Petatlán
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Petatlán is an exposed beach-break spot on the Guerrero coast with reasonably consistent surf that can work at any time of the year. Multiple sources point to winter as the most favorable period, with December specifically highlighted as the best month for surf quality and conditions. For waves, the break is described as a beach-break that produces both lefts and rights. The wave shape is commonly peeling and the overall wave power is described as moderate, but rides are typically short and often end in shorebreak closeout as conditions build. When the swell gets too big, conditions can become heavy and more prone to closing out. Wind-wise, offshore flow from the north/north-northeast is referenced as helping groom the faces. Regional wind patterns also describe a thermal tendency where winds build during the day, so conditions can shift through the session; afternoon sea breezes from the west can increase chop. Safety is a major factor here: rip currents and strong undertow are common, alongside heavy shorebreak. Stingrays may be present in the sand, so precautions like shuffling feet when entering are advised, and sun protection is important because the shoreline is exposed with little natural shade. Rescue availability for water sports is limited and there are no lifeguards reported at the beach.
- Best month: December
- Exposed beach-break with both lefts and rights
- Offshore north winds help keep faces cleaner
- Reasonably consistent surf with year-round access
- Best conditions in winter, especially December
- Offshore north winds help keep faces more groomed
- Exposed coast with heavy shorebreak potential
- Rip currents and strong undertow risk
- Surf can close out when swell gets too large
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Offshore directions
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Regional pattern is predominantly thermal sea breezes building with land heating; for this spot, offshore winds from the north-northeast are referenced as working best for surfing.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand bottom with seasonal sandbar changes affecting peaks.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — At least one guide emphasizes generally small surf; another source describes medium waves.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with space for equipment and entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Two sources characterize access as easy-to-moderate; one notes a wide entry area.
Through the year
Generally quieter overall, but more visitors during Mexican national holidays; December is the best month.
June through October (rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not suitable—no evidence of consistent wind and safe launch conditions.
Exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf that can work at any time of the year. Best in winter (December).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North help groom the faces; afternoon sea breezes from the West can make conditions choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and prone to closing out when swell exceeds about 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Surf is relatively clean most often in December (clean most frequently, and least frequently small).
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Usually peeling/punchy; can end in shorebreak closeout when conditions get too large.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Fast, punchy rides that often end in a shorebreak closeout.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–80 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, punchy rides that often end in a shorebreak closeout.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Petatlán in the full forecast view.
Petatlán wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- ESE108°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–2.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Petatlán is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.5–2.8 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
- Rip currents
- Strong undertow
- Stingrays
- Heavy shorebreak
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated rescue services; assistance is primarily from locals.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Zihuatanejo.
Rules of the spot
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays buried in the sand.
- The beach is very exposed with little natural shade; bring sun protection.
- Expect potentially busy water around holiday periods.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Zihuatanejo
- Nearest Town
- Petatlán
- Nearest Airport
- Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH)
- Parking
- Informal parking is usually available near the beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Local 'combis' (minibuses) connect Petatlán to Zihuatanejo along Highway 200; taxis are the primary transport to specific beach areas.
- Access
- Accessible via Federal Highway 200; dirt roads typically lead from the main road to the beach front.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited local guesthouses and small eco-hotels; more options in nearby Barra de Potosí or Zihuatanejo.
- Food & Drink
- Occasional small beachfront palapas offering seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops on-site; visitors should bring their own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Not commonly available; most accommodation is beachfront and allows for private storage.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A large mangrove lagoon famous for birdwatching and wildlife tours by boat.
An ancient ceremonial center at Soledad de Maciel featuring a pyramid and museum.
The Sanctuary of Father Jesus of Petatlán is a major local pilgrimage site and town square.
Seasonal boat tours to spot Humpback whales migrating along the coast from December to March.
Rustic beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood like Pescado a la Talla.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Petatlán?
The best overall months at Petatlán are December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are December.
Which wind directions work at Petatlán?
Petatlán works with N, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.
What skill level is Petatlán suitable for?
Petatlán suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.