Ollas Altas (Mazatlán)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ollas Altas is a famous, rocky-bottom beach and point break surf spot in the historic coastal district of Mazatlán. The main attraction is its long, maneuverable waves and its reputation as an “often working” break when the right swell arrives, particularly with south to southwest swell. Over the year, shifting sandbars change how the waves break, so the look and feel of the surf can vary by season.
- Iconic and accessible from the Malecón/old town
- Shifting sandbars drive seasonal changes in wave character
- South/southwest swell is highlighted for best surf
- Iconic urban surf in the heart of Old Mazatlán near the Malecón
- Often working with long, maneuverable waves
- Sandbar movement can create different wave characters seasonally
- Rocks and sea urchins near/around the area
- Pollution risk and runoff impacts at times
- Rip currents can occur
- Wind and break character can vary with sandbar shifts and swell direction
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Sea-breeze/low-level onshore patterns reported for local afternoons; best wind direction reported as east.
- Reliability
- low (conflicting: some sources report 56% monthly blown)
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Southern end partially sheltered by Cerro del Vigía (bay geometry).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with seasonal movement; rocky bottom/rock areas at ends are repeatedly noted.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — General surf ranges reported as small-to-medium; one source notes typical wave ranges around 3 to 5 feet.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky bottom beach break; local access is from the Malecón along the historic district.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty is reported as easy by one source; another describes it as moderate due to access and conditions.
Through the year
Regularly crowded on weekends and during major holidays such as Semana Santa.
July through September (hurricane and rainy season window).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach/point break in Old Mazatlán known for shifting sandbars that change wave shape and quality across the year. Works best when south/southwest swell arrives; conditions can range from average to good depending on sandbar setup.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Tide reported as mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Often described as exposed; bay geometry can provide partial shelter at the southern end.
- Wind Effect
- Glassy in mornings when winds ease; east winds can provide cleaner offshore conditions, while west winds can create chop (wind-direction dependent).
- Bigger Swell
- On big days it can become sucky and dumpy; may start to close out if swell direction is too direct.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality reported as good by one source and average by another.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Sources also describe peeling character depending on sandbar formation.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Reports vary from long, maneuverable waves to rides that can run tens to low hundreds of meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, maneuverable waves; can include fast sections and occasionally hollow barrels when sandbars are well-formed.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) in the full forecast view.
Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- W279°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.0 m12s period
- Temperature
- 25–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–1.0 m with a period of about 12s. 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
- pollution
- urchins
- strong rip currents
- water pollution/runoff after heavy rains
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard services reported as seasonal; some city-front services operate during daylight hours.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Call 911 for emergencies; major medical facilities are located within the city.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local line-up in the historic district should be respected.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local line-up in the historic district.
- Check water quality reports especially during the rainy season from July to September.
- Ollas Altas waves are high only on the very biggest days.
- Sand famously shifts from one end of the beach to the other throughout the year, changing how the waves break.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mazatlán
- Nearest Town
- Mazatlán Centro
- Parking
- Street parking available nearby along the Malecón, but can be difficult to find on weekends and holidays.
- Public Transport
- Local buses and 'Pulmonias' along the coastline
- Access
- Steps from the old town and Malecón (Avenida del Mar) in the Centro district/historic district.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and hostels are within walking distance in Old Town; additional accommodation is available along the Malecón.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink are available in the old town immediately adjacent to the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rentals are available from local surf shops in the nearby downtown area.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is reported as none in one source; regionally, storage is available at select surf schools/hotels.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available at surf shops in central Mazatlán; equipment repair is generally available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Mazatlán blends a historic Mexican colonial city with a modern Pacific beach destination, supported by a long seafront promenade and many seafood-focused dining options.
A long seafront promenade ideal for walking and sunset viewing.
Restored 19th-century old town featuring the Teatro Ángela Peralta.
A hike up one of the highest natural lighthouses for panoramic city views.
A vibrant square lined with restaurants and live music in the historic district.
A modern aquarium 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 Ollas Altas (Mazatlán)?
The best overall months at Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Ollas Altas (Mazatlán)?
Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) works with E winds.
What skill level is Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) suitable for?
Ollas Altas (Mazatlán) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.