Punta Ballenas is a left point breaking over uneven reef, just south of Mancora and a good fallback when the main point goes small. The wave is faster and hollower than Mancora, though it tends to be messy and sectiony rather than clean.
When It Works
It picks up a touch more swell than the main point, drawing from southwest through northwest, with west swell the best match. The point is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Northwest swell is the one to avoid here, since the wave tends to close out on it. Consistency is moderate, so it pays to check when the swell lines up rather than expecting it every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast offshore wind. It breaks on mid and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. Too little water and the wave closes out.
Local Tips
Best suited to intermediate surfers. The rocks are sharp and sit close to the surface, so a mistake here carries a real cost. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works.
Access
It is about a five-minute walk south from Mancora.
