Tiburon
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tiburon is a left-hand reef/reef-rocky surf spot near Celestino Gazca (Elota Coast / Sinaloa coast region), known for highly consistent waves—reported around 150+ days per year. The break is described as world class, with long workable walls and a typical best window at mid to high tide. Surf quality is characterized as excellent to world class, with rides commonly described in the ~50–150 m range, and longer rides (about 150–300 m) on better days. The spot works with South or Southwest swell, and the left-hand direction is consistent across reports. Wave shape is typically described as peeling, with moderate power. Safety is a primary consideration because the bottom is sandy with rock and the hazards include reef sections; submerged rocks/reef areas are particularly problematic at lower tides. Additional marine hazards mentioned include sea urchins and stingrays. Local guidance emphasizes that mid to high tide is generally safer for avoiding the shallower rock sections, and that rips can be dangerous near the point/adjacent area. Crowds are reported as empty on weekdays and only a few surfers on weekends, with the overall area described as having a relaxed, low-pressure vibe. Water temperatures are described as warm year-round, and recommended protection commonly includes wetsuit/boots depending on season and reef exposure.
- Very consistent left-hand reef break (~150+ days/year).
- Best at mid/high tide for safer, better-shaped waves.
- Long ride potential (commonly ~150–300 m on good days).
- Often uncrowded on weekdays.
- World-class reputation for a left-hand reef break with very consistent surf (~150+ days/year).
- Best conditions are consistently stated around mid to high tide.
- Typically uncrowded on weekdays; only a few surfers on weekends.
- Reef and rock hazards; shallower sections are more problematic at lower tides.
- No rescue/lifeguard services reported; remote-feeling setup requires self-reliance.
- Wind reliability for wind sports is described as low.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, N
- Offshore directions
- NE, E, N
- Wind Range
- 5–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Light morning offshore winds are common, followed by light to moderate afternoon sea breezes.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Sourced as light gusts.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March, April
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Dir: N, NNE, NE · Typical pattern is morning light offshore flow, then afternoon sea breezes; afternoon thermal reinforcement is part of the broader regional pattern.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach composition; bottom is sandy with rock.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Swell typically starts working at under ~1 m and can hold to over ~1 m+.
- Launch
- Small — Instant access (<5 minutes) once in the area; direct beach access to the lineup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy access; direct and quick walking access.
Through the year
Weekdays empty; weekends few surfers (slightly busier during weekends and holidays).
Rainy season typically runs from July to September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Left-hand reef/reef-rocky break with very consistent waves (reported ~150 days/year). Works on South/Southwest swell and is typically best at mid to high tide. Wave quality described as world class / excellent, with long workable walls.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Also described as rising and falling tides, but mid/high is the stated best position.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as an exposed point/reef type setup, but still given semi-sheltered in break characterization.
- Wind Effect
- Best with light offshore winds from the Northeast or East.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and can become more powerful while maintaining its shape on larger South swells.
- Wave Quality
- World class — World-class / excellent and very consistent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling left-hand reef walls.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling / medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long, workable rides; best days significantly longer.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ranges include ~50–150 m for typical/normal length, with good days extending to ~150–300 m (and up to ~300 m noted).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tiburon in the full forecast view.
Tiburon wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- W267°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 238 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.2 m11s period
- Temperature
- 24–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tiburon is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–1.2 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
- reef
- Submerged rocks and reef sections
- Sea urchins
- Stingrays
- reef hazards
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated lifeguards/rescue services reported.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Mazatlán. In emergencies, dial 911.
Rules of the spot
Best tide: mid and high tide. Mid to high tide is generally safer and provides better wave shape to avoid shallower rock sections.
- Works best on mid/high tide; avoid the shallower rock sections at lower tides.
- If near the point/adjacent break area, be prepared for dangerous rips.
- Spot is often empty on weekdays.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mazatlán
- Nearest Town
- Celestino Gazca Villaseñor
- Parking
- Parking is generally available near the beachfront restaurants and hotels in Celestino Gazca; spot access is quick once at the area.
- Access
- Distance access taking a car; walking distance is instant (<5min) once at the location.
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several small hotels and beachfront villas are available in Celestino Gazca.
- Food & Drink
- Famous for fresh oysters and seafood palapas along the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is scarce on-site; visitors advised to bring their own gear or arrange rentals in Mazatlán.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Tiburon area sits within the Sinaloa Pacific coastal setting around Celestino Gazca, where surf seasons align with warmer months and consistent swell windows. The broader coast is known for seafood culture and relaxed, low-development coastal scenery.
Famous fishing with species such as marlin and sailfish.
Regional destination known for very fresh oysters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tiburon?
The best overall months at Tiburon are May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Tiburon?
Tiburon works with NE, E, N winds. Offshore directions are NE, E, N.
What skill level is Tiburon suitable for?
Tiburon suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.