Rio de Coyula

Tucked just off Mex 200, a dusty dirt track leads you to the windswept shores of Laguna Boca Vieja, where the eastern headland unfurls a classic sandy pointbreak. Rio Coyula offers a rare two-way dance—both left and right lines peel off the point, with the right-hander being the main draw for those who favor a go-right groove. This slice of coastline sees surprisingly light crowds, making it a quiet refuge for surfers looking to trade peak-season hustle for uncrowded takeoffs. The wave here is a creature of the S-SE swell window, though a solid W swell can also spike things into life. Optimal conditions come with swell in the 3-foot range (about 1 meter), breaking over an uneven mix of reef and sand that keeps the lineup interesting. For the cleanest shape, aim for low to mid tide and a crisp north wind. The setup is best suited for intermediate surfers—beginners will find the shifting bottom and occasional punchy sections a tough classroom. While the overall surf potential is moderate, with a mix of quality days and days best left for exploring the lagoon, Rio Coyula is a solid wildcard. When the stars align, you’ll find fun, rippable waves in an atmosphere that feels miles away from the typical Mexican surf scene.

Best Surf Season (May - September)

As the North Pacific surf machine winds down, the South Pacific storm track fires up, and Rio de Coyula's south-facing beach becomes a magnet for consistent, long-period SSW and SW groundswells. Average wave heights climb to 1.6-1.7m (5-6ft) and periods sit reliably between 13.2 and 14.2 seconds during this stretch - powerful, organized lines that wrap cleanly into the bay. Offshore N and NW flow is common in the mornings, and even though this is the rainy season, the morning window frequently delivers glassy conditions before the thermal sea breeze kicks up. This is the heart of the year for quality surf at Rio de Coyula.