Chamela (Jalisco)

Chamela is an exposed river-mouth surfing break with both left and right peaks. It’s described as having quite reliable surf, with a moderate wave power and generally good-to-average wave quality depending on conditions. Wind is mainly governed by an afternoon thermal sea-breeze pattern, with sessions often cleaner in the morning when winds are more offshore. One guide notes northeast winds as giving the cleanest surf, while afternoon/westerly influence can make conditions choppier. The surf works best for south to southwest swell directions, with sources describing an optimal swell window around 1.0–2.5 meters and a peeling/mixed wave character. Rides can be fairly consistent over the sandbars formed near the river mouth, but on very large swells the break may close out. Safety is a major consideration: hazards reported for this spot include rocks and sharks, along with potential rip currents, debris near the river mouth, and stingrays/crocodiles. The river mouth can be especially sensitive to heavy rain, changing sandbars and how the waves break; early sessions are therefore recommended before the sea breeze builds.