Punta Maldonado
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Punta Maldonado is an exposed reef surfing spot on the coast, known for fairly consistent waves and an uncrowded feel. The break is described as a reef point near a lighthouse, with long, peeling sections that can ramp up in power on solid South/Southwest swell. Surf conditions are best when you match the swell direction and arrive early. Early morning conditions are often glassy or light, while afternoon sea-breeze/thermal effects can add chop and make the wave less smooth. The spot is considered exposed, so wind and swell changes can quickly influence ride quality. Safety is a core consideration here. Reports highlight sharks, rips, and strong currents during larger swells, alongside submerged reef/rock hazards typical of this kind of reef break. The area is also described as remote and very basic, so visitors should plan to be self-sufficient with supplies and drinking water. Overall, the spot suits intermediate surfers looking for a low-profile adventure focused on reef surfing rather than crowd-friendly facilities. For the most reliable session, prioritize solid South/Southwest swells and a morning start before wind builds.
- Exposed reef break with long peeling waves
- Low crowd / rarely crowded
- Best swell windows reported for South to South/Southwest directions
- Remote fishing-village setting; plan for limited services
- Exposed but fairly consistent surf
- Long, peeling reef waves (right-hand) near the lighthouse
- Generally low crowd / rarely crowded conditions
- Reef hazards and underwater rocks
- Rips and shark risk
- Remote access with limited medical facilities
- Wind/chop risk increases later in the day
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (northeast) plus afternoon sea-breeze/thermal influence are reported for the area; spot-level guidance also mentions light offshore mornings.
- Reliability
- Low for wind sports; most reliable as light morning offshore or afternoon onshore.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Afternoon sea breezes are common but typically not strong.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- The point itself provides some shelter from North winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Reef — Reef dominates the break area; some sandy/rocky mix is mentioned near launch/approach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size is described as medium overall; can grow on better swells.
- Launch
- Launch is typically from sandy patches near the fishing village or the rocky point near the lighthouse.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty is reported for the access/entry conditions.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; occasionally visited by surf trips in summer.
June to October (hurricane and rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break near a prominent lighthouse, with consistent right-hand reef waves that wrap around the point. Works best on solid South/Southwest swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open exposure with reef break; wind can significantly affect afternoon conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Early morning is often glassy or light offshore; afternoon sea breezes can create chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size; becomes more powerful and hollow as the swell increases.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good overall, with stronger winds potentially reducing smoothness.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Spot descriptions range from moderate to powerful as swell builds.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Often long, peeling reef walls; becomes more powerful and hollow as swell increases.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Long peeling walls are described; speed shifts with swell power.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Reported rides can extend to long walls (one source mentions ~100 to 200 meters on the right swell).
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- A long wall can provide long rides on the right swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Maldonado in the full forecast view.
Punta Maldonado wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- W276°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 279 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.9 m11s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Punta Maldonado is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.2–1.9 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
- Sharks
- Rips
- Submerged rocks
- Strong currents during large swells
- Remote location with limited medical facilities
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Formal rescue services are limited; help may rely on local support.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Cuajinicuilapa or Acapulco (region guidance also notes Ometepec/Cuajinicuilapa).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect fishing launch/usage areas.
Rules of the spot
Respect the local fishing community and their boat launch areas.
- Avoid surfing in the afternoon when wind and chop increase (especially if you prefer cleaner conditions).
- Beware of rips and sharks.
- Surf early in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up.
- Carry plenty of water and supplies as the village is very basic.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Escondido
- Nearest Town
- Cuajinicuilapa
- Nearest Airport
- Acapulco International Airport (ACA) (~200 km away)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the lighthouse and fishing beach.
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via private vehicle or local taxis and small buses (combis) from Cuajinicuilapa.
- Access
- Accessible via a long road from Cuajinicuilapa; the last section may be unpaved.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Very basic local guesthouses or camping; lodging in the nearby village is rustic.
- Food & Drink
- Small local seafood palapas in the fishing village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized surf rentals available; bring your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- No formal gear storage facilities reported.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized repair services reported.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet, remote stretch shaped by fishing culture and rugged coastline; the experience is centered on nature, basic village life, and warm water conditions.
A wide, remote beach known for its rugged beauty and local fishing culture.
Museum in nearby Cuajinicuilapa highlighting African heritage of the Costa Chica region.
Local panga boat captains offer excursions for deep-sea or coastal fishing.
Rustic open-air restaurants serving fresh local seafood, specifically red snapper and lobster.
Seasonal opportunities to observe sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Punta Maldonado?
The best overall months at Punta Maldonado are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Punta Maldonado?
Punta Maldonado works with SW, W winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Punta Maldonado suitable for?
Punta Maldonado suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.