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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Generally quiet year-round due to remote location; more locals visit during Mexican holidays.
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed sandbar and rivermouth break at the mouth of the Rio Verde near Cerro Hermoso, offering lefts and rights depending on sandbar configuration.
- 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.
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.
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
- jetties
- strong tidal currents near the river mouth
- shifting sandbars
- river debris
- remote location
- wildlife (crocodiles reported near the Rio Verde area)
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.
- Located within Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The broader Cerro Hermoso area is a nature-forward destination with nearby lagoon ecosystems and wildlife conservation activities.
A vast system of lagoons and mangroves home to diverse bird species and sea turtles.
One of the oldest towns in Oaxaca with a small archaeological museum and Mixtec history.
Nighttime boat tours in the lagoon to witness the glowing plankton.
Local seafood stalls serving fresh fish and traditional tlayudas.
Seasonal opportunities to participate in sea turtle conservation and release.
From riders who've been here
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.