Map
Manazillo Bay
Today's Surf Conditions at Manazillo Bay
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Manzanillo is a Pacific Coast classic, where a long, powerful left pointbreak unfurls over a mix of uneven reef and sand. This spot earns its reputation from spring through autumn, when south to southwest swells march in and combine with a light northeast wind to produce waves that can handle anywhere from 4 to 14 feet. The wave peels with a steep, dramatic drop that often leads into long, rideable sections—perfect for funboards and longboards when it’s smaller, and offering a safer, deeper takeoff once the swell pushes overhead, keeping you clear of the rockier inside. Tides play a key role here: low to mid is the sweet spot, allowing the wave to set up consistently across the reef. Access couldn’t be simpler—follow the signs off the highway and you’re in the lineup. But don’t expect solitude; the crowd factor fluctuates with swell size and quality, and prime days can draw a healthy mix of travelers and veterans. The local crew knows every shift of the current and every rock, so a respectful approach goes a long way. Beyond Manzanillo, this stretch of coast is a surfing hub, with nearby breaks like La Boca and Saladita offering options for every skill level. Whether you’re chasing a mellow longboard cruise or a hollow left with some bite, Manzanillo delivers—as long as you bring the right tide, a south swell, and a healthy dose of local awareness.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The heart of Manazillo Bay’s surf season beats strongest from October through March. During this period, the North Pacific storm track fires up, sending long-period swell trains marching toward the Mexican coast. The average wave period hovers in the 13-14 second range, meaning powerful, lined-up waves that wrap nicely into the bay. Offshore winds from the north and east (N, NNE, NE, ENE) dominate a significant portion of the time—peaking at 51% in September and staying above 40% through March. This creates clean, glassy faces for peak performance. Swell directions are predominantly SW and WSW, which hit the west-facing beach perfectly. Expect fun to solid 1-1.5m waves on average, with occasional pumping 1.5-2.5m sets when a strong storm aligns. This is the go-to window for consistent quality.
Fair Surf Season (June - September)
Summer brings a different flavor to Manazillo. The swell height actually peaks in September at 1.7m, and the long period remains impressive, often in the 13-14 second range. However, the wind regime becomes more mixed. While the percentage of ideal offshore winds remains relatively high (41-51%), the trade winds often swing from the SSE to SW, introducing lumpy texture or onshore slop. The comfort zone shifts: mornings and evenings offer the cleanest conditions as the sea breeze picks up. Swell angles from SSW and SW still work well, but occasional S or SSE swell creeps in, reducing quality. Despite the wind challenges, when the pressure gradient sets up a northerly flow, the bay can fire with punchy, rippable waves, making summer a solid option for those willing to work the tides.
Low Surf Season (April - May)
April and May mark the most difficult months for surfing at Manazillo Bay. The average swell height is still decent (1.4-1.5m), and the period remains long (14+ seconds), but the wind statistics tell a harsh story. Ideal offshore wind frequencies drop to just 21-22%, meaning the vast majority of days are plagued by onshore winds from the SW and WSW. These directions not only create chop but also directly oppose the wave face, killing any clean steeper sections. While the occasional morning glass-off or a passing pressure system can align the stars, consistency is low. This is the time to have alternate plans—exploring other spots or just waiting for that rare window when the bay turns on for a session of fun-sized, groveling waves.
Detailed Surf Information for Manazillo Bay
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Manazillo Bay with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
