San Blas (Nayarit)
- Longboard, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
San Blas (Playa El Borrego / El Faro lighthouse area) is known for exceptionally long right-hand rides with a “Regional Classic” reputation, but it’s also described as an exposed beach/reef break that only works when conditions are just right. Swell working ranges are commonly given starting around 1.0–1.5 m and holding to bigger sizes (up to about 3 m+), with rides typically in the 300–500 m range and exceptional days exceeding that. For surf, the break is most favorable with a Southwest-connected swell and Northeast offshore wind (cleaner surface), and mornings are generally better for avoiding wind chop. The break direction is right, with peeling wave shape and long, sustained sections; on larger swell it holds size, though the paddle-out can become challenging. Safety-wise, the spot has multiple hazards: rocks and rip currents are explicitly reported, and stingrays are also mentioned. In addition, the town’s famous tiny biting gnats (jejenes) are most active around sunrise and sunset—strong repellent (and some locals use heavy protective measures) is recommended. Respect local lineup etiquette, especially near the lighthouse/point area. Crowds are typically lighter on weekdays (“few surfers”) and can become crowded on weekends, including periods with domestic tourists. Wind for water sports shows a reliable afternoon pattern in spring/early dry-season months (thermal/sea-breeze), which supports light-to-mid wind activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling when paired with the right conditions.
- Very long right-hand waves (often 300–500 m; exceptional >500 m)
- Peeling, long rides when swell + offshore wind align
- Afternoon thermal wind pattern in spring supports wind sports
- Extremely long right-hand rides with 300–500 m typical and exceptional days longer.
- Warm, clean coastal water and an easy sandy launch area for land-based setup.
- Weekdays often have few surfers; weekends can be crowded.
- Exposed setup; rocks and rip currents reported.
- Jejenes (biting gnats) most active at dawn/dusk.
- Wind and swell need to “line up” for the best surf; afternoon chop possible.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, SW
- Offshore directions
- N, NE, NW
- Wind Range
- 8–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind influence reported; some sources describe trade winds with NE/offshore for surf and W as kite best direction.
- Reliability
- inconsistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy with rock presence in/around the break areas.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf wave size is described as small-to-medium in general conditions; working swell starts around 1.0–1.5 m and can build up to 3 m+.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Afternoon winds can chop the surface; mornings tend to be cleaner.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy launch area with ample space for setup; generally minimal obstacles on the main beach.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; becomes very crowded on weekends and during Semana Santa.
June to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reported as likely suitable for kitesurfing with a wide sandy launch area and generally steady afternoon winds (thermal pattern). One source also notes best kite wind direction as West and highlights clean water with small-to-medium waves; hazards may include swimmers and rocks near certain areas.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Suitable for light-to-mid wind freeriding and progression in wave/foil conditions in the afternoon thermals.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Friendly for wingfoilers away from the jetty; sandy bottom and warm conditions support foiling in thermal wind.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly away from the jetty/rocky areas.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Renowned for exceptionally long right-hand rides. Works best when swell and wind line up correctly; the break can be exposed and only “sometimes” active when conditions are just right.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides (rising and falling) reported workable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/reef setup.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast/offshore wind generally gives the best surface for surfing; morning sessions are also favored for cleaner waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; on bigger swell it can reach 3 m+ but paddling out becomes more challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good with a “Regional Classic” reputation; quality depends on conditions.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Power described as powerful/functional for the right conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling right-hand waves.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling at medium speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Very long; 300–500 m typical and exceptional days can exceed 500 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 300–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical long rides around 300–500 m; exceptional days can exceed 500 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for San Blas (Nayarit) in the full forecast view.
San Blas (Nayarit) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- W268°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–0.7 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, San Blas (Nayarit) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.6–0.7 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
- Rocks
- Rip currents
- No-see-ums (jejenes)
- Stingrays
- Swimmers
- Occasional driftwood
- Rip currents possible near the harbor jetty
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as no/limited official rescue; assistance may rely on local help and seasonal lifeguards on main beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Local medical clinics are available in San Blas town; major hospitals are in Tepic (~1 hour drive). In emergencies dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism; respect surf lineups.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surf lineups, especially at the lighthouse/point area.
- Jejenes (tiny biting gnats) are most active at dawn and dusk—use strong repellent (some locals also use baby oil) and consider protective clothing.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to reduce the chance of stepping on stingrays.
- For cleaner surf, mornings tend to be best; afternoon winds can chop the surface.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tepic
- Nearest Town
- San Blas
- Nearest Airport
- Puerto Vallarta International (PVR) - ~160 km (about 3 hours)
- Parking
- Parking available along the beach road and near local restaurants (enramadas).
- Public Transport
- Regular bus service connects San Blas to Tepic and Puerto Vallarta
- Access
- Short walk (5–15 minutes) from parking area; Playa El Borrego is the main beach adjacent to the town center.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous budget-friendly hotels/hostels/guesthouses within walking distance in San Blas town.
- Food & Drink
- Beachfront enramadas serve fresh local seafood (including smoked fish / pescado zarandeado).
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard/SUP rentals are widely available; kitesurfing or wingfoiling gear is very limited and usually requires bringing your own.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
La Tovara National Park and the surrounding mangrove/bird areas are a common nature-based outing; the town is the main base for coastal activities and surf culture.
Boat tours through mangrove springs to a freshwater swimming hole and crocodile sanctuary.
Historic 18th-century fort on a hill overlooking the town and the Pacific Ocean.
Adventure activity connected with San Blas’ long rideable waves during south swells.
Beachside dining known for fresh seafood and local Nayarit specialties like Pescado Zarandeado.
The main town beach with wide sands and many palapa restaurants.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at San Blas (Nayarit)?
The best overall months at San Blas (Nayarit) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at San Blas (Nayarit)?
San Blas (Nayarit) works with N, NW, SW winds. Offshore directions are N, NE, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at San Blas (Nayarit)?
Recommended equipment sizes at San Blas (Nayarit): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 8–18 kts.
What skill level is San Blas (Nayarit) suitable for?
San Blas (Nayarit) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.