Las Gatas

Playa Las Gatas may not be a household name, but this tucked-away beach in Zihuatanejo rewards those willing to earn their session. The journey alone sets the tone: a scenic walk along the coastal path, a short paddle, or a panga ride from the municipal pier—each option adds a layer of adventure that keeps the crowds thin and the vibe mellow. It’s a quiet haven where local regulars and a handful of traveling surfers share a genuine, low-key stoke. The wave here is a left that peels over an artificial reef—a man-made structure that requires a solid dose of southwest swell to wake up. Las Gatas needs at least waist-high swell (3 feet, roughly 0.9 meters) to start offering rides, and there’s no cap on overhead-plus days. When the swell lines up, the wave can turn fast and hollow, pitching steep sections that demand sharp reflexes and solid timing. This is not a spot for beginners; intermediate surfers will find the juice, but need to stay dialed. Conditions shine on a high tide, which helps the wave stack up and hold its shape as it runs down the reef. The preferred wind is a gentle southeast breeze—light offshore or sideshore that cleans up the face. Swell direction should favor south or west, with a touch of west-southwest providing the most juice. Expect a localized lineup; the crew here has the wave wired, so bring your best wave-counting patience and respect for the pecking order. If you’re after a unique, off-the-beaten-path wave that offers both challenge and charm, Las Gatas delivers. Just pack your sense of adventure and a willingness to earn your place in the water.

Best Surf Season (June - October)

When the eastern Pacific hurricane alley starts spinning up and the summer wind regime locks in, Las Gatas finds its most consistent, cleanest surf. The average wave height climbs to 1.4-1.5m (4.6-4.9ft) with long-period energy in the 13-14s range, and the wind is ideal 39-46% of the time. With the beach facing west, long-period SSW and SW swells wrap around the point and groom into playful, rippable peaks along the reef. Water temperatures hover near 30°C, and the offshore breeze tends to favour the early morning before the afternoon sea breeze gets going.