Surfing Saladita: Travel Tips for Mexico’s Best Longboard Wave
Planning a surf trip to Playa La Saladita? Well, you’ll be rewarded with a lot of waves, and most likely the longest rides of your life! You’ll also have your fair share of mouth-watering tacos, warm ocean water, green sea turtles, and all the coronas or piña coladas one could ever want! And even if you are brand new to surfing, Saladita is a great spot to learn!
Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico, La Saladita is a sleepy palm-fringed seaside village surrounded by green mountains and rugged dirt roads. It’s located off the beaten path from larger towns like Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa and therefore has none of the typical tourist attractions and t-shirt shops.
The Surf Break at La Saladita
Surfing Saladita is a great destination for those who love longboarding! It’s renowned for its long, peeling left-hand point break. Therefore, the consistency and length of the waves make it an ideal spot for surfers of various skill levels. It’s home to the Mexi Log Fest, and finally, Saladita is the perfect spot for a girl’s trip!
So whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave, or an experienced surfer seeking a long ride, Saladita offers an exceptional surfing experience for everyone! And it’s why surfers from around the world are drawn to this unique surf community and authentic coastal atmosphere. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essentials of planning a surf trip to Saladita, covering everything from airport logistics to the best surf rentals and accommodations. So vamos, let’s go!
When the waves line up like this, every day, it’s hard to find a more consistent, beginner-friendly surf break!
Getting To Saladita: Flights to Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa
Your journey to Saladita begins with a flight to Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH), the nearest major airport. Many airlines operate flights to Zihuatanejo, offering convenient options for travelers. Zihua, as Zihuatanejo is often referred to, is a busy Mexican coastal town with a small fishing port, and great inexpensive options for dining, shopping, and accommodations. It’s also classified as a Pueblo Magico or ‘magical village’ due to its history and cultural significance.
Just to the north, Ixtapa offers more luxurious accommodations and a more family-friendly environment. Ixtapa is like a small Cancun, complete with beautiful beaches, all-inclusive hotels, swim-up pool bars, and nightlife. But keep in mind, this is the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico and not the Caribbean. So most of those crystal clear blue water Instagram-worthy spots will be hard to come by.
Renting a car is recommended, however, if you only plan to go to Saladita for a few days of surfing, it’s not necessary. There are taxis and airport shuttles that can take you to your Saladita accommodations. The drive from the airport in Zihuatanejo to Saladita takes approximately 1 hour.
Lastly, if you are new to surfing, or even an intermediate longboarder, there is no need to fly with your board. There are dozens of beautiful longboards for rent, all shapes and sizes, for as little as $10/day! More on this in a bit. However, if you are planning a longer surf trip, or you are a more experienced surfer and want to explore some of the bigger surf breaks nearby, you may want to bring a shortboard. Either way, check the airline fees and regulations beforehand on fees for sports equipment and oversized bags. Airline carriers like Volaris will charge you extra for everything!
Car Rentals and Driving in Mexico
Upon arriving at Zihuatanejo airport, if you plan to rent a car, you’ll find various car rental options, including international and local agencies. It’s advisable to book your rental in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates. And to ensure your surfboards can either fit inside or the car will come with a roof rack. In addition, bringing your own tie-down straps is not a bad idea if you are traveling with a board.
Keep in mind, you will need to pay for Mexican car insurance as your home insurance policy will not likely cover you while driving in Mexico. A sturdy and reliable vehicle is recommended for the drive to Saladita, especially if you plan to explore the area’s off-the-beaten-path destinations. However, we do not recommend driving on your own on dirt roads nor should you drive at night.
While incidents are relatively rare, there have been reports of criminal activity, including robberies and carjackings, occurring on the highway between Zihuatanejo and La Saladita at night. Foreign travelers are generally more vulnerable, especially when driving with surfboards on the top of their car down unmarked dirt roads to and from the beaches.
In addition, there is limited cell service once you leave the Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa area, so another good reason to stick to driving during the day, and only on the main roads.
Surfing Saladita: Where to Rent Surfboards or Book a Surf Lesson
A trip to Playa La Saladita is all about surfing. The long left-hand point break is perfect for surfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. You can paddle out from several points along the beach, and get all the way out to the point without even getting your hair wet! And you will not need to duck-dive big set waves like you would with a typical beach break. And here you find a lot of women in the lineup. I mean, a lot. So again, the perfect beginner-friendly spot for a girl’s trip if you are all learning together!
Unless you’ve arranged to rent a board through your accommodation, or you’ve booked a surf camp, there are several spots along the beach to rent a surfboard or book a surf lesson. These include Chucho’s and Brandon’s. Neither have websites, it’s very rustic here, but you can connect with them through Facebook or Instagram. Or just walk over when you arrive.
We loved working with the crew at Brandon’s where rentals will typically cost you about $10/day and a lesson closer to $30/day. You can also negotiate a week of surf lessons or board rentals for a better price!
Surf Breaks Near Saladita
If you get bored of surfing the gentle waves at Playa Saladita and looking for something with more punch, there are several surf breaks nearby. These include La Boca, The Ranch, and Troncones. In addition, there are several other unnamed beach breaks and point breaks both north and south of Saladita proper. Take care exploring the more rugged destinations, and when in doubt try to go with a local who is more familiar with the roads!
Things to do in Saladita Besides Surfing
Keep in mind, besides surfing, there is not a wide range range of activities available. Therefore, plan to immerse yourself in the local surf culture, make friends with others learning to surf, and enjoy post-surf tacos and beers together while watching the sunset. The calming, natural beauty of the tropical jungle invites you to grab a spot in a hammock, pick up your book, and settle in. But if you do want a few other ideas of what’s available besides surfing in Saladita, here are our favs:
1. Massage on the Beach:
There is a beachfront massage tent near Chucho’s Surf School and Benny’s restaurant. Here you will find two wonderful ladies who give the best massages at a very reasonable price- $45/hr! Perfect for a couples massage or a Saladita girl’s trip!
2. Book a Sea Turtle Tour or Turtle Release:
You will spot sea turtles out in the surf, but if you want to learn more about them, visit Troncones! Here you can watch them dig their nests, lay eggs, or release baby sea turtles out into the ocean! Learn more at Discover Troncones Saladita.
3. Fishing:
The region around La Saladita and Zihua is known for its excellent fishing. However, you will not find large fishing charter boats as you might in Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. You’ll most likely be the only person in a small boat with your guide! Check with your hotel or ask the locals where you can book a half-day fishing trip.
4. Horseback Riding:
Right where the main road ends and meets the beach in Saladita you’ll find horses. You can choose a guided ride on the beach or down the quieter dirt roads near town. Horseback riding is very inexpensive, and again, perfect for couples or a girl’s trip activity!
5. Rent Quads:
Even more perfect for a girl’s trip to Saladita would be to rent quads! Tearing through the jungle on rugged dirt roads is much more fun on a 4×4 off-road buggy than in the backseat of a car. So rent a set of quads and cruise the town in style!
6. Explore the villages of Troncones, Playa Majahua, and Zihua:
To the south of La Saladita, Troncones and Playa Majahua are worth a visit. Here you will also find great beaches, good surfing, and that same laid-back atmosphere. You’ll also have more options for restaurants and higher-end accommodations like the Inn at Manzanillo Bay and Majahua Palms. And even if you don’t stay here, both resorts are great to visit for sunset cocktails and dinner! And yes, you can take your new quads here too!
What might also be fun is to stay a night in Zihua before you fly back home. There are some gorgeous hotels in Zihua, like the Thompson Zihuatanejo, all the way down to your budget-friendly motels and hostels. In addition, Zihua is a great place to go shopping, which you will not find at Playa Saladita, although the pueblo of Saladita does have a few stores to pick up things like food, beer and sunblock, like La Equina. You can also snorkel in Zihua at either Playa Las Gatas or Coral Beach at Isla Ixtapa.
7. Try the Local Cuisine:
Indulge in seriously authentic Mexican cuisine at the local eateries along the beach in Playa Saladita. From the freshest seafood to carne asada and sopes, which are like very thick but soft taco shells, your taste buds are in for a treat! Almost all dining will be outdoors, with brilliant views of the surf and sunset. Some of our favorite beach bars and restaurants in Saladita include:
- Jovita y Pancho: South of the village, you’ll need to pull yourself across a river in a little boat to get there but great for afternoons and nightlife!
- Marea La Saladita
- Benny’s or Paco’s: No frills beachfront atmosphere. Great for post-surf tacos and beers.
Where to Stay if Surfing Saladita
Accommodations in Saladita cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. From beachfront villas you can rent for a girl’s trip to budget-friendly hotels, you’ll find several options that suit your needs. Here are some recommendations:
- Cassa Macu or Casa Nu La: These options are not beachfront, but perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury. You’ll find many of these sleek new builds off the main road.
- La Chuparosa: Small, private beachside hotel villa with pool.
- Casa Esmeralda and Saladita Beachside Inn: Budget-friendly beachfront accommodations.
Final Thoughts on a Surf Trip to Saladita
Saladita, Mexico, is a surfer’s paradise that beckons beginners to intermediate surfers with its consistent waves, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant local culture. From the moment you touch down at Zihuatanejo airport and you feel the warm tropical breeze as the plane door opens and you descend onto the runway, the adventure just gets sweeter.
So whether you’re thinking of booking a girl’s trip or gathering some friends for a surf trip off the beaten path, surfing Saladita offers an unforgettable experience! Combine surfing and relaxation, with some tacos and piña coladas and you have a recipe for success!
If you want more travel ideas for Mexico, check out these blogs:
- Oaxaca for Outdoor Adventurers
- Valle de Guadalupe: Baja’s Wine Country
- Tijuana and Ensenada
- Merida: The Hidden Gem on the Yucatan Peninsula
Thanks for reading, and happy traveling,
Meredith, Top Rope Media
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