Xametla
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Xametla is a quiet, low-profile kitesurfing beach near Chamela, offering crystal-clear water and small-wave conditions. The environment is primarily driven by afternoon sea breezes, typically strongest in spring as the land heats up relative to the Pacific. For kitesurfers, the setup is especially attractive for calmer, small-wave riding and learning-focused sessions. Instruction and concentrated beginner support are a common theme, and the spot’s overall feel is uncrowded—making it easier to progress with attention to technique and safety. Typical spring wind is in the moderate range, with light gustiness. Surfing is possible at Punta Xametla, where a right-hand wave breaks over sand near the estuary. Conditions are generally described as soft and mushy, with average wave quality; onshore westerly winds can make the waves messier. On very large swells, the break may close out. Safety planning matters here: hazards include stray rays in the sand and estuary currents, and the location is remote with limited rescue availability. Local guidance emphasizes riding with a partner, watching carefully when walking in shallow water, and following marine sanctuary regulations within Bahía de Chamela.
- Crystal-clear water in a tranquil, low-profile setting
- Afternoon NW sea breezes provide strong spring wind potential
- Beginner-friendly vibe with learning-focused instruction
- Small-wave conditions suitable for freeride and small wave sessions
- Crystal-clear water with small waves
- Afternoon sea breezes from the Northwest provide reliable wind for spring sessions
- Low-profile, generally uncrowded environment—good for focused learning and calm riding
- Suitable natural setting for kitesurfing and a low-profile wingfoiling option
- Remote location with limited assistance
- Estuary currents and shallow-water hazards (including stingrays/rays)
- Wind is most dependable seasonally (spring); gusts are light but conditions still vary
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, WNW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes as the land heats up; generally NW in the broader Chamela (Costa Alegre) area.
- Reliability
- Moderate during spring months
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- February, March, April, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach area with sufficient space for setup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally low; slightly more local visitors during Mexican holiday periods.
June to October is the rainy and hurricane season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Quiet, low-profile kitesurfing beach with crystal-clear water and small waves; suitable for small-wave freeriding and learning-focused sessions.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Clear-water bay conditions and steady afternoon breezes make it a viable but low-profile foil option.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Known as Punta Xametla; right-hand wave breaking over a sandy bottom near the estuary.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — A bay/estuary setting that is not fully exposed, but conditions can still be affected by onshore winds.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore wind from the West makes waves messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Xametla in the full forecast view.
Xametla wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- SSE151°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2810 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.1 m11s period
- Temperature
- 23–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Xametla is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 1.2–2.1 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
- Stray rays in the sand
- Remote location with limited assistance
- Estuary currents
- Some rocks near the points
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated kite/windsurf rescue services; local fishermen are a primary source of assistance.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Manzanillo or Puerto Vallarta. Universal emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Respect local marine sanctuary regulations within the Bahía de Chamela.
- The spot is uncrowded, so ride with a partner for safety.
- Watch for stingrays when walking in shallow water.
- Focus on beginner-style immersion with concentrated instruction and gear guidance.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Chamela
- Nearest Town
- Chamela
- Parking
- Unpaved parking area available near the beach access.
- Public Transport
- Long-distance buses run along Highway 200; local taxis serve the immediate coastal area.
- Access
- Chamela is located between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo on Mexico-200.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Small eco-hotels and boutique villas in the Chamela and Careyes area; beachfront lodging options nearby.
- Food & Drink
- Local palapas and seafood restaurants in the nearby village of Chamela.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals available; plan to bring all your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Not indicated as available through public facilities.
- Gear Repair
- None available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Xametla?
The best overall months at Xametla are February, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Xametla?
Xametla works with NW, WNW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Xametla?
Recommended equipment sizes at Xametla: Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Xametla suitable for?
Xametla suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.