Saladita is the famous peeling left point just north of Zihuatanejo. The reef is formed by river cobble from the nearby Rio Los Llanos. It breaks on any tide. There are several take-off spots keeping the lineup spread out. Inside novices will find a great learning area. The wave won't hold much above overhead. Or the wave holds, but the current pushes at about 5 knots into the bay. It is a long paddle out to the take-off.

The most consistent surf is April through October. Storms in New Zealand, Australia and Antarctica are the best source of waves for Saladita. Though all the beaches will pick up big westerly norths. Local weather -- tropical thunderstorms in July, August and September -- can adversely affect the swell. Rain will blow out the rivers and cover the beaches with wood and make the water murky. Plus the humidity and summer temperatures make July and August uncomfortable.

The surf is smaller in winter. December, January and February are the smallest months, but an occasional swell makes it through.

Afternoon surf is rare due to wind. The windiest months are, March, April, May and June.

Area

Local Surf