Mazatlan's surfspots are relatively uncrowded and pretty easy to get to, you can get to most places by car, taxi or bus. The following list includes the spots that are located in the city, however there are many more breaks south and north of town so get out there and explore.
STONE ISLAND
Description: Located on the southside of the old harbor next to the lighthouse, there are 2 main spots, a beachbreak and a worldclass right point. Both can be epic but require a large southwest swell to break. The right is really shallow and with the right wind you can expect to get some of the most perfect tubes in mex, breaks very close to the rocks so this wave is for experts only. The beachbreak called "los picos" is in front of a huge rock that gives it its perfect A frame shape. This place is good for all levels but on low tide it gets more dangerous as waves break on really shallow water. Both of these breaks are not very consistent but when the elements get together they can be epic. Lots of good restaurants here and other activities like kayaking and horseback riding, stone island has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the beaches in the tourist area.
Best swell direction: SW Best wind: NW Best size: 4-8 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: Sand and rocks. Season: may-oct
OLAS ALTAS
Description: Located in the old part of town on the south side of the olas altas bay, this left point likes hurricane swells and is best at low tide, there is a huge cliff that blocks all wind providing good conditions when everywhere else is blown out and the swell is too big and stormy. The wave is not very challenging but can be extremely fun when it's on, very good for high performance surfing. The bottom is sharp and there are lots of sea urchins so use extreme caution on low tides or maybe some reef booties. The middle part of the bay has some fun surf in the winter months, playful waves breaking on sandy bottom good for all levels.
Best swell direction: SW Best wind: SW Best size: 4-8 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: rocks/sand. Season: jul-oct
LOS PINOS (CANNONS)
Description: This left point is one of the first breaks ever surfed in Mazatlan, Greg Noll surfed it many years ago and claimed to have had some really good days here. The first section of the wave is extremely shallow and often barrels before going into a deeper part of the reef with longer walls with more room for maneuvres. The main hazards here are the sharp bottom and sea urchins, which cover almost every single rock. This spot does not like very large swells as it tends to break really wide and not have any shape, high tides are usually better. Recommended for intermediates and advanced.
Best swell direction: SW Best wind:SW Best size: 4-6 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: Rocks. Season: april-oct
JACARANDAS
Description: A fun and consistent right hander that is often sectiony but on the right tide can be really good. It's located in the heart of the tourist area next to a funny looking disco called Valentino's. This spot is often used to check the swell size to get an idea of how other breaks are. Typically if this place has overhead surf and offshore wind, stone island would be good too, if it's blown out here the left points will have clean conditions. If it's flat just head to Playa Bruja (cerritos). Not recommended for beginners.
Best swell direction: W/SW Best wind: NE Best size: 4-6 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: Rocks/sand. Season: april-nov
CAMARON
Description: A fun left point on the north side of Valentino's, it is mostly a longboard wave but on mid-tide it can have good sections ideal for shortboarding. The wave itself is great for beginners and intermediates but the crowds can be pretty heavy, be extra cautious with the bottom, as most breaks in the area there are lots of urchins.
Best swell direction: SW Best wind: SE Best size: 4-6 ft. Crowds: heavy. Bottom: Rocks. Season: april-nov
RIVIERA
Description: Located right next to Camaron, this wave is a very fickle right that breaks on an extremely shallow sandbar, it only breaks a few times a year but it's definitely worldclass when it happens. It likes hurricane swells and low tides. Beware of the strong current, recommended for intermediate and advanced. Do not leave your belongings unattended here, unless of course you no longer need them.
Best swell direction: SW Best wind: East Best size: 4-6 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: Sand. Season: aug-oct.
CERRITOS (PLAYA BRUJA)
Description: The most consistent break in town, usually not the most perfect wave but it always has something when you really need to get wet. It's a beachbreak with predominant rights on large west swells and NW wind swells. The best size for this place is headhigh but with the right swell angle it can handle much bigger waves, it is mostly a winter spot but can get good year-round when the surf is small, suitable for surfers of all levels.
Best swell direction: W/NW Best wind: NE Best size: 1-5 ft. Crowds: medium. Bottom: Sand. Season: Dec-april.
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