Anclote Surf Break: The Complete Guide
The wave
Live Punta Mita describes El Anclote as a point break with a right-hander, best on a longboard, and calls it the best place to learn to surf: a good beginner break, easy and long, best at low tide. The Surf Atlas agrees, calling Anclote beginner-friendly and very mellow beside Stinky's.
Surf-Forecast classifies the same spot as a reef break that is very consistent and works all year, with the best conditions on a southwest swell and north-northwest offshore wind.
| Detail | What guides report |
|---|---|
| Wave type | Right-hand point or reef, mellow and long |
| Best for | Beginners, longboards, learning |
| Tide | Low is best (Live Punta Mita) |
| Swell and wind | Southwest swell; north-northwest offshore (Surf-Forecast) |
| Season | Works all year; spring, especially April, is cleanest by statistics |
| Hazards | Urchins, rocks, a private beach, localism |
| Distance | About one kilometer from the main Punta de Mita break |
Stinky's, next door
Live Punta Mita describes Stinky's as a slow, long right point, left of the local jetty, in front of the La Quinta del Sol hotel. It suits longboards and SUP, works on large north or south swells, and is a mellow place with few surfers. The Surf Atlas says it is versatile and can get busy.
Season and crowd
Surf-Forecast shows April as the best month by its statistics, with clean surf about 62 percent of the time and too small about 35 percent. Small days still suit beginners. The crowd is rated as sometimes crowded, so go early, particularly in high season.
Getting there
Access is very easy. El Anclote is the main beach at Punta de Mita village, and Live Punta Mita places it right in front of Hotel Cinco. You can walk from the village and the harbor. Surfnerd also mentions that the harbor here is where you can hire a panga for the boat-access breaks.
Staying near Anclote
Villas in the Punta Mita communities are a short drive from the village, which gives you early starts, lessons at La Lancha and easy cafe stops. Costa can match a villa to a surf-and-family week.
Who this is not for
If you are an experienced surfer who wants powerful reef waves, Anclote will feel small. Look at Punta Burros, La Bahia or El Faro.
Tell Costa your dates and who surfs in your group in the chat, and we will match you with villas that fit the waves you want.
Questions people ask
Is Anclote good for beginners?
Yes. Local guides call it the best place nearby to learn.
When is the best season for Anclote?
It works all year. Surf-Forecast shows spring, especially April, as the cleanest period.
How do I get to Anclote?
It is the main beach at Punta de Mita village, with very easy access on foot.
Is Anclote crowded?
Sometimes. Go early, especially in high season.
Which villas are close to Anclote?
Villas in the Punta Mita communities are a short drive from the village. Costa can match you to one.
What is Stinky's?
A slow, long right point next to the local jetty, good for longboards and SUP.
What tide is best?
Low tide, according to Live Punta Mita.
Have a specific question? Ask me in the chat.
Start the conversationSources: Live Punta Mita: Surfing in Punta de Mita · Surf-Forecast: El Anclote · The Surf Atlas: Punta Mita · Surf-Forecast: Punta De Mita. Details as published and checked in October 2026; dates, seasons and conditions can change.