Zepotonengo (Oaxaca)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Zepotonengo is an exposed sandy beach break on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca with generally consistent surf. It primarily works when southern to south-southwesterly / southwesterly swell fills in, and the break can produce both left and right waves. Conditions are often favored in summer (April through October), with November highlighted as a key month for cleaner surf. The beach is sandy with a wide, open launch area and generally easy beach access. Water quality is described as clear/clean. Depth transitions from shallow nearshore to deeper water over a short distance, and shore break is reported as moderate. Although one source reports mild shore drift and no strong rip currents, another notes rip currents and strong undertow typical of an exposed coastline—so conditions should be treated as potentially current-prone. Wind is most favorable with an offshore north component. Surf conditions are reported with a steady wind regime and notable proportions of “clean” vs “blown” months (with the wind statistics used in the surf guide). One source also notes that offshore winds can groom the surf, improving wave quality. Safety is the highest priority: sharks are consistently listed as a hazard, and the guidance is not to swim. There are no lifeguards and no dedicated on-site rescue reported; emergency response relies on regional services accessible by road. Bring necessary supplies due to the beach’s remoteness and keep an eye on tide/sandbar changes after larger swells.

  • Exposed beach break with relatively consistent surf
  • Best swell window centers on south-southwest/southwest
  • Offshore north winds help groom waves
  • Warm water year-round
  • Shark hazard; no swimming
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed beach break with generally consistent surf
  • Works well with south-southwest / southwest swell
  • Warm water year-round; surfing often possible without heavy wetsuits
Heads up
  • Shark hazard; no swimming allowed
  • Exposed location can mean less forgiving conditions
  • Currents/rip currents and strong undertow reported
  • Often sometimes crowded, especially in summer
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N
Offshore directions
N
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind influenced conditions reported, with offshore north component.
Reliability
moderate (also reported as 35% blown / 63% clean in surf conditions)
Gust Factor
Steady — Steady winds reported (also described as light gusts by another source).
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Open sandy beach; easy self-launch reported by one source, moderate by another.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy by one source and moderate by another.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard or 1mm top (thin rashguard2mm shorty on windy winter days)
Crowds by Season

Generally sometimes crowded; more visitors in summer and during peak holiday periods.

Storm/Rain Season

June to October

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed sandy beach break with consistent groundswells working from the south-southwest/Southwest; offers both left and right waves.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Also reported to work across all tides; mid tide noted as optimal by one source.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the north provide cleaner, more groomed conditions; best with north offshore.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well; no reef to limit swell reported.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good by one source; average by another.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — One source describes peeling; another describes mixed shape.
Peel Speed
Medium — Medium peeling described.
Ride Length
Medium — Ride length described as medium; peaks vary across the beach due to sandbars.
Ride Length Details
Variable peaks across the beach depending on sandbar formation.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) in the full forecast view.

Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
SW229°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 267 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–1.4 m11s period
Temperature
24–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.2–1.4 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

  • sharks
  • rip currents
  • strong undertow
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site rescue reported.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital mentioned in Puerto Escondido; emergency number 911; regional emergency services accessible via road.

Rules of the spot

Avoid swimming due to shark hazard; follow general surf etiquette (no designated zones reported).

Restrictions
  • No swimming due to shark hazard
Local Tips
  • Avoid swimming due to shark risk.
  • Surf at high tide for better depth.
  • Check swell direction (south-southwest optimum).
  • Keep an eye on the tide because sandbars can shift after large swells.
  • The beach can be remote—bring necessary supplies and water.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Puerto Escondido
Nearest Town
Mazunte
Parking
Informal/unregulated roadside parking near beach access; no official lot.
Public Transport
Limited; accessed via dirt track from the main coastal road (regional transport noted generally in the wider area).
Access
Beach access via local paths in the Tahueca/Oaxaca region (roadside unregulated parking reported near beach access).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Basic eco-cabins and guesthouses in nearby Mazunte and San Agustinillo (also noted generally as nearby rustic accommodations).
Food & Drink
Limited options on-site; more variety available in neighboring towns.
Equipment Rental:
Not reported as available for this spot; very limited rental in the broader area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A low-key, eco-tourism–friendly coastal area near Oaxaca’s Pacific beaches, with biodiversity-focused activities and small-town coastal culture.

Best time to visit: December through March (best balance of wind, sun, and mild temperatures).
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga15 km

National turtle center focused on conservation and education in Mazunte.

Ventanilla Eco-Tours12 km

Lagoon tours to see crocodiles, iguanas, and diverse birdlife in the mangroves.

Mazunte Pueblo Mágico15 km

A designated 'Magical Town' known for its alternative lifestyle, yoga communities, and natural cosmetics factory.

Whale and Dolphin Watching20 km

Boat tours departing from nearby Puerto Ángel to view migrating whales (winter months).

Local Enramadas0 km

Traditional beachfront thatch-roof restaurants serving fresh seafood and Oaxacan specialties.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Zepotonengo (Oaxaca)?

The best overall months at Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Zepotonengo (Oaxaca)?

Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.

What skill level is Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) suitable for?

Zepotonengo (Oaxaca) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.