Los Pinos
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Los Pinos is a left-hand point break in Mazatlán known for consistent, peeling surf over a rocky/reef shelf. Multiple descriptions emphasize a fast, rideable wall when the swell lines up, with best performance tied to southwest (and nearby west) swell directions and a mid-tide setup. The break is considered fairly exposed, and wind conditions can strongly affect ride quality. Sources state that east to east-northeast winds are most favorable for clean/offshore conditions, while unfavorable winds (such as northwest) can add chop. Rock hazards are the standout safety issue. The take-off/entry involves rocks and submerged boulders, and at very low tide the rocks can become dangerously exposed. Rip currents are also noted as a risk that can appear along the point depending on swell size—so managing current and timing your session matters, especially when conditions build. Seasonally, providers highlight different windows: one points to April through October, while another specifically notes best conditions in winter months from November through March, and a baseline guide lists September as a best month. Overall, sources agree summer tends to be more reliable for favorable surfing conditions, while larger winter swell can make the break more challenging.
- Consistent left-hand point break
- Peeling, fast sections over a rocky shelf
- East winds noted as best for clean offshore conditions
- Mid tide highlighted as the best tide
- Consistent left-hand point break with peeling, rideable sections
- Best conditions are described with southwest swells and mid tide
- Close to urban amenities for quick access and downtime
- Rock hazards (including sharp rocks/urchins) and dangerous exposure at extreme low tide
- Can develop rip currents depending on swell size
- Exposed conditions with swell picking up in winter can become difficult to manage
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Providers describe winds as trade-type and also as light sea-breeze conditions depending on time of day; at this spot, east/east-northeast winds are noted as best for clean offshore surf.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The point can offer some protection from Northwest winds (noted for wind impact on choppiness).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — One provider notes sand composition, while another describes rocks and very shallow rocky areas at low tide.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Typical size is described as medium; winter swells can make it gnarly.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry point requiring careful navigation to reach the lineup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty due to rocky entry and tide-dependent depth.
Through the year
Hurricane and rainy season runs from July through October, bringing unpredictable weather and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Left-hand point break that peels along a rocky coastline over a reef/rocky shelf, with fast, rideable walls on the right swell and tide.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed overall; the point may offer some protection from Northwest winds.
- Wind Effect
- Best with east winds, noted as clean/offshore; Northwest winds can make conditions choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size but can get gnarly in winter; can become more difficult to manage as current increases.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — One source rates wave quality excellent; another describes it as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful in spot-level surfing summaries, with a counterpoint of moderate power in another provider.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast — One provider describes fast peeling; another describes medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Sources mention long rides; one cites a good-swell length window and an approximate typical length.
- Typical Ride Length
- 75 m
- Ride Length Details
- One source notes 50–100 meters on a good swell; another describes long rides and fast, peeling sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Los Pinos in the full forecast view.
Los Pinos wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- W281°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 238 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.2 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Los Pinos is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–1.2 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
- rocks
- urchins
- sharp rocks
- submerged boulders
- rip currents
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level data lists no rescue availability; regional context describes lifeguards mainly on main tourist beaches.
- Emergency Info
- No rescue availability is listed for this spot. Medical emergencies are served by Hospital Sharp Mazatlán; national emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local surfers frequent the break; sources describe mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local surfers who frequent this break.
- Avoid extreme low tides due to dangerous rock exposure.
- Take care to avoid the rocks.
- Avoid surfing at extreme low tide as the rocks become dangerously exposed.
- Enter the water carefully from the small sandy patch if available, or time your entry between sets from the rocks.
- At very low tides you'll find the fins on the bottom.
- When current increases (bigger swells), it can be harder to manage.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mazatlán
- Nearest Town
- Mazatlán
- Nearest Airport
- Mazatlán International Airport (MZT)
- Parking
- Parking info is described as street parking being usually available along the coastal road or nearby side streets.
- Public Transport
- Highly accessible via pulmonías, traditional taxis, and local buses along the coastal road
- Access
- Public access
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and rentals are available in the Olas Altas and Centro Histórico areas.
- Food & Drink
- Many cafes, restaurants, and bars are located within walking distance in the Olas Altas district.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via surf shops in the wider Mazatlán area; one source also indicates a rental presence in Mazatlán.
- Gear Repair
- Available at major surf shops in central Mazatlán (basic surfboard and sail repair via local surf shops in the area).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Mazatlán combines historic city experiences with beachfront areas and a strong local sports scene; the Malecón boardwalk and nearby islands are common day/outdoor activities in the region.
One of the longest boardwalks in the world, stretching over 20 kilometers along the Pacific coastline.
A major lighthouse with panoramic views of the city and coastline.
A restored 19th-century district featuring the Angela Peralta Theater and Plazuela Machado.
A popular day trip for horseback riding, ATV tours, and relaxed beachfront dining.
A high concentration of seafood and international cuisine along the main tourist strip.
The largest aquarium in Mexico, showcasing Sea of Cortez biodiversity.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Los Pinos?
The best overall months at Los Pinos are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Los Pinos?
Los Pinos works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, NE.
What skill level is Los Pinos suitable for?
Los Pinos suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.