Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Shallow, Chop, Medium 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) is a shallow, sandy-and-rocky shoreline-style kitesurfing location with generally cloudy water and choppy conditions. Multiple sources describe medium wave influence and a bottom/approach that becomes shallow for a distance before deepening, which makes launch and water depth management important—especially around coastal structures. Wind is primarily driven by thermal sea breezes and seasonal winter Nortes (“El Norte”). The strongest, most reliable window is reported around February through June for typical wind, while winter conditions can intensify and bring colder-weather considerations. The directions commonly cited as working for kitesurfing are north through west sectors (N, NE, E, W, NW), with strong winter Nortes referenced up to around 30 knots in the winter season. Safety considerations are a major theme for this spot. Hazards reported include ships/boat traffic, wave breakers, a mole/jetty structures along the coast, and stingray risk in shallow sand. Riders are advised to keep clear of swimming areas in front of resorts/hotels and to launch/land with enough clearance downwind due to the frequent stone jetties lining the shoreline. If the Norte blows in winter, bringing a wetsuit is specifically recommended. Overall, Telchac Reef suits intermediate riders looking for freeride and wave-style kitesurfing in a shallow-water environment, with foiling mentioned as an option on consistent thermal days. The area is described as a more relaxed alternative to the busier main beaches, with limited rescue services—so self-reliance and good technique in shallow/choppy water are important.
- Shallow, choppy kitesurfing with medium-wave influence
- Reliable thermal winds in spring and early summer
- Winter Nortes can bring stronger winds—plan for colder conditions
- Stone jetty/mole hazards along the shore
- Often consistent thermal sea-breeze winds in spring and early summer
- Freeride/wave options with shallow entry
- Easy access from Telchac Puerto along the hotel/resort strip
- Shallow water with underwater hazards
- Cloudy water conditions
- Strong seasonal wind can change rapidly in winter
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E, W, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Seasonal thermal sea breezes with winter frontal “Nortes” (El Norte).
- Reliability
- high during November to April (spot-level); high during spring/early summer (regional/seasonal fit)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Sources describe moderate gustiness (and “El Norte” can build strongly in winter).
- Best Months
- February, March, April, May, June
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun · Dir: NE, E, N, NW · Typical wind increases as afternoon sea breezes develop; winter Nortes can bring stronger wind.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow, Chop, Medium waves
- Beach
- Rocks — Beach composition reported as rocks/rocky in one dataset; sand is also reported for the launch beach in another.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium waves; other sources also describe small-to-medium wave behavior depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is mentioned across sources.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach in front of local hotels/resorts; shallow approach with structured coastal jetties.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; more active on weekends and during Mexican holiday periods.
September to November
By sport
What to expect for each.
A shallow, flat-to-choppy kitesurfing area with medium waves and cloudy water. Works well with the listed wind directions for freeride and wave-style riding; foiling is also mentioned for consistent wind days.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–14 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) in the full forecast view.
Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NNE32°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.4 m5s period
- Temperature
- 23–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.2–0.4 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
- Ships
- Wave breaker
- Mole
- Stone jetties (breakwaters)
- Stingrays in shallow sand
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local kite-rescue service; riders typically rely on self-rescue.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services can be reached at 911; nearest major hospitals are in Mérida (about 1 hour away).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported.
Rules of the spot
Keep clear of boats/ship traffic and maintain distance from the hazards along the shoreline. If the Norte blows in winter, be prepared for colder conditions.
- Keep distance from swimming areas in front of hotel/resort fronts.
- If the Norte blows in winter, bring a wetsuit.
- Launch and land with enough clearance downwind, because stone jetties line the coast.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to reduce stingray risk.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Merida
- Nearest Town
- Telchac Puerto
- Nearest Airport
- Mérida International Airport (MID) (~75 km)
- Parking
- Parking available near beach access points and hotel entrance areas.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus and 'colectivo' service from Progreso and Mérida to Telchac Puerto.
- Access
- The spot is about 38 km from Puerto Progreso. Shortly before Puerto Telchak, right after the hotel Reef, you have to turn right. Coming from Puerto Telchak you have to turn left before the hotel.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Boutique hotels and beachfront accommodation, including the Reef Yucatán All-Inclusive Hotel & Convention Center.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood restaurants in Telchac Puerto and hotel dining options.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as available through mobile schools operating from Progreso or specialized local providers.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An ancient Mayan salt-trading center featuring several pyramids and structures.
Pink salt flats where flamingos are frequently spotted.
A nearby ecological reserve featuring several open-air cenotes for swimming.
Various local seafood restaurants along the malecon serving fresh ceviche and fish.
A quiet boardwalk ideal for evening walks and watching the sunset.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto)?
The best overall months at Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are February, March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto)?
Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) works with N, NE, E, W, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto): Kitesurfing: 7–14 m². The typical wind range is 12–30 kts.
What skill level is Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) suitable for?
Telchac Reef (Telchac Puerto) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate.