Rio Tapextla (Oaxaca Coast)

Río Tapextla is an exposed rivermouth surfing spot on the Oaxaca Coast with a remote, wilderness feel and relatively light crowds even when conditions are good. The surf is described as reasonably consistent, with waves forming over a sandy bottom influenced by shifting sandbars at the river mouth. The break is known to work in both left and right directions depending on how the sandbars are shaped by the river output. It generally favors a South to South-Southwest groundswell, and it can provide longer, peeling rides—especially rights—when the sandbars are well formed. Spot-level descriptions also note that larger swell can hold its size but may become heavy and more challenging due to stronger currents. Wind is typically trade/NE-driven, and N/NE winds are described as offshore or grooming for better wave quality. Sources differ on the specific wind-season pattern (one highlights April through October, while another indicates winter months), but both agree on low visibility for wind reliability and a generally uncrowded nature. Safety is a major consideration: hazards reported include sharks, river outflow currents and rip currents, and submerged debris from the river mouth. There is no lifeguard presence and no on-site rescue known, and access is described as difficult/remote—so visitors are advised to bring all supplies and plan for self-rescue and careful timing around river flow and current conditions.