El Raudal (Nautla)
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
El Raudal is a large, sandy, easy-launching spot with clean water and shallow conditions near shore. Kitesurfing is commonly highlighted as a strong choice here because sessions are described as not being tide-dependent, and the spot has small to medium wave potential. Wind at El Raudal is consistently described from the north through south sectors (N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, and S). Winter fronts (“Nortes”) and spring thermal patterns both contribute to dependable sessions, with best wind months spanning January through June and again in November and December. Gusts are described as moderate, and wind reliability is noted as high during winter frontal periods and spring thermals. For safety, the main operational concerns are strong currents/rip currents during Nortes and a moderate shore break when winds are strong. The spot is also described as fairly isolated, and there is no dedicated lifeguard presence identified; plan to be self-sufficient and monitor rapid wind changes. Beyond kitesurfing, wingfoiling is reported as feasible thanks to the sandy bottom and wide launch area, though the shore break in strong winds can be a factor. Surfing is described as a consistent beach break, but wave quality is characterized as average, with potential to close out on very large swells.
- Not tide-dependent for kitesurfing
- Wide sandy beach (easy launch and space to land)
- Reliable wind from winter into spring/early summer
- Kitesurfing can handle Nortes well
- Large sandy beach and easy launch
- Clean water reported
- Kitesurfing conditions are described as not depending on tide
- Wide wind window with best months spanning winter into spring/early summer
- Suitable for kitesurfing, with wingfoiling and (during Nortes) windsurfing options
- Strong currents during Nortes
- Moderate shore break during strong winds
- Remote feel with limited immediate rescue
- Occasional driftwood after storms
- Wave quality is described as average for surfing
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sources describe thermal winds with N/NNE/NE to S/SSE wind directions; regional winter fronts ('Nortes') are also mentioned in the broader area context.
- Reliability
- high during winter frontal seasons and spring thermals
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach composition reported.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe small to medium wave potential; surfing is described as medium.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is referenced for the spot; Nortes can produce heavy chop/windswell.
- Launch
- Big — Long, wide sandy beach with plenty of space.
Through the year
Generally very uncrowded; slightly busier on holiday weekends.
June through October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide, sandy, shallow-water flat spot. Kitesurfing is described as not depending on tide, with small-to-medium waves; conditions can be reliable in winter nortes and smoother spring thermal winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Excellent during Nortes for bump and jump and wave riding opportunities.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7 m²
Sandy bottom and wide area are suitable for wingfoiling, with shallow water and an exposed shoreline that can require skill in strong winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly is explicitly indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Consistent beach break that can work with north/northeast groundswells or windswell; wave quality is described as average.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Nortes can create heavy windswell; SE winds can be side-off or cross-shore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typically short to medium rides on shifting peaks.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short to medium rides on shifting peaks.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Raudal (Nautla) in the full forecast view.
El Raudal (Nautla) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- NNW336°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 268 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.2 m7s period
- Temperature
- 21–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, El Raudal (Nautla) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.6–1.2 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Strong currents during Nortes
- Moderate shore break during strong winds
- Rip currents during strong north winds
- Remote location with limited immediate rescue
- Occasional driftwood after storms
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards mentioned.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue service identified at the spot level; regional context suggests limited rescue and reliance on self-sufficiency.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Martínez de la Torre or Veracruz city; for immediate emergencies dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues indicated.
Rules of the spot
Watch for sudden onset of strong North winds; the spot can be isolated, so be self-sufficient.
- The spot is quite isolated, so bring all the gear and supplies you need.
- Watch for the sudden onset of strong North winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nautla
- Nearest Town
- El Raudal
- Parking
- Parking is available near the beach or at local beach clubs.
- Access
- Accessible by car via Highway 180; look for entrances to the Raudal de las Flores area.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Nautla and Casitas.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood restaurants (palapas) are found along the coast.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental equipment is available via regional mobile schools and some specialized shops, primarily for kitesurfing and wingfoiling gear.
- Gear Storage
- Specific dedicated gear storage facilities are limited; many beachfront hotels/guest houses may provide secure areas for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite/sail repairs can sometimes be arranged through local schools; major repairs may require sending gear to larger cities such as Veracruz or Mexico City.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends agricultural landscapes with coastal stretches and offers a more tranquil alternative to larger resort hubs.
A 20-kilometer stretch of coastline known for its emerald waters and wide sandy beaches.
A massive pre-Columbian archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage location featuring the Pyramid of the Niches.
A town with a distinctive French heritage, known for its architecture and local cheese production.
Whitewater rafting through tropical canyons with views of archaeological remains.
An ecological reserve offering boat tours through mangrove swamps and wetlands.
Local eateries serving regional favorites such as pescado a la veracruzana and shrimp cocktails.
Seasonal opportunities to help release sea turtle hatchlings on the beach.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at El Raudal (Nautla)?
The best overall months at El Raudal (Nautla) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, November, December.
Which wind directions work at El Raudal (Nautla)?
El Raudal (Nautla) works with N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at El Raudal (Nautla)?
Recommended equipment sizes at El Raudal (Nautla): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–30 kts.
What skill level is El Raudal (Nautla) suitable for?
El Raudal (Nautla) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.