Punta Encomienda

Longboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Punta Encomienda is an exposed sandbar and rivermouth surfing break at the mouth of the Rio Verde near Cerro Hermoso. Sources describe it as having very consistent surf that works through much or all of the year, with waves that can be powerful and punchy yet still generally reliable for intermediate surfers. The break can produce both lefts and rights, with ride quality tied closely to how the sandbars set up at the river mouth. When the sandbar configuration aligns well, it can deliver exceptionally long, peeling rides. Wave shape is typically peeling, and conditions are described as good overall, though power can vary with swell. Wind is a key factor: North winds are described as the best direction for getting offshore conditions (cleaner water), and several notes emphasize that early morning sessions tend to be the cleanest before onshore wind increases. Regionally, thermal winds are most typical in the afternoon window, but spot-level descriptions highlight year-round consistency with best winds from the north. Safety is the biggest consideration. The area is remote and within Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, with no lifeguards or dedicated water-sports rescue service. Expect rips, jetties, strong currents near the river mouth, shifting sandbars, and river debris (especially after heavy rain). Crocodiles are reported in the Rio Verde area, so swimmers and waders should treat the wildlife and water access near the river mouth with extra caution.

  • Exposed sandbar break with very consistent surf
  • Offshore-leaning conditions with North winds; early mornings often cleaner
  • Long, peeling rides with lefts and rights depending on sandbar setup
  • Located in a national park setting near the Rio Verde mouth
Great for
Surfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Very consistent exposed sandbar break that works year-round
  • Good wave quality with long, peeling rides
  • Best conditions with North winds providing offshore flow, especially early mornings
Heads up
  • Remote area with limited services and no water-sports rescue service
  • Strong tidal currents near the river mouth and shifting sandbars
  • Hazards around rips and jetties; conditions can become heavy on larger swells
  • No dedicated lifeguards
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE
Offshore directions
N, NE
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — North-offshore when wind comes from the north; strong afternoon thermal influence in the region.
Reliability
very consistent
Thermal Window
Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: W, SW · Regionally, winds are most typical in the late afternoon (about 1:00 PM–6:00 PM). Spot-level sources also describe the spot as very consistent and working year-round.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Also described as having very consistent surf; can be powerful and punchy.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach at the river mouth.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
25–34 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rashguard or thin 1mm topJan–Dec: 2mm shorty occasionally for early mornings in winter
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round due to remote location; more locals visit during Mexican holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

June to October

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed sandbar and rivermouth break at the mouth of the Rio Verde near Cerro Hermoso, offering lefts and rights depending on sandbar configuration.

Sandbar
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSW, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Also described as working across all tides.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Best with North offshore winds; typically cleanest in the early morning.
Bigger Swell
Handles size well, but can become heavy and harder to paddle out when swells exceed about 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate — Some descriptions note it can be powerful and punchy.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Long, peeling rides; exceptionally long rides when the river mouth sandbars align perfectly.
Ride Length Details
Long rides; exceptionally long when the sandbars are aligned.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Encomienda in the full forecast view.

Punta Encomienda wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–7 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
SW232°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 277 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–1.6 m10s period
Temperature
24–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Punta Encomienda is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.1–1.6 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • jetties
  • strong tidal currents near the river mouth
  • shifting sandbars
  • river debris
  • remote location
  • wildlife (crocodiles reported near the Rio Verde area)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated water sports rescue service in this remote area.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Puerto Escondido, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away.

Rules of the spot

Respect the remote natural environment of the National Park.

Restrictions
  • Located within Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Local Tips
  • Take care of rips and jetties.
  • Bring all necessary supplies as services are very limited in Cerro Hermoso.
  • Be cautious around the river mouth after heavy rains due to debris and stronger currents.
  • Early morning sessions offer the best chance for cleaner, more glassy conditions before onshore wind increases.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Puerto Escondido
Nearest Town
Cerro Hermoso
Nearest Airport
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM)
Parking
Informal parking available near the beach access points in Cerro Hermoso.
Public Transport
Access is primarily via private vehicle or local 'colectivos' along Highway 200, followed by local taxis or dirt road travel to the coast.
Access
Accessible via a dirt road from Highway 200 or by boat from the nearby village of Chacahua.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Near — Basic eco-cabanas in Cerro Hermoso or more established rustic options in the wider Chacahua area.
Food & Drink
Small local palapas and family-run eateries with limited hours; also local seafood stalls.
Equipment Rental:
None available on-site; visitors must bring their own gear.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The broader Cerro Hermoso area is a nature-forward destination with nearby lagoon ecosystems and wildlife conservation activities.

Best time to visit: The dry season between December and April is best for outdoor activities and clear skies.
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park5km

A vast system of lagoons and mangroves home to diverse bird species and sea turtles.

Villa de Tututepec25km

One of the oldest towns in Oaxaca with a small archaeological museum and Mixtec history.

Bioluminescence Tours5km

Nighttime boat tours in the lagoon to witness the glowing plankton.

Cerro Hermoso Palapas1km

Local seafood stalls serving fresh fish and traditional tlayudas.

Turtle Release Programs10km

Seasonal opportunities to participate in sea turtle conservation and release.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Punta Encomienda?

The best overall months at Punta Encomienda are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Punta Encomienda?

Punta Encomienda works with N, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.

What skill level is Punta Encomienda suitable for?

Punta Encomienda suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.