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Aerial satellite view of Puerto Madero surf break in Huatulco Area, Oaxaca, Mexico
Huatulco Area, Oaxaca, Mexico

Puerto Madero

14.719, -92.428
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Puerto Madero is a left over mixed, fast hollow left jetty bowl.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 3-12 ft.
  • Peak May to October, water 26-30°C.
Left · MixedIntermediate → Advanced3–12 ftMay – Oct

A jetty-sculpted left-hander on Mexico's southernmost Pacific coast, Puerto Madero delivers hollow, punchy bowls between and off rock breakwaters near the Chiapas-Guatemala border. The wave runs best on S to SSW swells from 3ft up to double-overhead-plus, with low to mid tide shaping the sharpest sections. Offshore winds from the N to NE keep faces clean through the morning before onshores typically fill in. The northernmost jetty produces the standout peak: a quick, hollow bowl left that loads up fast on bigger south pulses and demands a committed, experienced approach. Bottom is rock and jetty rubble, so wipeouts bite. This is not a wave for beginners. Crowds are consistently absent on both weekdays and weekends, making the lineup a rare find on the Mexican Pacific. Bottom: rock/jetty. Season: May–Oct. Consistency: moderate, swell-dependent. Arrive at dawn when winds are light, and keep vehicle security front of mind.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
May – Oct
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F
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A
M
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S
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Character
Fast hollow left jetty bowl.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
Low and mid tide
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
26° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for standard size days
  • Step-up 6ft 6in to 7ft for bigger south swells
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Reports consistently call the lineup empty on both weekdays and weekends. There is no notable local crew to navigate, and hassle in the water is not a reported issue. That said, an empty lineup at a powerful jetty break still demands self-reliance. Paddle out sober, know your limits, and give the heavy sections respect.

Access & Facilities

Puerto Madero sits about 20–30 minutes from Tapachula, which offers better accommodation and food options. Basic facilities exist in town. Do not camp at the break and avoid travelling at night in this area. Park where you can see your board from the water, roughly 50–70 yards from the jetty, and secure your vehicle and belongings before paddling out.

Nearby Alternatives

Tapachula is the regional base and the best fallback for logistics. If south swells are too big or the jetty closeouts are dominating, check nearby beach breaks along the Chiapas coast for smaller, more workable peaks.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Puerto Madero 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 Puerto Madero

What skill level is Puerto Madero suited for?
Puerto Madero is a mixed bottom, fast hollow left jetty bowl, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Puerto Madero 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 Puerto Madero?
Puerto Madero fires from May through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Puerto Madero need?
Puerto Madero switches on with swells out of the SSE to SSW (157 to 202 degrees).
What type of wave is Puerto Madero?
Puerto Madero is a left-breaking wave over mixed. Fast hollow left jetty bowl.
How crowded is Puerto Madero?
Lineup is mellow. Visiting surfers fit in fine if they wait their turn.

Sources

  • WannaSurf
Puerto Madero
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