Punta Custodio (Compostela)
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Punta Custodio is a secluded river-mouth point break formed where the Playa Las Tortugas estuary flows into the ocean. The wave tends to peel over a sandy bottom, producing long rides that commonly fall in the 150–300 m range, with very good days extending to roughly 300–500 m. Wave shape and quality are described as regional-classic and generally good, with the break known for long right-hand waves and occasional lefts. It is reported to work from around 1.0–1.5 m on incoming swell and to hold size well once it’s up, with hold-up to about 2.5 m+ noted in guides. Wind conditions vary and can affect face cleanliness. East/Northeast winds are described as offshore and help create clean faces, while Northwest winds can make the water more choppy. Seasonal timing favors surf days around October and, more broadly, the drier season pattern is associated with better overall conditions. The biggest practical constraint is access and water safety near the river mouth. Multiple sources describe gated/residential limitations and that getting to the point often requires walking from Platanitos and crossing/wading the estuary. Because strong currents and submerged debris are possible—especially during receding tides, heavy rainfall, or very low tide—visitors should keep their distance from the river mouth and follow careful entry practices (including stingray awareness).
- Long rides (often 150–300 m; up to ~300–500 m on best days)
- Peeling river-mouth sandbar break
- Secluded, generally uncrowded setting
- Long, peeling river-mouth waves over a sandy bottom
- Generally uncrowded (few surfers reported on both weekdays and weekends)
- Works on both northwest/varied swell directions and can hold size up to ~2.5 m+
- Access can be difficult due to gated community restrictions and the need to walk and cross/wade the estuary
- River mouth conditions can become hazardous with strong currents, debris, or after heavy rains
- Rescue availability is uncertain/limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Offshore directions
- NE, E
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze/thermal influence; morning can be lighter offshore-leaning winds followed by stronger onshore breeze later.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts described as generally steady/light.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The point can be sheltered from NW winds by local topography.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Described as small to medium depending on season/conditions; working range starts around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold to ~2.5 m+.
- Launch
- Medium — Estuary mouth / point with access via the sandy beach; specific launch area varies by where you cross/wade.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Described as easy for entry at the estuary mouth by one provider; another describes moderate difficulty due to the need to cross the river mouth.
Through the year
Low year-round; generally uncrowded during the week with light crowds on weekends.
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
A secluded river-mouth point break at the Playa Las Tortugas estuary. Known for long, peeling rides over a sandy bottom.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best tide is low tide in one guide; another source indicates all-tides with rising/falling often working.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered from wind via local topography, depending on direction.
- Wind Effect
- East/Northeast winds are described as offshore (clean faces). Northwest winds can make it choppy. Wind effects are otherwise described as variable.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 2.5 m+ (around 8 ft+), becoming faster and more powerful.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional classic wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described as moderate power; also summarized as fast and fun.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Generally peeling rights; both right and occasional lefts are mentioned.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast sections can appear, with one description noting fast peel; another describes medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long, often 150–300 m; 300–500 m on better days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides commonly 150–300 m; very long sessions reported around 300–500 m on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Custodio (Compostela) in the full forecast view.
Punta Custodio (Compostela) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- W277°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 257 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.8 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Punta Custodio (Compostela) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.5–0.8 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
- Gated community access and limited land access
- Strong river currents near the river mouth (especially with receding tides or heavy rainfall)
- Submerged debris
- Stingrays
- Crocodiles (reported especially after heavy rains)
- River mouth debris, sandbars
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No on-site wind-sports rescue noted; broader regional monitoring by Civil Protection and the Mexican Navy is referenced. Spot-level rescue availability is described as yes by one provider and no by another, so treat rescue as limited/uncertain.
- Emergency Info
- On-site staff at villas are referenced; nearest major medical facilities mentioned in Tepic or Puerto Vallarta. In emergencies, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism noted; visitors should respect access rules and residents.
Rules of the spot
Respect residents of the gated community if accessing via land; follow local access/noise rules.
- No noise after 10 pm
- Limited land access through a gated residential development
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to reduce stingray risk.
- Avoid very low tide when shape is worse; during winter the estuary outflow may be stronger.
- Maintain distance from the river mouth when currents are heavy.
- Access is often easiest by walking from Platanitos and wading across the estuary.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Blas
- Nearest Town
- Platanitos
- Nearest Airport
- Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Puerto Vallarta
- Parking
- Parking is available in the village of Platanitos for those walking to the spot; also noted as available near villa entrances and beach access paths.
- Access
- Via Playa Platanitos end or through woods from Playa Las Tortugas; ~1 hour from San Blas. Land access can be blocked by a gated community, requiring walking and a crossing/wading of the estuary; boat access also mentioned.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Private villa rentals within the development and smaller options in Platanitos; broader lodging in the Compostela area.
- Food & Drink
- Beachside palapas and villa services are referenced; nearby seafood restaurants are noted in Platanitos.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as limited; one source notes boards available via a front office at a nearby villa complex for about $10/day, while another suggests bringing your own gear is often best.
- Gear Storage
- Daily lockers at villas are referenced; storage is also described as available through private villa rentals or small local surf outposts.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Conservation project protecting Olive Ridley sea turtles, including seasonal release programs for hatchlings.
Scenic beach known for long, gentle waves and traditional beachfront seafood restaurants.
Seasonal boat tours (December to March) to observe humpback whales during their migration along the Nayarit coast.
Beachfront eateries serving regional grilled fish specialties in a relaxed setting.
Moderate hike offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding jungle landscapes.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Punta Custodio (Compostela)?
The best overall months at Punta Custodio (Compostela) are March, April, May, June, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Punta Custodio (Compostela)?
Punta Custodio (Compostela) works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are NE, E.
What skill level is Punta Custodio (Compostela) suitable for?
Punta Custodio (Compostela) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.