Colectivos from Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito, followed by a boat (panga) ride through the lagoon
- Access
- Accessible via a boat ride through the mangroves from Zapotalito or a long 4x4 dirt road; also described as bus to Puerto Escondido with colectivo taxi to Zapotalito and then boat/lancha to the main square. Walking distance from drop-off is long (>30 min).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Main options described are rustic beach cabañas and beachfront camping; elsewhere noted as basic cabañas and camping as primary options.
- Food & Drink
- Small beachfront enramadas serving local seafood are described.
- Equipment Rental:
- One source indicates limited surfboard rentals in the village; regional context also describes surfboard and SUP rentals as widely available.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is available at some local surf camps and hostels.
- Gear Repair
- No professional gear repair services reported locally; only minor surfboard repairs may be possible.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A protected, off-the-grid destination centered on lagoons, mangroves, wildlife, and surf culture, with nature experiences like bioluminescence tours.
A sprawling protected area featuring lagoons, mangroves, and diverse bird life.
Remote Afro-Mexican village with unspoiled beaches and hammock-dwelling locals.
Lighthouse hiking with panoramic coast views.
Unique Afromexican heritage and traditions across the region.
Afro-Mexican heritage village with traditional customs.
Nightly boat tours to witness bioluminescent plankton in the lagoon.
Lighthouse hiking with panoramic coast views.
Family-run open-air restaurants serving fresh local seafood and tlayudas.
Educational wildlife viewing of crocodiles.
Local conservation center focused on the protection and breeding of crocodiles.
Night boat tours to observe bioluminescent plankton.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Chacahua (Oaxaca)?
The best overall months at Chacahua (Oaxaca) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Chacahua (Oaxaca)?
Chacahua (Oaxaca) works with NNE winds. Offshore directions are NNE, NE. No-go directions are S, SW.
What skill level is Chacahua (Oaxaca) suitable for?
Chacahua (Oaxaca) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.