Xametla

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilWingfoil freerideSurfing bodyboardBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–30 °C
Water Temperature
22–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: rash guard or 2mm shorty (winter and spring mornings)
Crowds by Season

Generally low; slightly more local visitors during Mexican holiday periods.

Storm/Rain Season

June to October is the rainy and hurricane season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Quiet, low-profile kitesurfing beach with crystal-clear water and small waves; suitable for small-wave freeriding and learning-focused sessions.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
10–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Known as Punta Xametla; right-hand wave breaking over a sandy bottom near the estuary.

Beach break
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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.