La Saladita is a longboarder’s paradise as it has one of the world’s largest left hand point breaks, perfect for noseriding and cross stepping.
My husband and I stayed for a full month and were able to surf almost every single day, with the ability to check wave conditions from our balcony and paddle out from the beach.
The town of La Saladita itself is a small, laid-back beach destination that has gotten extremely popular because of hosting MexiLogFest a few times.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting and surfing La Saladita in Guerrero, Mexico for your perfect trip!
Where is La Saladita?
La Saladita is a beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, located in the state of Guerrero.
It is 45 minutes north of Zihuatanejo by car.
If you search for it on Google Maps, often it takes you to the town of La Saladita, Guerrero, rather than the beach strip with surf.
You can see exactly where the surf spot is by zooming in and out of the map below:
Best Time of Year to Visit
The waves are generally consistent year-round, but the best conditions are between May and October.
During these months, you’ll find more powerful and longer rides thanks to the Southern Hemisphere swells, much like the rest of Mexico.
From December through April, you’ll find smaller, fun waves, perfect for beginners learning to surf.
My husband and I stayed through March and April and were able to surf 90% of the time.
If you’re coming to surf, I definitely would not recommend visiting during MexiLogFest.
The wave is closed off for the competition and there are SO many people who come beforehand to practice. It gets super busy!
But if you want to socialize more than surf, it’s a fun event where you’ll be able to meet a bunch of pro longboarders!
It’s hosted at different locations every year so check to see if it’s happening first and then you can decide.
💡 Pro Tip: The rainy season (June to October) can bring occasional storms, but it also means fewer crowds and warmer water!
How Do You Get to La Saladita?
Getting to La Saladita can be tricky, especially if you want to bring surfboards, but it’s not impossible!
- Fly to Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo International Airport (ZIH): This is the closest airport to La Saladita, and direct flights are avialable from many major cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.
- Arrange a transfer from the airport to La Saladita: From the airport, it’s about a 45 minute drive north, and the roads are HECTIC! I definitely would not be comfortable hiring a car and driving as the roads can get sketchy, especially as you get closer to the beach. The best option is to arrange a transfer with your homestay.
- Public Transportation option: There is the option to take a bus or colectivo (shared van) from Zihuatanejo to the town of Los Llanos, which is close to La Saladita. You would then have to take a taxi or hitchhike on the back of a pickup truck to reach the beach. I personally have never done this but know people who have!
Surfing La Saladita
La Saladita is famous for its left-hand point break, with rides that can last up to 500 meters on a good day.
This break is known for its mellow, forgiving waves, making it ideal for longboarding and great for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to improve.
There are plenty of surf schools for you to choose from if you are looking to learn.
Surf Level: All levels, with a focus on longboarders and those new to point breaks.
Wave Type: Long, smooth left-hand point break with rides lasting from 200–500 meters.
Where to Stay in La Saladita
La Saladita has a range of accommodations that suit all kinds of travelers, and most of them are owned by the local family who controls most of the beach.
Only a few accommodations are bookable online, and we were able to find a longer term place to stay by searching Instagram and talking to friends.
I would recommend searching “La Saladita” on Instagram and checking out the places available for rent.
Alternately, my friend stayed at Villas Jacqueline and had a great time. You can search and book online below:
Where to Eat in La Saladita
The local food scene is small but extremely delicious, with fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, and beachfront cafes. Here are some top picks:
Mareta Saladita
Mareta is a great place to work from as they have Starlink and amazing coffee. They also do delicious dinners and have a bunch of games like Settlers of Catan that you can play.
Marejada Surf Spot
Marejada is located a little inland and they do the best burgers and smoothie bowls!
Jovita y Pancho
Jovita y Pancho is THE place to go for seafood, especially the tiritas! The portions are huge and they have a great view.
Tortas y Mariscos “Kevin”
For a quick post-surf local lunch, head over to Tortas y Mariscos “Kevin” for amazing tortas.
Can You Rent Boards?
If you’re new to surfing or left your longboards at home, don’t worry!
There are several surf shops along the beach offering board rentals and surf lessons.
Some allow you to pay a weekly or monthly price where you can reserve one you like, so you don’t have to surf a new board every time.
Is La Saladita Crowded?
The beach of La Saladita isn’t too crowded, but the wave is honestly one of the most crowded waves I’ve ever surfed in my life.
This is because there’s one break, and most of the local surfers block and hog the peak. They can get pretty aggressive if you’re in their way, which is hard to do considering it breaks for so long!
That being said, there are tons of waves to go around if you know what you’re doing.
And if you’re a beginner, you can always practice on the inside.
But either way, it does get SUPER crowded and you’ll either have to wait your turn or surf when the conditions aren’t ideal.
Best Things To Do
If you’re looking to explore more of the area, there are plenty of options:
Yoga Classes
La Saladita and the surrounding areas are home to several yoga studios offering drop-in classes and retreats.
Day Trip to Troncones
Troncones is a neighboring beach town known for its beautiful beaches, surf spots, and slightly livelier atmosphere. It’s just a 20-minute drive from La Saladita and makes for a great day trip.
Visit Zihuatanejo
Ride along the beach or explore the jungle trails around La Saladita. Local guides can set up tours, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area from a new perspective.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Take out cash beforehand: La Saladita is a small, rural town, and while some places may accept credit cards, it’s best to have cash on hand. The closest ATMs are in Zihuatanejo, so take some out when you land at the airport!
Be prepared to disconnect: Many places in La Saladita offer Wi-Fi, but the connection can be spotty and unreliable as the electricity often goes out. If you need reliable internet, it’s best to plan ahead or spend time in Zihuatanejo, where the internet is stronger.
Learn basic Spanish phrases: While you’ll find some English-speaking locals, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way and often save you from getting ripped off!
Conclusion
Did I love my time in Saladita? Hell yes!
Would I go back to longboard again? Not for a while.
It’s one of those places I really cherishes spending an extended period of time in, but personally I think there are better, less crowded waves out there in the world!
But if you haven’t visited and you want to blend surf a long left with the charm of Mexican beach life, this place is for you!
What To Do Next
Book flights! I use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
Buy travel medical insurance so you are fully covered in case anything goes wrong. I use SafetyWing on all my trips and recommend them!
Buy an eSIM card so you are immediately connected as soon as you land! I always purchase an Holafly eSIM which gives you unlimited data.
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