San Pancho
Nayarit, Mexico
Beach breakIntermediate
San Francisco (San Pancho) is Nayarit's quiet alternative to Sayulita, an unhurried village with a punchy beach break with real waves without the tourist circus.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
N
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
April–October
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Solid, occasionally hollow beach break peaks, more powerful than nearby Sayulita
Length
30–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The beach break is punchier and more variable than Sayulita, raw ocean experience is needed.
Hazards
- •River mouth at the south end, currents and water quality issues after rain
- •Shore pound when the swell is larger
- •Limited facilities compared to Sayulita
Local Tips
- •San Pancho has an authentic, local feel that Sayulita has largely lost, the surf crowd is smaller and more respectful.
- •Check both sides of the river mouth; the sandbars shift and one side often holds much better shape than the other.
Location
20.9136, -105.4503