El Tecuanillo (Tecomán)
- Wave, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Tecuanillo is a low-profile kitesurf spot near Tecomán with clean water, predominantly sand bottom, and small to medium waves. The beach is described as spacious (including dark sand) with enough room for launching and landing, which helps make it workable for intermediate sessions. Wind is centered on a dependable afternoon thermal/sea-breeze pattern. The wind is described as steady, with typical speeds around 12–20 knots, and the most reliable months are March through June. The thermal window is typically in the afternoon (around 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM), with winds commonly coming from the NW to W sector. For kitesurfing, the spot is aimed at intermediate riders for freeride and wave/wave-leaning sessions, including foil use. For windsurfing and wingfoiling, it’s also described as suitable at intermediate level—helped by deep water conditions—though the shore break still needs respect and adequate skill. Safety considerations are important: multiple sources warn about strong currents/rip current behavior and lateral drift, especially when swells build. There can also be driftwood and debris near shore after heavy rains. Sessions should be timed and approached carefully (for example, the shore break is described as easier to cross at lower swell), and riders should respect swimming areas near the ramadas.
- Reliable afternoon thermal winds (most dependable March–June)
- Small-to-medium waves for freeride/wave kiting
- Clean water and deep water for foiling
- Beachfront ramadas serving fresh seafood
- Reliable afternoon thermal wind window during spring and early summer
- Open, spacious beach area with dark sand and room for launching/landing
- Clean water and generally manageable conditions for intermediate riders
- Beachfront dining options are available via ramadas
- Strong rip currents and lateral drift can occur, especially with larger swells
- Shore break can be challenging
- Occasional driftwood and debris near the shoreline after heavy rains
- No on-site equipment rental
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, WNW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Reliable afternoon thermal/sea-breeze winds; peaking mid-afternoon.
- Reliability
- High during spring and early summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Dark sand reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as supporting medium-wave conditions depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious dark-sand beach with room for launching and landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Quiet during weekdays; busier on weekends with local beachgoers.
Rainy season runs from late June through October.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Intermediate-focused freeride and wave kiting in small to medium waves; also described as suitable for intermediate riders with consistent afternoon winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for windsurfing in moderate winds for bump-and-jump/wave riding.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Deep water and consistent afternoon breeze are good for wingfoiling; the shore break requires some skill.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
A beach break that offers both lefts and rights; generally more manageable than heavier nearby-barrel conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Clean in the morning; afternoon thermal wind creates chop for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when the swell gets very large.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) in the full forecast view.
El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- SE145°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2910 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–3.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.5–3.4 m with a period of about 9s. 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 rip currents
- lateral drift (especially with larger swells)
- shore break
- driftwood and debris near the shoreline (particularly after heavy rains)
- driftwood
- currents
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Civil Protection (Protección Civil) lifeguards are generally limited and mainly active on peak holiday seasons and weekends at main beaches.
- Emergency Info
- The nearest major medical facilities are in Tecomán city.
Rules of the spot
Respect the swimming areas near the ramadas.
- The shore break is easiest to cross during lower swell periods.
- Watch for the local fishermen's boats parked on the sand.
- Respect the swimming areas near the ramadas.
- If conditions are rough, be cautious of lateral drift and rip currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tecomán
- Nearest Town
- El Tecuanillo
- Nearest Airport
- Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (CVM) / Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO)
- Parking
- Parking is available along the beach front and near the local restaurants.
- Public Transport
- Bus services connect Tecomán city to coastal villages, but car access is recommended for specific beach access points.
- Access
- From Manzanillo take Mexico-200 eastwards to Tecoman. Pass it and then turn right following signs to El Tecuanillo.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Small local guest houses and basic hotels in Tecomán.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous ramadas (beachfront restaurants) offering fresh seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Not available on-site; bring your own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tecomán’s area offers traditional beachfront seafood enramadas and nature-focused sanctuaries; the broader region is known for local coastal recreation and surfing culture.
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of iguanas and other local wildlife.
Historic church in the center of Tecomán representing local architecture.
Ecological reserve offering boat tours and views of crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Traditional beachfront open-air restaurants serving fresh local seafood specialties like 'pescado zarandeado'.
Turtle sanctuary where visitors can participate in sea turtle releases and learn about coastal conservation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at El Tecuanillo (Tecomán)?
The best overall months at El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) are March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at El Tecuanillo (Tecomán)?
El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) works with NW, WNW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at El Tecuanillo (Tecomán)?
Recommended equipment sizes at El Tecuanillo (Tecomán): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) suitable for?
El Tecuanillo (Tecomán) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.