La Bonfil (Acapulco)
- Downwind, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Bonfil is a sandbar beach break just south of Acapulco, immediately in front of the international airport, with instant walking access. The wave setup is described as consistent and high-quality, breaking both right and left over a sandy bottom, and it’s reported to work across all tides. For surfing, multiple descriptions emphasize strong sandbar performance: workable ride lengths are reported in the 50–150 meter range, with the break described as peeling and often “world-class.” However, conditions can become quite serious when swell is up—sources specifically warn that the shore break can be heavy and dangerous for beginners, and rip currents/strong currents are emphasized as ongoing hazards. Wind sports are seasonal here. Kitesurfing is described as most commonly happening in the spring months (around February to May), with an afternoon thermal sea-breeze pattern. For kitesurfers, the setup is characterized as challenging and suited to advanced riders who can handle shore break and open-ocean conditions; there’s also an operational warning to avoid launching in front of crowded swimming areas because there is no dedicated kite zone. Overall, weekdays are typically quieter and weekends can be crowded. Localism is noted as a moderate concern, so arriving prepared, keeping a respectful line, and following etiquette around swimmers and other users is a key part of a safe, good session.
- Very consistent sandbar break (right and left)
- World-class wave quality / consistent performance
- Works on all tides
- Very consistent sandbar beach break with world-class wave quality.
- Works across all tides and is described as holding swell up to about 5 meters.
- Warm water year-round; no wetsuit is generally needed beyond a rash guard/boardshorts.
- Moderate localism can be a factor.
- Rip currents and strong currents are a constant concern.
- Heavy shore break can be a board-breaker/dangerous for beginners when swell is up.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Afternoon sea-breeze/thermal wind pattern is described, with a window that peaks late afternoon.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts are described as light.
- Best Months
- February, March, April, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach; sandbar waves break over sandy bottom.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf size ranges up to about 1.0–5.0 meters (working window); typical in-field descriptions vary with conditions.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Afternoon southwest winds can create chop; heavy shore break is reported on bigger swells.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy area with ample space for rigging and launching away from restaurants is described.
Through the year
Weekends and holidays (especially Semana Santa) are very crowded; weekdays are usually quiet.
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
A challenging wave spot; kitesurfing is described as best for riders comfortable with shore break and open-ocean conditions. Afternoon thermal winds are described as providing side-onshore conditions for wave riding/freeriding.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Possible but difficult due to the powerful shore break and the depth required for the foil; deeper water past the break is described as suitable for foiling once thermal wind is established.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendliness is attributed to required depth and shore-break conditions.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Sandbar beach break over sandy bottom with waves that work right and left. Typically consistent and described as world-class/high-quality, but can become very heavy with bigger swell and a heavy shore break.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across all tides; also described as best for rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open-coast setting; break is exposed, with significant shore break when swell is up.
- Wind Effect
- Best from northeast/offshore north-northwest winds groom faces; afternoon southwest winds can create chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size and becomes very heavy; suitable for experienced surfers only on bigger swells.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Very consistent with world-class wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as ordinary-power / powerful depending on swell size.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Sources describe mixed shape, and also a peeling sandbar wave.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling with medium peel speed is described for the sandbar break.
- Ride Length
- Short — Sources conflict slightly: one describes short rides, another describes medium with workable sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- One source describes breaks for up to 50 meters; another notes typical workable sections spanning 50 to 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Bonfil (Acapulco) in the full forecast view.
La Bonfil (Acapulco) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- WSW258°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 289 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Bonfil (Acapulco) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 1.3–2.0 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
- localism
- strong currents
- rip currents
- heavy shore break
- stingrays in the shallows
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited formal water rescue for wind sports; local lifeguards are present during peak tourist hours in the Diamante zone.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospitals are located in Acapulco Diamante, approximately 10-15 minutes away.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism is noted as a hazard; weekend crowding can increase friction.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; kitesurfers should avoid launching directly in front of crowded swimming areas.
- No designated kite zone; stay clear of swimmers and surfers.
- Shuffle your feet when walking in the shallows to avoid stingrays.
- The shore break can be quite heavy and dangerous for beginners when the swell is up.
- Weekday surfers are usually few; weekend crowds are crowded.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Acapulco
- Nearest Town
- Acapulco
- Nearest Airport
- Acapulco International Airport (ACA)
- Parking
- Ample parking along the main road or in front of the beach restaurants for a small fee (if patronizing).
- Access
- La Bonfil is located 15 kilometers south of Acapulco, in front of the international airport. Instant access (<5 min walking distance). Take a car for transportation.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and boutique villas in the Diamante district and along Playa Bonfil.
- Food & Drink
- Dozens of beachside restaurants (enramadas) serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards are widely available for rent at beach kiosks; kitesurfing gear rental is rare.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Acapulco Diamante and La Bonfil area combines surf-focused beach culture with nearby sightseeing and day-trip nature activities along the coast.
Professional divers leaping from 40-meter cliffs into the ocean.
Historic star-shaped fortress housing the Acapulco Historical Museum.
Boat tours and bird watching in the nearby coastal lagoon.
Famous beachfront eateries serving the local specialty of grilled fish.
Seasonal opportunities to participate in sea turtle conservation and release.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Bonfil (Acapulco)?
The best overall months at La Bonfil (Acapulco) are July, August, September. The best wind months are February, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at La Bonfil (Acapulco)?
La Bonfil (Acapulco) works with W, SW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Bonfil (Acapulco)?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Bonfil (Acapulco): Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 12–18 kts.
What skill level is La Bonfil (Acapulco) suitable for?
La Bonfil (Acapulco) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.