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Can You Surf in Cancun

Can You Surf in Cancun? Naysayers are Always Wrong

By Sophia the SeaMonster on Jan 28, 2023

Combination of lovely beaches, serene blue sea, and agreeable weather - sounds like Cancun, doesn’t it?

Tell me, who wouldn’t like to have a vacation at such a fantastic place? Perhaps no one except who’s aquaphobic and, not to mention, a surfing lover like you! Yep, that tranquility is not seemingly the thing of a surfer, especially for pro ones.

With that on my mind too, I just became a web-worm for hours and found something of great news for you:

It's been a few years since tourists have kept coming back to Cancun not only to enjoy the serenity it offers but also for the most peaceful surfs of their life. They surfed there, is one thing… Those surfs turned out even better.

Surf down to find out how you too can be part of the continuers, not of the compromisers!

Can You Surf in Cancun? The Clear-Cut Answer

Absolutely yes! Even though the waves often aren’t powerful and seemingly surfable, some amazing beaches and months of the year can give you the great surfs of your life. Once landed in Cancun, you only need to get up to date with the swell report, and there you go!

I’ll be talking about those aspects in detail, plus other surfing options specific to Cancun that aren’t supposed to be missed out on. But first, let’s get some euphoria…

Does Cancun Have Good Surf?

Yes, and for so many good reasons…

  • With the waves being calmer and consistent and the water staying put with smaller waves, novice surfers can drastically reduce the time it takes to learn surfing and have a great time focussing on acquiring a pros-like skillset!
  • Most beaches in Cancun have all-sand beach breaks and bottoms, making it easy to navigate and catch waves even faster. Plus, such beach breaks are one of the keys for intermediate surfers to practice technique.
  • Given that you’re riding smaller waves (averaging 2-3ft throughout the year), you don’t need to wear a wetsuit - performing tricks becomes more accessible as well as you don’t worry about any skin reactions and hassles of putting on and off the suit.

Top Considerations for Surfing in Cancun

  • Playa Ballenas, Playa Delfines, Playa Chac Mool, and Playa Marlin are the best beaches to surf in Cancun.
  • On most Cancun beaches, especially these four, hurricane season is what makes for good surf. That is: from June to November.
  • Remember to check the Surf Report beforehand.
  • The best time to go to any of these beaches is before noon and after 4:00 pm. This is for two reasons: the sun and the people. The sun is harsh, and the crowd is overwhelming in between these two times.
  • Even if having a tan is your idea before or after a surf sesh, never forget to use a good quality sunscreen or rash guard to prevent sun damage.

Top Cancun Surf Spots to Enjoy This Summer!

1. Playa Ballenas

This means ‘Whales Beach,’ the best thing I like about the beach is that it’s almost always less crowded compared to other beaches in Cancun. The reason is it’s very far from downtown and has a tiny parking lot.

Though surfing of all levels can be done here, staying up to date about the weather pays off better. The waves could go from 1 meter to 5 meters quickly. If you don’t have much surfing experience, don’t go out there when it's too dig.

2. Playa Delfines

The name means “Dolphins Beach,” but local people also call it "El Mirador," which translates to "The Viewpoint" due to the entrance being overhead and offering a fantastic spot to admire the ocean.

It’s popular among tourists because they want to take pictures with the famous ‘Cancun’ letters, and it’s where most of us go to receive the first sun rays of the new year.

Most people don’t swim here because of the strong currents. Though such currents are more fun for more advanced surfers, Novice or intermediate surfers can enjoy surfing here - if they choose the noon time when the wind is not strong nor the beach that crowdy.

3. Playa Chac Mool

Have you ever heard of the Coco Bongo nightclub? That's exactly where this beach is located.

At first sight, the beach's super crystalline and serene water may not seem like a surfer's thing… but it actually is! Some of the most successful Mexican surfers, like Carlos, Coco, and Nogales, have surfed here and loved it.

Besides tranquility, you’ll also find a popular surf school here to rent equipment instead of worrying about the costs of new surfboards or carrying already-purchased ones.

4. Playa Marlin

This mostly calm beach is perfect for beginners to sharpen up their skills on most days. However, it tests its capacity hard when it gets windy, though it offers a great fun day for advanced surfers!

The only problem is that there are no surf schools or rental shops, so you might want to manage your board and other equipment by other means.

Alternatives for Surfing in Cancun

What if the weather - or your mood - isn't right for a decent surf sesh? No worries, as I just found plenty of equally exciting alternatives - such as kitesurfing, wakeboarding in the lagoon, jet-surfing with motorized boards, or even flowboarding in the biggest water sports center in Mexico! No matter what, Cancun never lets you leave without having fun!

  • Kitesurfing - The kitesurfing season in Cancun is primarily from November to June when winds are consistent, varying from south to north. Plus, the winds being calmer and crowds being tinier during these months, some of the potential kitesurfing dangers can be kept at bay.
  • JetSurfing - Performed with a motorized board, JetSurfing’s all about how to surf without waves. Cancun Jet Surfing Academy is an amazing option to enjoy that unique sport. They’ll provide you with the necessary instructions and equipment for the sport.
  • Wakesurfing - Having just a cable and a board handy and accompanying someone riding a motorboat will get you through the venture! A wake is a wave a boat creates underway as it displaces water. You’ll be riding the artificial waves that the boat creates, which is something even children can ride safely!

Final Thought

“When you want something with all of your heart, the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” This quote from ‘Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho pushed me forwards to find surfing possibilities in Cancun. I loved it from all of my heart; I found it. Do you?

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