SurfPlanet

Oaxaca, Mexico

Puerto Escondido

Also known as Zicatela, Mexican Pipeline

Expert Beach break Sand bottom Peels both 1.5–6 m Mid tide

Known as the 'Mexican Pipeline,' Puerto Escondido's Playa Zicatela produces some of the heaviest beach break barrels in the world. The wave jacks up quickly over a steep sand bottom, creating thick, powerful tubes that break in shallow water. Famous for its intense shorebreak and the danger of getting slammed on the sand. The annual Puerto Escondido Cup showcases the world's best barrel riders.

Hazards

ShallowStrong CurrentRip

Conditions

Best swell
S, SW
Best wind
N, NE
Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Wave size
1.5–6 m
Wave quality
●●●●●
Consistency
●●●●○
Crowd
●●●○○
Coordinates
15.8622, -97.0783

Facilities

ParkingCafeShowers

Sources