Zicatela Surf Spot, Mexico
Playa Zicatela, Mexico
Guide updated
Quick answer
Where is Zicatela?
Zicatela is a beach break / sandbar near Playa Zicatela in Mexico. Best season: May – October. Level: Advanced to Expert. GPS: 15.8469, -97.0550.
| Location | Playa Zicatela, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 15.8469, -97.0550 |
| Wave type | Beach Break / Sandbar |
| Direction | Left / Right |
| Wave quality | World Class |
| Best season | May – October |
| Tide | All Tides |
| Consistency | Very Consistent |
| Skill level | Advanced to Expert |
| Crowds | Heavy |
| Property nearby | 3 for sale within 15 km, from $176,000 |
About This Break
Playa Zicatela is the legendary Mexican Pipeline, one of the most powerful beach breaks on Earth and the defining wave of Puerto Escondido. A deep offshore trench helps focus long-period southern swell onto Zicatela's shallow sandbars, producing extraordinarily thick, fast and hollow left- and right-hand barrels. The principal waves include Far Bar, the famous left farther offshore, and Carmelita's, the signature right. During major summer swells wave faces can occasionally reach an extraordinary 40–60 feet.
Despite breaking over sand, Zicatela is emphatically not a forgiving beach break. Strong currents, relentless impact zones, inescapable rips and board-breaking duck dives make serious conditions the domain of advanced-to-professional barrel riders. Surfline rates the spot Perfect / World Class, with a heavy crowd and intimidating, highly skilled lineup.
For surfers looking to buy, sell or invest around Zicatela and Puerto Escondido, International Surf Properties connects the global surf community with real estate in the places surfers want to live.
Local Knowledge
Extreme wave power • severe hold-downs • strong currents • inescapable rips • difficult paddle-outs • board-breaking duck dives • heavy shorebreak • rapidly escalating consequences with size • highly experienced lineup. Surfline specifically warns about the strong currents, rips and board-snapping power even though the bottom is predominantly sand.
Zicatela: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zicatela?
Zicatela is a beach break / sandbar near Playa Zicatela in Mexico. Its GPS coordinates are 15.8469, -97.0550.
When is the best time to surf Zicatela?
The best season to surf Zicatela is May – October. Tide: all Tides. Consistency: very Consistent.
Is Zicatela good for beginners?
No. Zicatela is rated Advanced to Expert — a beach break / sandbar for experienced surfers only. Extreme wave power • severe hold-downs • strong currents • inescapable rips • difficult paddle-outs • board-breaking duck dives • heavy shorebreak • rapidly escalating consequences with size • highly experienced lineup. Surfline specifically warns about the strong currents, rips and board-snapping power even though the bottom is predominantly sand.
Can you buy property near Zicatela?
Yes. There are 3 properties for sale within 15 km of Zicatela on International Surf Properties, priced from $176,000. Each listing shows its distance to the break, and you contact the owner or listing agent directly.
See property for sale near ZicatelaHave a question about Zicatela?
Property Near Zicatela
All 3 for sale within 15 km
Puerto Escondido Beachfront Condos Zicatela
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Luxury Marina-Front Condo for Sale | Turnkey Waterfront Living
El Realito Beachfront Development Land
