Las Gatas
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Las Gatas is a rare left-hand reef-coral break at the entrance of Zihuatanejo Bay. The reef is sharp and unforgiving, so the spot is best approached only when conditions are fully set—particularly a massive south/southwest swell and high tide. When it does break, it’s known for fast, powerful, and fun rides with a long range. Rides are typically about 150 to 300 m, extending to roughly 300 to 500 m on exceptional days. The break shape is generally described as peeling, with long sections that hold up well as the swell grows (reported to start working around 2 to 2.5 m and hold to 4 m+). Wind at Las Gatas is often influenced by bay conditions and wind shadow from surrounding terrain. With north or northeast winds, conditions are described as offshore and able to groom the wave face. Another dataset describes trade winds with moderate reliability; overall, conditions should be verified rather than assumed. On-site safety is the main limiter. Hazards include rocks, sharp coral reef, and shallow water at lower tides, with additional risk from submerged boulders. Localism is noted, and rescue availability is described as limited at the spot; no lifeguards are reported. Plan to use appropriate personal safety gear and be ready to wait for the incoming high tide—this break only works during significant swells.
- Rare left-hand reef-coral break
- Long rides (about 150–300 m; up to 300–500 m on good days)
- Best on high tide with significant south/southwest swells
- Warm water year-round (about 26–30°C)
- Classic, long left-hand reef-coral rides when the swell and tide line up.
- Sheltered by the bay, with more favorable wind when north/northeast winds are present.
- Warm water year-round (generally 26–30°C).
- Extremely rare surf break; often only works a handful of days per year.
- Requires significant south/southwest swell and high tide to function properly.
- Sharp coral reef and rocks make mistakes high risk, especially at lower tides.
- No lifeguards reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Offshore directions
- N, NE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds reported; also described as bay-influenced winds with wind shadow inside the bay.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Also described as light gusts by another dataset.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- protected by bay winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Another dataset describes sand as well; reef/coral and sharp rocks dominate the break area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Starts around 2 to 2.5 m and can hold to 4 m+.
- Launch
- Small — Beach launch inside the protected bay; break is at the point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch described as moderate; navigating reef hazards and shallow water increases difficulty.
Through the year
Mostly locals and families; beach can be busy daily when conditions draw tourists.
June to October is the rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A rare left-hand reef-coral break at the entrance of Zihuatanejo Bay. It requires a massive southwest/south swell to wrap in and break properly over a sharp coral reef; works best on high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 2–4.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide only / rising tide reported.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered by the bay; described as sheltered by one dataset and semi-sheltered by another.
- Wind Effect
- When north or northeast winds are present, conditions are described as offshore and help groom the face; otherwise bay protection can keep conditions more forgiving.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds shape well at larger sizes; can hold up to 4 m+ and begins to work only on significant swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional-classic reputation; generally described as good-to-excellent when it breaks.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Overall described as powerful/fast and fun, with mellow reef characteristics.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Mellow, sheltered reef wave; peeling at the reef.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Also described as fast in another dataset.
- Ride Length
- Long — 150-300 m normally; 300-500 m on good/exceptional days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides commonly 150 to 300 m; 300 to 500 m on good/exceptional days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Gatas in the full forecast view.
Las Gatas wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–7 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- SSW212°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 267 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–2.6 m10s period
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Las Gatas is forecast for daytime winds of 2–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.4–2.6 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
- rocks
- coral
- sharp rocks
- reef
- localism
- shallow water at lower tides
- submerged boulders
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the beach/launch.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources conflict: one reports limited rescue; the regional cluster context reports maritime safety services within the bay/coastal waters.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals are in Zihuatanejo town center.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism noted; respect surfers waiting for this rare break.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers who wait specifically for this rare break.
- Avoid riding when the reef is shallow at lower tides.
- Be prepared for moderate localism.
- Best on high tide.
- Only begins to work during significant swells; it is very rare.
- Wait for the incoming high tide because the reef is very shallow and unforgiving.
- When it’s on, expect a mix of surfers and beach visitors.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Zihuatanejo
- Nearest Town
- Zihuatanejo
- Parking
- Parking availability is described in the area (town near the pier or at Playa La Ropa), but not detailed for the exact launch.
- Access
- Walking or by boat from Zihuatanejo town; get ticket at town center.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels and guesthouses in Zihuatanejo and Playa La Ropa.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple beach restaurants ('enramadas') line the area, noted for fresh seafood.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards are rarely for rent at this specific beach; some snorkeling gear is widely available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Las Gatas?
The best overall months at Las Gatas are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Las Gatas?
Las Gatas works with N, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.
What skill level is Las Gatas suitable for?
Las Gatas suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.