Punta Burros Surf Break: The Complete Guide
The wave
Surf-Forecast describes Burros as a fairly exposed right-hand reef break with reliable surf. The Surf Atlas calls it wedgy and hollow, mostly a right that gains speed off the peak, and says it needs extra punch to work.
Groundswell is more common here than windswell, and the break likes north-northeast wind, which is offshore for this stretch of coast.
| Detail | What guides report |
|---|---|
| Wave type | Right-hand reef wedge, hollow |
| Best swell | West-northwest; more power on southerly swell |
| Best wind | North-northeast (offshore) |
| Season | Winter favored by forecast statistics; southerly summer swell adds size |
| Level | Intermediate to advanced |
| Hazards | Urchins, rocks, localism |
| Crowd | Can get crowded when it is working |
Season and swell
Surf-Forecast shows winter as the favored period, with January the best month: clean waves about 38 percent of the time, blown out about 4 percent and too small about 58 percent. That means many winter days are small, and the site notes small days may suit beginners and groms at other breaks.
The Surf Atlas describes the opposite side of the year: Burros often works on southerly swell in summer, when it can produce much bigger reef wedges. December and January are described as tamer, with chest-high waves that are fun.
Is it for beginners?
No. The reef is shallow and the wave is hollow. Beginners and returning surfers should start at El Anclote, Stinky's or the beach wave at La Lancha and come back to Burros once they know the tide and the entry.
Getting there and etiquette
Sources differ on access. The Surf Atlas describes a forest walk, while the Riviera Nayarit tourism site places Burros near the Palladium Vallarta resort, south of Punta Mita, calling it easy to reach and popular, best at high tide though surfable most of the time. Forecast sites publish no parking directions, and access across private land can change, so ask your villa host or a local coach for the current route.
Surf-Forecast warns to beware of urchins, rocks and locals. As a visitor, watch the lineup first, wait your turn, stay off the peak, and never drop in. Early mornings and weekdays are usually quieter.
Staying near Punta Burros
Villas inside Punta Mita's gated communities put you within a short drive of Burros and the other breaks on the headland. Even a close villa means a drive and a walk, so convenience matters more than raw distance: early breakfast, board storage and a rinse area, and a driver who knows the routes. Tell Costa which break matters most and we will say which villas work.
Who this is not for
If you are a beginner, uneasy with shallow reef, or want a guaranteed easy wave, skip Burros. If you want a sand-bottom beach break with schools on the sand, Sayulita is easier.
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
What kind of wave is Punta Burros?
A right-hand reef break, described as hollow and wedgy.
When does Punta Burros work best?
Surf-Forecast shows winter and west-northwest swell, with January the best month by its statistics. The Surf Atlas says it often works on southerly swell in summer and is tamer in December and January.
Is Punta Burros good for beginners?
No. Guides rate it for intermediate to advanced surfers because of the shallow reef and the hollow shape.
Which villas are close to Punta Burros?
Villas inside Punta Mita's gated communities are a short drive away. Costa can tell you which sit best for the surf.
How do I get to Punta Burros?
Sources differ: The Surf Atlas describes a forest walk, and the Riviera Nayarit tourism site calls it easy to reach, near the Palladium Vallarta resort. Ask your host for the current route.
Is Punta Burros crowded?
Surf-Forecast says it can get crowded when it is working. Mornings and weekdays are usually quieter.
What are the hazards?
Urchins, rocks and, in the words of one guide, locals. Respect the lineup.
Have a specific question? Ask me in the chat.
Start the conversationSources: Surf-Forecast: Burros · The Surf Atlas: Punta Mita · Surf-Forecast: Punta De Mita · Riviera Nayarit: Surfing Nayarit. Details as published and checked in October 2026; dates, seasons and conditions can change.