Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Manzanilla (San Agustín) is described as an exposed right-hand point break that usually has waves, with consistent surf most reliably during the summer swell/wind season. Surf quality is reported as good to moderate overall, with the point break often producing longer, peeling rights when a solid S/SW swell arrives. Wind descriptions vary by dataset, but the key practical theme is offshore-oriented winds during the best surfing period (with one report calling for north-northwest offshore conditions and another describing morning offshore followed by moderate afternoon sea breezes). This wind behavior can help keep the water cleaner for takeoff and line choice. The main safety issue is water movement: dangerous rips / rip currents are repeatedly highlighted. Rocks may be present near the point (and in some areas toward the eastern end), and sharks are also mentioned as a hazard. With lifeguards not reported, swimmers should respect designated swimming areas near the restaurant zone and avoid being caught in the wrong part of the current. From a season-planning perspective, multiple sources align on April to September being the most favorable overall window, with July singled out as a best month for the point break in one dataset. Water temperatures stay warm year-round, and conditions can become rougher during rainy-season months when access can be more difficult.
- Exposed right-hand point break with consistent waves
- Best when S/SW swell is in the window (often around mid-tide for solid South swells)
- Dangerous rips/rip currents and rocks are the key hazards
- Warm water with exceptionally clear water commonly reported
- Exposed right-hand point break with consistent waves during the main season
- Offshore wind conditions can improve cleanliness of lines
- Warm, tropical water and clear water conditions are commonly reported
- Exposed conditions with powerful currents and dangerous rips
- Rocks and strong currents can be present, especially during larger swells
- Limited or no on-site rescue/lifeguards reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNW
- Offshore directions
- NNW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind influenced pattern reported, with offshore-north-northwest tendencies in the surfing window; other data indicates sea-breeze/thermal behavior with afternoon strengthening.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Also reported as light-gusts in seasonal/thermal conditions.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Bay is somewhat protected from strong cross-shore winds by surrounding hills (where applicable).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Broad sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach with room for entry reported.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Access/entry can be difficult due to terrain and road conditions; one dataset calls launch easy once at the beach.
Through the year
Occasional crowds when the wave is working; weekends/holidays can be busier.
June to September
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break that usually has waves, with consistent surf during the main season. Best on south-southwest (S/SW) swell; can hold size but may create significant currents in the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Also described as best around mid-tide for a solid South swell.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Generally exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with morning offshore winds from the North or Northeast; one dataset describes offshore-north-northwest for the point break.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but creates significant currents in the bay.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported for the point break; generally described as good quality when conditions line up.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Point break described as peeling rights.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Longer, peeling rights can be available at the point; beach break riders may have shorter sessions.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as medium; point break rights can reach long, peeling rides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) in the full forecast view.
Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 257 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.9 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.2–1.9 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
- dangerous rips
- sharks
- rocks (near the point and/or eastern end in some reports)
- currents (moderate to strong rip currents possible during larger swells)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — On-site rescue in the remote bay area is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Huatulco, approximately 45–60 minutes away.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Another dataset describes localism as mild.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local fishing boats and swimmers (where near dining/restaurants). Always look after your possessions like you would anywhere in the world.
- Designated swimming areas near the restaurant zone.
- Watch the road too.
- Look after your possessions.
- The point break at Playa Manzanilla is best on a solid South swell at mid-tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Huatulco
- Nearest Town
- San Agustino
- Nearest Airport
- Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX)
- Parking
- Parking is available in the village area near the beach and restaurants (reported).
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport; access typically relies on local taxis/private shuttles, with unpaved-road travel often needed for western bays.
- Access
- Tough getting down there; close to airport but access is difficult (reported); another account describes a long, unpaved dirt road and recommends 4WD during the rainy season (sometimes required).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Basic eco-cabañas and palapa-style rentals are available in the village; additional options in the surrounding Huatulco area.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous beachside 'enramadas' serve fresh seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Some local operators offer surfboard rentals and snorkeling gear.
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 Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín)?
The best overall months at Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín)?
Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) works with NNW winds. Offshore directions are NNW.
What skill level is Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) suitable for?
Playa Manzanilla (San Agustín) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.