Sisal
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sisal is a wide sandy beach spot with generally clean, beach-friendly water and flat-to-choppy conditions plus small waves. Kitesurfing is the primary sport, and the site is widely described as beginner-friendly thanks to the easy access/launch area and shallow, sandy bottom that helps reduce technical surprises for early sessions. Wind is strongest and most predictable when the thermal sea breeze (often described as Virasón) builds into the afternoon. Multiple sources describe wind developing around midday and peaking later in the day, with a typical working range roughly in the teens to mid-twenties of knots depending on the weather pattern. The most favorable wind directions for on-water sessions are N, NE, and E, producing mostly side-onshore angles. For safety, prioritize beach-user awareness and local guidance—other users on the sand can be an issue, especially in July and August. In addition, the shallow areas are flagged for stingrays, so foot shuffle/entry habits matter, and jellyfish are also mentioned. Avoid kiting too close to the fishing pier and do not kite in the harbor/marina entrance area; offshore winds from the South are considered dangerous. Wingfoiling is also supported: the sandy bottom and the option to walk out from shallower water help you reach usable depth for most setups. Surfing is not the focus here, since the wave environment is described as small/soft relative to dedicated surf breaks.
- Reliable afternoon thermal sea breeze
- Beginner-friendly shallow-water profile and wide sandy launch area
- Foil-friendly for wingfoiling on sandy bottom
- Seasonal summer crowds can increase on-beach hazards
- Wide sandy beach with easy launch/landing space for kites
- Clean water and generally beginner-friendly conditions
- Reliable side-onshore wind from N, NE, E with a strong afternoon sea breeze
- Foil-friendly shallow-sand profile for wingfoiling
- Limited formal rescue availability
- Hazards include stingrays and jellyfish in the shallows
- Can be crowded with beach users at peak summer months (July–August)
- A few anchored fishing boats near the village area
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E
- Offshore directions
- N, NE, E
- No-go directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Thermal sea-breeze (Virasón/Virasón-type) plus stronger seasonal wind events; sources describe reliable side-onshore wind from the east/northeast.
- Reliability
- High during the thermal and frontal seasons; thermals frequently around 20-25 knots about five days per week in the best months (Jan–Jun, with additional favorable months reported beyond that).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Thermal winds described as steady; one source characterizes wind as light-gusts during the broader season.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 6–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave conditions are repeatedly noted.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Sources describe chop/flat-water character; one source emphasizes flat water plus chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Reported as a medium-size launching/landing area; another source describes a very wide sandy beach with plenty of space for rigging and launching.
Through the year
Generally higher activity March–June; caution for beach-user hazards in July–August. Weekdays tend to be quieter; weekends busier with domestic tourists from Mérida.
June through October (with hurricane risk June through November; heavy afternoon tropical rain common late summer).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water with chop and small waves; suitable for learning and practice. Best wind from N, NE, E, with reliable thermals often cited around 20-25 knots. Low tide is commonly preferred.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–14 m²
Suitable for freeride and foil windsurfing, especially during steady afternoon thermal winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foil-friendly due to a sandy bottom and the ability to walk out past the shallowest zone to reach sufficient depth; consistent wind from N, NE, E during the thermal window.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- About 3.5 m is cited as the shallow-water depth a few meters out; another source notes walking 30-50 meters for sufficient depth depending on conditions.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Not a primary surfing spot; sources note only small waves present.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Described as sheltered for surf conditions.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Small, not primarily surf-focused conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sisal in the full forecast view.
Sisal wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NE38°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–0.9 m5s period
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sisal is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–0.9 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- Other beach users
- Stingrays in the shallows
- Jellyfish
- Fishing boats anchored near the village
- Offshore winds from the South can be dangerous
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited formal rescue availability; local fishing boats and small-scale school boats can provide informal help.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest clinics are in Hunucmá; major hospitals are in Mérida (about 1 hour away). Emergency number: 911 (Mexico).
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming areas near the main pier/village center; talk to a local before going on the water; avoid kiting too close to the fishing pier; do not kite in the harbor/marina entrance area.
- Kiting in the harbor/marina entrance is prohibited.
- Be careful of other beach users, especially in July and August.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays.
- Avoid kiting too close to the fishing pier; stay clear of the harbor/marina entrance.
- Offshore winds from the South are dangerous and should be avoided.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mérida
- Nearest Town
- Sisal
- Parking
- Parking available at Sisal; street/private parking near the beach is also reported.
- Access
- From Merida drive west on Mex-281 to Hunucma. From there drive northwest to Sisal (car recommended).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Houses, studios, rooms for rent, small hotels, boutique eco-lodges, and vacation rentals within/near the village.
- Food & Drink
- Food available on the spot, with small restaurants and seafood options; groceries available in Hunucmá market.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available through local kite schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage offered by some local schools.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs handled by local schools; major repairs may require sending gear to Mérida or another larger hub.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Eco-tourism feel with nature-focused activities and authentic Yucatecan culture in and around the town.
Guided kayak or boat tours through the Ciénega de Progreso to see flamingos and local wildlife.
Historic 19th-century maritime defense structures located in the town center.
Recognized as a 'Magical Town' for its preserved colonial history and natural beauty.
Fresh local seafood focused on the daily catch from the village's fishing fleet.
Seasonal boat excursions to see large colonies of pink flamingos in nearby lagoons.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sisal?
The best overall months at Sisal are January, February, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Sisal?
Sisal works with N, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are N, NE, E. No-go directions are S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sisal?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sisal: Kitesurfing: 6–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Sisal suitable for?
Sisal suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.