Quimixto
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Quimixto is a remote surf break south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by panga (water taxi) from Boca de Tomatlán (or from Los Muertos Pier) and described as having a quiet, laid-back character due to the lack of car access. The coastline is exposed and the bottom is not all sand—rock/reef sections matter for both takeoff and near-shore navigation, which strongly shapes who should surf it. For surfing, the spot is commonly described as a left-hand point/break that peels with moderate wave power and good-to-excellent wave quality in season. Rides are often long: one provider notes rides around 100 meters and up to about 150 meters on a good South swell. A solid South or Southwest swell is typically needed to make it work properly, and conditions are reported to hold up well even as swell increases—though paddling can become more challenging. Wind is seasonal and thermally driven, with a repeating pattern where morning conditions can be cleaner/offshore and the afternoon sea breeze turns onshore. Best months reported by providers are November through April, and one database characterizes summer as the best season overall—so planning should be centered on swell timing as well as wind. Wind reliability is described as inconsistent/low, so session timing (especially morning vs. afternoon) is important. Safety is a priority here. Multiple sources warn about rocks at the takeoff and submerged rocks near the shore/point (including near the river mouth), and strong currents can appear near the river mouth during larger swells. Stingrays are also mentioned in sandy areas. There are no on-site lifeguards reported; emergency access is via boat to Puerto Vallarta. Finally, because the only practical access is by boat, plan your return time before launching.
- Long, peeling left-hand waves
- Remote boat-only access for a calmer atmosphere
- Good clarity in prime season
- Consistent, clear waves in the best season.
- Often long rides on the left-hand break.
- Remote, boat-access-only vibe helps keep crowds manageable.
- Rocky/reef bottom makes the wave unsuitable for beginners.
- Hazards near the shore and takeoff include rocks and submerged sections.
- Wind reliability is described as low/inconsistent, and conditions can change by afternoon.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, W, WNW, NW, SW
- Offshore directions
- SE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds noted; also described as afternoon sea-breeze behavior that turns onshore by early afternoon.
- Reliability
- inconsistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Providers disagree on gustiness details (one notes steady winds; another notes light gusts).
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Hills surrounding the bay provide some protection from north winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rocky sections near the river mouth.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — One guide calls it mellow/consistent; other sources quantify a working window up to ~0.9–2.5 m swell. Public fields below reflect the quantified range rather than a literal flat sea.
- Launch
- Small — Shallow sandy beach with a gentle slope; rocky/reef bottom present.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty reported as easy, but near-shore hazards exist due to rocky/reef bottom.
Through the year
Generally low-profile; can get busy with day-trippers on weekends.
June through October is the rainy season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can cause debris near the river mouth (and can reduce water clarity near the river mouth).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A consistent, mellow surf spot featuring a left-hand break that peels over a mixed sand/rock/reef bottom. Clear, workable waves most often require a good South/Southwest swell and can be challenging around the rocky/reef bottom.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.9–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed; combined with rocky edges and point/reef geometry.
- Wind Effect
- SE offshore winds are noted as best for clean waves; another source notes best results with light offshore North or Northeast winds in the morning, with wind turning more onshore by early afternoon.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, but can become more challenging to paddle out; currents near the river mouth can be stronger during larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality described as excellent/very clear in season.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — One source describes moderate power; another describes mellow/consistent waves.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Can offer long rides; one provider notes up to ~150 meters on a good swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride lengths mentioned around ~100 meters; up to ~150 meters on a good South swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Quimixto in the full forecast view.
Quimixto wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–5 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- N5°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 245 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Quimixto is forecast for daytime winds of 1–5 kts, peaking around 5 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.5–0.7 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Rocks at the takeoff and near the shore
- Submerged rocks near the point and river mouth
- Strong currents near the river mouth during larger swells
- Stingrays in sandy areas
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No on-site lifeguard service reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue is described as no/limited in terms of on-site availability; regional emergency response is handled via Puerto Vallarta-based services (as described in the regional baseline).
- Emergency Info
- Emergency calls: 911. Nearest major hospitals/trauma centers are in Puerto Vallarta and are accessible only by boat.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Described as frequented by local surfers; respectful behavior is expected.
Rules of the spot
Follow general beach etiquette; respect local surfers who frequent the spot.
- Water-only access: no vehicle access to the beach itself.
- Not suitable for beginners because the bottom isn’t all sand.
- Watch for rocks around the takeoff and near shore (launch/nearshore hazards).
- Morning sessions are almost always better before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in.
- Access is exclusively by panga (water taxi) from Boca de Tomatlán (about ~20 minutes) or from the Los Muertos Pier; plan your return time.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Vallarta
- Nearest Town
- Boca de Tomatlán
- Nearest Airport
- Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
- Parking
- Parking available at Boca de Tomatlán dock; no parking at Quimixto beach itself due to water-only access.
- Public Transport
- Access only by water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlán or Puerto Vallarta; no road access to the immediate area.
- Access
- Accessible only by water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlán or Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta; some access may also be possible via a strenuous coastal hike. No vehicle access to the beach itself.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Small eco-lodges and guesthouses in the village; boutique eco-resorts and local guest houses within the village.
- Food & Drink
- Several beachfront palapa restaurants serve fresh seafood and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surfboard rentals are available at local beach clubs; local surf school rental availability is also described in the regional baseline.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is available through local surf schools and select eco-hotels.
- Gear Repair
- Minor ding repairs may be found locally; major repairs require a trip to Puerto Vallarta.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors commonly split time between surf, the inland waterfall/swimming hole (accessible via hike or horseback), and beachfront relaxation.
A popular inland waterfall and swimming hole accessible via a 30-minute hike or horseback ride.
A traditional Mexican fishing village that remains car-free and maintains a slow pace of life.
Guided tours through the jungle and along the river to the waterfall.
Several local eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes directly on the sand.
Clear waters along rocky edges of the bay offer opportunities to see tropical fish.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Quimixto?
The best overall months at Quimixto are November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Quimixto?
Quimixto works with SE, W, WNW, NW, SW winds. Offshore directions are SE, SSE.
What skill level is Quimixto suitable for?
Quimixto suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.