Surf Mexico! The guide to Troncones area surf breaks

Troncones Area and Costa Grande, Mexico Surf info

The Casa Oasis Troncones Surf Mexico Guide is here to help you get the most out of your Troncones Surf Experience. Scroll down for the scoop on nearby surf breaks, from La Saladita to Las Gatas. And some helpful general Mexico surf advice from Troncones, Mexico surf guru and instructor, Mike Linn.

Amazing wave photo detail courtesy of Michael Dawes, CC2.0

Local board shaper Bruce surfs the Troncones Beach break, not far from Casa Oasis

A surfer’s-eye view of Casa Oasis Troncones

Surfing the Troncones Area:

General Information

The Troncones area is blessed with year round surf. There are essentially 2 distinct swell seasons. From April-October, southern hemisphere swells and hurricanes provide the biggest waves of the year. Conditions can get messy if a tropical storm gets too close to shore, bout most it’s fun. Between November and March, the waves drop considerably but stay in the waist- to chest-high range with excellent shape, and are accompanied by the most perfect weather of the year.

No need to pack your wetsuit

Troncones has the crystal clear water, but nearby break water temps are just as warm year round, averaging 79°F (26°C). The area tidal range is only about 2ft (0.6m).

Below is a general guide to the most popular waves around Troncones, from the northern area of Petacalco Bay south toward Zihuatanejo. Not every wave is mentioned, just the best and most consistent. But if you do some homework and look around a bit, you may find some hidden gems.

Courtesy of Mike Linn, local surf guru and owner of ISA Mexico, provider of Troncones surf camps and Troncones surf excursions. Mike also rents boards and bikes, with free delivery to us at Casa Oasis.

Casa Oasis Troncones surf guide

We’ve compiled our own Troncones Surf Guide full of info about Troncones surf spots—how to get there, what kind of wave awaits, etc. As well as Ten Compelling Reasons why Casa Oasis Troncones is the best home base for your Mexico surf safari. while you’re at it, you might want to check out why Troncones is one of Conde Nast’s 10 Best Mexico beaches!

Troncones Surf Report

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Magic Seaweed Troncones surf guide

Troncones beach surf breaks

Between the village of Troncones and Casa Oasis, there’s a 5 km (3 mile) stretch of crowd-free beach marked with rocky outcrops that encourage sandbars. These bars create consistent peaks when the conditions are right. These breaks happen on all swell directions and tides, for short, punchy rides over sand. Watch out for rocks. (Not for beginners) There are several bars up and down the beach so keep your eyes peeled for the bar of the week, or get the scoop from Bruce Grimes, local board shaper and beach break master. (His shop is on the land side of the beach road, just north of the bridge.)

Getting to the Troncones beach breaks: Set up camp at any palapa restaurant on the beach, or use the beach access by Mi Casa Su Casa (the break is in front of the bridge), or next door to Casas Gregorio.

Or just walk there from Casa Oasis. If you’re lucky enough (and smart enough) to be staying at Casa Oasis, you can walk to two or three beach breaks, including the sporadic wave right in front of the house (which you can conveniently see from the sofa).

Troncones beach breaks also act as a great indicator for the point breaks in the area. If it’s head high or more, then the points are good. Smaller than shoulder high on the sets, then just stay in Troncones. And if there aren’t any waves on the beach break, then there just isn’t surf.

Troncones area surf breaks — something for everyone!

Troncones’ own Manzanillo Bay

Lourdes’ famous cafe on La Saladita beach

Manzanillo Bay

Manzanillo Bay in Troncones is a rock/reef point with a steep drop that empties into a deepwater cove. Breaks best on southwest and west swells.

On the best days, Manzanillo offers a steep drop, fast wall over a shallow reef with maybe even a barrel before dying down in the channel. Needs a significant swell with good direction to really perform. Because of the deep water and reef bottom set up, Manzanillo can maintain shape well into double overhead plus while other spots are just closing out.

There’s a public access between Casa Las Tejas and Casa Manzanillo (after the big hill, take the left turn off the beach road towards Troncones Point Hostel), but if you play your cards right, one of the many boutique hotels on the beach may provide access if you make an effort to view their properties or eat at their restaurants.

Get to Manzanillo: Head up the Troncones beach road toward Majahua. You’ll see the Inn at Manzanillo Bay (closest to the break), Hacienda Eden (nicest) and Tronco Bay Inn (least expensive), which provide access to customers. Or, drive a bit further for the free beach access. (about ten minutes from Troncones town)

Magic Seaweed Manzanillo Bay surf guide

La Saladita

Sweet, slow-breaking left-hand point break near the town of Los Llanos. Has been nicknamed “the wave machine: and Ubilam (cuz it’s like a reverse Malibu). Best on south and southwest swells at low tide. Begins to lose shape at head and a half.

Longboarders dominate the break enjoying long mellow rides from the top of the point all the way to the beach, sometimes over a minute long. But with long rides comes a long paddle, so be prepared.

The bottom is a mix of rock, loose stones, and sand depending on where you are. Booties aren’t a terrible idea, but most don’t wear them.

Get to La Saladita: Take Mex 200 north to Los Llanos. Exit left and follow signs to the beach. (About 30 minutes)

Magic Seaweed La Saladita surf guide

The Ranch

Located just up from La Union, the Ranch’s main attraction is the left pointbreak directly in front of the Los Amigos restaurant. Breaks best on south and southwest swells and is best on a low tide. Can hold shape up to double overhead.

Some surfers compare the Ranch to Trestles in San Diego, CA. Bring a longboard and a short board if you can swing it, since the face changes pitch with the tide and the crowd changes by the week.

The bottom is mostly loose cobblestone but can be sharp with marine invertebrates. Booties aren’t a bad idea.

Get to the Ranch: Take Mex 200 north past La Union, cross the bridge and exit toward “El Chico local traffic only.” Before El Chico, turn left on “Juan Maciel.” Follow the road up and over the highway into the town of Roble. At the end of Roble, there’s a fork in the road. Go left and follow the road all the way to the beach. Take the road all the way to Los Amigos and you’re there. (About an hour)

Be sure to try the restaurant—everything is good but the camaronillas (fried shrimp and cheese in batter pocket) and huevos rancheros are second to none.

Magic Seaweed Ranch surf guide

Playa Linda

South of Troncones and into Ixtapa is Playa Linda, a rivermouth beachbreak that can produce long lefts breaking toward the lagoon. Nice little wave to incorporate with a run to the ATM machine or a shopping trip to Zihuatanejo. Breaks on all swells but best with a little west in it.

Get to Playa Linda from Troncones, take Mex 200 south toward Zihuatanejo. Follow the signs into Ixtapa then toward Playa Linda. Park at the RV campground and walk toward the estuary.

Magic Seaweed Playa Linda Surf Guide

Escolleras

Ixtapa’s occasionally tubular right, in the shadow of high rise hotels, just in case you like a more urban view while you surf.

Get to Escolleras from Troncones, take Mex 200 south toward Zihuatanejo. Follow the signs into Ixtapa. Turn right on the main avenue where all the big hotels are. Park in the cul de sac at the end of that road. There’s a beach access there.

Magic Seaweed Escolleras surf guide

Las Gatas

On the South side of Zihuatanejo bay is Las Gatas, which only breaks when the swell is really big, but when it breaks, it’s amazing.

Get to Las Gatas from Troncones, take Mex 200 south toward Zihuatanejo. Follow the signs into Zihuatanejo. Easiest way to reach it: park near the harbor and take a water taxi to Las Gatas from the pier. Or, paddle across the entire bay, or try to find parking near La Ropa beach, and walk the rocky path around the South part of the bay to Las Gatas.

Magic Seaweed Las Gatas surf guide

Surfer Miguel’s Mexico surf advice

Most of this is common sense, but it bears repeating:

First, avoid driving on the highways at night, and don’t leave valuables in your car or on the beach while you’re out surfing. Second, be courteous to fellow surfers, both local and tourist. Most people are pretty laid back, but nobody likes a wave hog or a bad attitude. Remember that lot of guys only have one board and it’s often a short board, so keep that in mind if you’re on a longboard.

If you’re new to surfing or just learning, try to find a less crowded wave or wait until the crowd thins a bit before you paddle out. It’s ok to be a beginner, but you don’t want to be a speed bump. Seasoned surfers often hop off Saladita waves before they near the shore (it’s a long paddle), and those shallow tail ends are often perfect for practicing.

If you’ve never surfed before, take a lesson or two from a good instructor. Be sure to learn the surf basics, to help keep you safe and improve your chances of a fun, safe surfing experience.

And finally, have a blast. Get out and explore, meet new people, get good waves, and go home with great memories of your Mexico surf trip. You’ll be back for more!

Mike Linn,
ISA Surf Instructor
Troncones Beach, Mexico
www.ISAmexico.com
email Mike at: surf(at)isamexico.com. (Tell him Casa Oasis sent you!)

Surfing Troncones, you get the best of both worlds—serious surf and serious comfort, at a not-so-serious price. (Check out our wicked low Surf Season rates — Beachfront from US $120/night and $700/week!)

Surf Troncones!

Casa Oasis: your home away from the busy breaks

On the prettiest, cleanest, quietest beach, yet central to all the breaks

Because, porque rough it?

Who says a Mexico surf trip has to mean roughing it? Why not try a deluxe comfort Troncones surf trip—one that will make your significant other happy, too?

Casa Oasis Troncones vacation rental downstairs two bedroom beach house master bedroom

The Beach House master bedroom

Come surf Troncones in style! Watch the waves from your beautiful beachfront sofa. Come home to mellow elegance after a long morning on the waves. Get a massage on your private patio after a day of paddling. Enjoy our full kitchen and spacious living areas as you sample fresh delivered seafood and plan your next surf outing. Take in a nearby yoga class to stretch out before or after hitting the waves.

Surf-view sofa

Casa Oasis Troncones Penthouse flat ocean view sofa

The Penthouse Flat everything-view sofa

At Casa Oasis, you can watch tropical birds frolic, see dolphins and whales, iguanas and fireflies, even an armadillo or two and the occasional coatimundi—all from the comfort of your covered, open air patio. Listen to the peaceful summer soundtrack of birds, frogs and waves. Venture outside and witness more stars than you’ve probably ever seen. The full moon on the summer surf on our deserted beach is truly a spectacular sight.

Casa Oasis, as seen from the curl

Wake and break

Forget long drives and even longer paddles (we’re talking to you, Saladita!). When conditions are right, there’s an advanced break right in front of the house. Jump out of bed and onto your board!

Troncones surf guide - break at Casa Oasis

Surfing the break in front of Casa Oasis

Troncones Surf Report

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Check out our Casa Oasis Troncones Surf Guide, to get the most out of your Troncones Surf Experience. It’s full of local Troncones surf spot info, like how to get there and what kind of wave to expect. Plus, helpful general Troncones surf advice from local Surf guru, instructor extraordinaire, and owner of Troncones’ own Tsunami Surf, Mike Linn.

Stormy (cooler) weather, bigger waves, better deals

Cooler on many levels—as in awesomer, and as in fresher. Summer is big surf season, and also a great time to enjoy awe-inspiring tropical storms and lightning displays from the safety of your open air living room. (It mostly rains at night.) Since we built as close to the ocean as possible, the Casa Oasis Main flat is always breezy, and you can keep track of the swell while relaxing on the sofa. The new Treehouse unit is not right on the beach, but due to its height and open construction, it offers amazing breezes and views (at a very low price). Check out our super low summer rates.