The Surf Window

Carrizalillo

Oaxaca, Mexico

Beach breakBeginner

A crescent-shaped, cliff-framed cove just minutes from Puerto Escondido town, Carrizalillo is a turquoise paradise of gentle, beginner-friendly waves and one of Oaxaca's most beautiful beaches.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

N

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

April–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Soft, rolling beach break, slow, gentle, and wide

Length

20–50m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The cove provides natural protection, the waves are gentle, and the beach is small enough to feel safe and manageable.

Hazards

  • •Steep staircase access down the cliffs
  • •Occasional strong current when swell is larger
  • •Very small cove, gets crowded with tourists in peak season

Local Tips

  • •Arrive early for the calmest conditions and a parking space at the top of the cliff path.
  • •The snorkelling in the clear water around the cove's rocky edges is as good as the surfing.

Location

Map showing the location of Carrizalillo in Oaxaca, Mexico

15.8658, -97.0892