Coyula
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Coyula is an exposed, sand-bottom beach break on the Oaxaca coast near Huatulco, known for fairly consistent surf with lefts and rights. The best performance is typically associated with clean offshore north winds that help groom the wave faces, and it tends to work best when southerly to southwesterly swell angles fill in. The spot is generally described as quiet, with expectations that it remains unlikely to be too crowded even when the surf is up. Because access is described as relatively undeveloped and the coastline can feel isolated, plan for self-sufficiency (bringing what you need for the day and traveling with others when possible). Safety is a key consideration: the spot carries a shark hazard and is also noted for strong rip currents. There’s also very limited shade on the beach, so strong sun exposure is part of the practical risk profile. With no lifeguards and rescue availability described as limited, it’s important to stay aware of currents and surf entry/exit conditions. Seasonally, sources indicate the spot’s cleanest conditions are associated with winter into early spring in terms of offshore wind quality, while other guidance points to summer as offering the best conditions for surfing. Water temperatures are warm year-round, with the broadest seasonal warmth usually coming from late spring through early autumn.
- Exposed sand-bottom beach break with fairly consistent surf
- Offshore North winds can create cleaner wave faces
- Unlikely to be too crowded even when surf is up
- Shark hazard; strong rip currents
- Exposed sand-bottom beach break with fairly consistent surf.
- Low-crowd conditions are expected even when the surf is up.
- Offshore North winds can create cleaner, groomed wave faces.
- Shark hazard.
- Remote location with limited/no dedicated rescue services.
- Strong rip currents are common at this exposed beach break.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Type
- Trade — Best described as north trade winds; spot is also influenced seasonally by offshore North winds that groom the surf.
- Reliability
- 36% blown, 57% clean
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW · In the wider Coyula Coast region, late-afternoon thermal sea-breezes peak roughly 1:00 PM–5:00 PM; winter can be influenced by Tehuantepec northerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; spot can close out on very large swells.
- Launch
- Small — Surf launch area is described as an exposed beach break with a wide sandy beach for preparation.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — One source rates launch difficulty as easy; another describes it as moderate. Overall: easy to moderate depending on conditions and access point.
Through the year
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break on sand with fairly consistent surf. Offers lefts and rights, with performance improving on clean offshore (north) winds. Works best on south-to-southwest swell for more favorable surf.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide is described as all-tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- North winds are offshore, typically creating cleaner, more groomed wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells due to its sandy bottom nature.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Overall wave quality described as average; clean offshore conditions are key.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Overall described as fairly consistent surf, best with clean offshore winds.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Works with mixed wave shapes; best on clean offshore conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — From the description, rides are consistent and manageable rather than extremely fast.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length is described as medium.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Coyula in the full forecast view.
Coyula wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.6 m11s period
- Temperature
- 23–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Coyula is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.2–1.6 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Strong rip currents
- Strong sun exposure
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue services; rely on self-rescue/local help.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Huatulco (about 40–45 minutes away). Emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; spot is remote so self-reliance is key.
- Beware of sharks.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is very little shade.
- The beach is quite isolated, so traveling with a partner is recommended.
- Unlikely to be too crowded, even when the surf is up.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Huatulco
- Nearest Town
- San Augustin
- Nearest Airport
- Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX)
- Parking
- Informal parking available near beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Limited; mostly local colectivo taxis and buses along Highway 200, with a private transfer needed to reach the coast
- Access
- Mostly undeveloped sandy beach; access via local/unpaved roads off the main coastal highway, with informal parking near beach access points.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited local guesthouses; more extensive options are available in Huatulco.
- Food & Drink
- A few small local palapas may offer food and drinks during peak times.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated wind-sport rental facilities available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A natural, outdoors-focused coastline near the Rio Coyula area with easy access to regional parks and cultural sites.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Coyula?
The best overall months at Coyula are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Coyula?
Coyula works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Coyula suitable for?
Coyula suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.