Playa Linda
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Playa Linda is a well-known surfing beach in the Ixtapa area with a sandy bottom and very consistent waves. It can work from roughly 1.0–1.5m swell and is reported to hold up to around 2m+ (and sometimes larger). Riders can find both left- and right-hand options depending on the peak, with the overall character often described as fun and approachable. The most common surf window is tied to reliable swell and seasonal conditions; multiple sources point to working waves most often from the austral/northern warm-season period. Reports emphasize that the spot performs across all tides (rising and falling), making it easier to plan sessions rather than being tide-dependent. Safety is a key focus at this beach. Rip currents and rocks near/around the jetty are recurrent hazards, and crocodiles have been reported nearby. Local guidance specifically recommends checking crocodile warnings from the local sanctuary before entering the water and paying extra attention around the jetty/crowded waterline. For conditions, winds are described as trade/sea-breeze driven, with generally stronger afternoon sea-breeze and lighter early-morning winds. Offshore flow (reported as E/ENE/N/NE depending on source) is generally favorable for grooming, while certain wind directions can add chop. Overall, Playa Linda is a consistent choice for surfers seeking mellow, long-enjoyment rides with beginner progression possible—provided hazards are respected.
- Very consistent surf (reported very consistent frequency).
- Sandy bottom; both lefts and rights available.
- Long ride lengths commonly 50–150m; longer on exceptional days.
- Crocodile and rip/rock hazards require extra caution.
- Very consistent surf with working swell sizes starting around 1.0–1.5m and holding up to about 2m+.
- Works across all tides and commonly produces 50–150m rides.
- Sandy bottom and overall beginner-friendly wave character (both lefts and rights reported).
- Rip currents and rocks near the jetty can be hazardous.
- Crocodiles are occasionally reported in the area—check local warnings before entering.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE, NE
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds; also noted as a sea-breeze/thermal pattern with stronger afternoon winds.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Also described as light-gusts in some reports.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence can occur immediately downwind of the jetty and around large palm groves.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Some reports mention pebbles toward the end of the beach near the groin/camp area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium depending on wind/swell and the specific peak.
- Launch
- Medium — Extensive sandy beach with space for setting up.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Extensive sandy beach and easy access reported.
Through the year
Weekends and holidays can be busy; weekdays generally quieter.
June to October (afternoon thunderstorms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Very consistent sandy-bay/near-jetty setup producing mellow, user-friendly waves with both lefts and rights. The jetty area (reported as 'Escolleras') can offer more structured waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Light/offshore winds are best; N/NE offshore winds groom the waves, while NW winds can create choppier conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up well to around 2m+; can start to close out on extremely large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Normal rides commonly 50–150m; very long sessions can reach roughly 300–500m on exceptional days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Common ride lengths are 50 to 150m; one report cites normal rides up to ~500m on exceptional days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa Linda in the full forecast view.
Playa Linda wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- SSE158°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 248 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Playa Linda is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 1.3–2.7 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
- Rocks (including near the jetty)
- Crocodiles (reported presence; a sanctuary area nearby)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal; no dedicated lifeguard presence at the exact launch in some reports.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; some reports also state no rescue at the beach.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none/mild depending on source.
Rules of the spot
Take care of rips and rocks; be especially cautious near the jetty/crowded take-off areas.
- Check for crocodile warnings from the local sanctuary before entering the water.
- Early mornings often offer cleaner conditions before afternoon breeze.
- Surfing is typically most consistent at the northern end near the jetty.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ixtapa
- Nearest Town
- San José Ixtapa
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels and resorts in Ixtapa; budget options in Barrio Viejo.
- Food & Drink
- Several beachfront palapas serving local seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and SUP boards are available for rent near the parking area; gear repair is available.
- Gear Storage
- No spot-level gear storage details confirmed.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard repairs available via local surf shops in the Ixtapa area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Small island accessible by water taxi, with calm snorkeling beaches and restaurants.
A scenic 9km paved cycling and running path through ecological reserves.
Dining options overlooking the yachts.
Dolphin encounter programs within the hotel zone.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Playa Linda?
The best overall months at Playa Linda are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Playa Linda?
Playa Linda works with ENE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, NE.
What skill level is Playa Linda suitable for?
Playa Linda suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.