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Aerial satellite view of Boca de Apisa surf break in Manzanillo Area, Colima, Mexico
Manzanillo Area, Colima, Mexico

Boca de Apisa

18.683, -103.736
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Boca de Apisa is a a-frame over point, hollow fast rivermouth a-frame with punchy rights.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 3-12 ft.
  • Peak May to November, water 24-29°C.
A-frame · PointIntermediate → Advanced3–12 ftMay – Nov

A punchy rivermouth peak south of Tecoman, Colima, Boca de Apisa delivers hollow, fast barrels on both A-frames and rights that punch well above their weight for a mainland Mexico break. SW to NW groundswell from 3ft up to double-overhead-plus keeps the peak honest, with low to mid tide producing the sharpest lips and most hollow sections. SE trades in the morning groom the face before onshores build, so dawn patrol is the move. This is experienced-surfer territory: the rivermouth bottom shifts, the power spikes quickly, and the locals know their wave. Respect matters here. Bottom: rivermouth sand. Season: May through November for primary SW/NW swell activity. Consistency: moderate to good in season. Bring a step-up for the bigger days and don't paddle out if the current at the mouth is running hard after rain.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
May – Nov
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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Character
Hollow fast rivermouth A-frame with punchy rights.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
Low and mid tide
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
24° to 29°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for everyday surf
  • Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for bigger NW or SW groundswell days
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

The lineup is local and territorial. Community notes are clear: mind your business, respect who's there, and you will be fine. Don't burn locals, don't paddle around the peak order, and read the room before your second session. This is not a wave that rewards aggression from visitors.

Access & Facilities

The break sits south of Tecoman in Colima state. Basic access. Facilities are minimal, so arrive with water, wax, and whatever you need for the session. Watch the rivermouth current, especially after rainfall, which muddies the water and can create unpredictable flow at the takeoff zone.

Nearby Alternatives

The Colima and Jalisco coastline holds a string of beach and point breaks that fire on the same SW groundswell. If Boca de Apisa is blown out by early onshores, look north toward the Jalisco coast for afternoon shadowing or alternative exposures that hold a cross-shore wind better.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Boca de Apisa surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Boca de Apisa

What skill level is Boca de Apisa suited for?
Boca de Apisa is a point bottom, hollow fast rivermouth a-frame with punchy rights, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Boca de Apisa work best at?
Working size is 3 to 12 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 12 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Boca de Apisa?
Boca de Apisa fires from May through November. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Boca de Apisa need?
Boca de Apisa switches on with swells out of the S to NW (180 to 315 degrees).
What type of wave is Boca de Apisa?
Boca de Apisa is a a-frame-breaking wave over point. Hollow fast rivermouth A-frame with punchy rights.
How crowded is Boca de Apisa?
Some pressure on swells. Read the lineup before paddling out and respect the local order.

Sources

  • WannaSurf
Boca de Apisa
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