A sandy pointbreak tucked behind Laguna Boca Vieja delivers both lefts and rights off the eastern headland, making Rio de Coyula a versatile stop along Oaxaca's Costa Chica. SE to S swell is the engine here, with the wave responding well across a broad size window from 3 to 12ft. Northerly winds push offshore, cleaning up the faces nicely. The estuary and river mouth setup means water quality can dip after heavy rain, so time your visit accordingly. Bottom: sand over point. Season: south swell season, May through October. Consistency: medium. Bring a mid-length or a step-up for bigger days, and note the estuary runoff after storms before paddling out.
Rio de Coyula draws a thin crowd by Oaxacan standards. The dirt-track access off the Mex 200 filters out casual day-trippers, keeping the lineup relaxed most of the time. Camping on site means surfers willing to stay a few nights often have the peak to themselves at dawn.
Turn off the Mex 200 onto a dirt track to reach the beach. Free parking and basic camping are available. No shops or restaurants immediately on site, so stock up in the nearest town before you arrive. River runoff after significant rainfall can affect water quality, check conditions after storms.
When Rio de Coyula is flat or blown out, the beachbreaks at Colotepec to the east offer reliable rivermouth-shaped peaks that still perform in a range of conditions. Puerto Escondido's main break is within striking distance for those chasing serious barrels, while Carizalillo provides a sheltered option for smaller, fun days.
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