La Punta is a left-hand pointbreak at the far south headland of Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido. The headland absorbs and refracts raw swell energy into a fun, versatile left that runs through barrel sections, ramps, steep walls and crisp shoulders. The fun shoulders out the back can turn hollow over the sandier inside sections, and the water stays a deep turquoise and bathwater warm.
When It Works
The point draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with south (S) swell the best match. It is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft. Consistent through spring, summer and autumn, it makes a reliable option when nearby Zicatela is too big to handle.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. La Punta manages wind far better than Zicatela and can stay clean all day, with late afternoons often seeing the breeze drop away. It works across low, mid and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Best suited to intermediate surfers, La Punta rewards a shortboard, fish or bodyboard. Expect a busy but friendly lineup, and be ready for long paddles back out after those lengthy rides. The bottom mixes sand and rock, so keep an eye out for rocks.
Access
Getting there is easy: walk, drive or hop on a bus from Zicatela. There is a car park, plus camping and a surf shop close by.
