The Surf Window

Petacalco

Guerrero, Mexico

River waveAdvanced

One of Mexico's most unusual breaks, Petacalco is a river mouth wave in Guerrero where the confluence of river and ocean creates shifting, powerful sandbank peaks in a remote and wild setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

N

Offshore

Tide

Low

LowMidHigh

Season

April–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand (river mouth sandbars)

Shape

Punchy, shifting peaks, unpredictable but can be excellent when the river deposits perfect sandbars

Length

40–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: River currents, variable sandbars, and powerful sets in a remote location demand experience and self-reliance.

Hazards

  • •River current, can push you offshore quickly
  • •Remote location with minimal emergency access
  • •Unpredictable sandbar changes after heavy rain
  • •Crocodiles are present in the river itself, do not enter the river channel

Local Tips

  • •The wave only fires properly a few times per season when conditions perfectly align river swell and ocean swell.
  • •Come with a group, a vehicle with spare fuel, and full knowledge that you are very far from help.

Location

Map showing the location of Petacalco in Guerrero, Mexico

17.9806, -102.1081