Puerto Escondido also known as the "Mexican Pipeline", is one of the top ten surfing meccas in the world. Home to an international surf contest in mid November and the Mexpipe Challenge in February, the Puerto Escondido coastline offers surf breaks for beginners and professionals alike. There are many safe swimming beaches in the Puerto area but extreme caution is advised for surfing and swimming on Playa Zicatela - the main surfing beach. There are strong rip tides and the waves are among the most powerful in the world - riveling the famed Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. Several world class surfers are in wheelchairs with spinal injuries from this huge and shallow surf break. There are several very popular and less dangerous surf breaks for all levels of surfing. Caution: Avoid evening walks on unlighted beaches. Please enjoy our collection of surfing photos from Woody Woodworth, an internationally published surf photographer. View Woody's collection of dramatic wave and surfing posters.

Classic Mexican Pipeline The Playa Zicatela surf break is for very experienced surfers only. Do not be mislead when viewing smaller waves at the Zicatela break. Several international class surfers are sadly living in wheelchairs from back and neck injuries incurred at this surf break. Photo By Woody Woodworth ©
While the Zicatela surf break is best enjoyed by very experienced surfers, there are several surf breaks for beginners and intermediate surfers. Contact the Puerto Language and Surfing School for surf lessons and tours of all the popular breaks on the Puerto Escondido coast. Photo by Woody Woodworth ©
Playa Zicatela was the first public beach in all of Mexico to initiate volunteer lifeguard services and water safety programs. These programs have been aided and sponsored by the Friends of Puerto and the International Lifesaving Federation. Always swim on a guarded beach! It is always recommended to shuffle your feet rather than hi stepping through shoreline waters due to the presence of sting reys. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than stepping on the back of sting rey. Local lifeguards and hotels will know where to get help. Photo By Woody Woodworth © .
Hot shots beware - a two foot wave at Zicatela can break your back, neck and board!!!!   Photo By Woody Woodworth ©
You won't soon forget just standing on the beach and feeling the earth move when on thes giant wave breaks. Photo By Woody Woodworth ©
Photo By Woody Woodworth ©