There are a wealth of surf points in the area, from Quimixto all the way to San Pancho. Here are some of the most popular spots:
Quimixto: This spot has a beach break that, unlike the rest of Banderas Bay, is most consistent in the summer months. Quimixto offers both lefts and rights, and is remote enough that it's rarely crowded. To get to Quimixto, take a panga boat (water taxi) either from Boca de Tomatlan or the “Los Muertos” pier. Water taxi operators in this area are accustomed to surfers.
Palo Maria: Palo Maria is located South of Old Town, about a 15-minute drive on the coastal highway, just past Punta Negra. Palo Maria isn't a consistent break but when it's on, it's a fun site that's quite easy to get to.
Veneros: Costa Banderas or Veneros is a consistent reef break. To get to Veneros, take the coastal highway north toward Punta de Mita, past La Cruz and Destiladeras. At kilometer 8, you'll find a trail just before the Costa Banderas Development Park. Follow the trail through the jungle until you hit the beach.
Burros: Punta Burros is a reef break that's most consistent in the winter months. Burros is sometimes crowded. To get there from Puerto Vallarta, take Highway 200 north until you reach the Punta de Mita/La Cruz exit. Exit on the overpass and drive north on the coast past la Cruz and Destiladeras to kilometer 11.5. Turn left on your way to the Palladium resort. You can park near the hotel security point and walk down the path along the fence until you reach a trail in the jungle which leads to the beach.
La Lancha: This spot features a right reef break. Take Highway 200 north until you reach the Punta de Mita/La Cruz exit, exit on the overpass, and drive north on the coast past La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Destiladeras. When you reach kilometer 15 past La Lancha bridge, park on the side of the highway and walk the path that parallels the estuary all the way to the beach.
El Anclote: El Anclote is mostly a long boarders' destination. Again, take Highway 200 north and take the Punta de Mita/La Cruz exit. Exit on the overpass and drive north on the coast past La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Destiladeras all the way to the end of the road at El Anclote. Then take El Anclote Avenue (Avenida el Anclote) to the restaurant zone.
El Faro: El Faro, or “the lighthouse,” is a point and reef break with very reliable surfing conditions. To get to El Faro, you must first drive to El Anclote (see above). From here, you can either walk along the coral beach for twenty minutes in front of the Four Seasons Resort, or you can have a panga boat take you there.
La Bahia: La Bahia is north of El Faro (see above). From El Anclote, take a thirty minute walk on the beach past the Four Seasons Resort, or take a panga boat. La Bahia is directly in front of the Four Seasons Golf club.
Patzcuaritos: Patzcuaritos is a beach and reef break. To get to Patzcuaritos from Sayulita, take the back road to Punta de Mita about three miles (five kilometers) and then turn right onto a dirt road. This road will pass a creek bed and finally lead to Patzcuaritos beach.
Sayulita: Easily accessible and with plenty of surf shops, Sayulita consists mainly of exposed and beach break conditions, as well as a left reef break. The surf here is relatively consistent. To get to Sayulita, you can drive north from PV on Highway 200 toward Tepic. As you leave the bay after Bucerias, don't take the La Cruz Coastal Highway - instead, continue on 200 through the mountains toward Tepic/Compostela. Fifteen minutes later you'll find the Sayulita sign on the left. An alternate route is to take the 200 and then take the La Cruz/Punta de Mita exit. Follow the coast. Right before Punta de Mita, you'll reach the Litibu/Sayulita exit. Take a right here and follow this road past Higuera Blanca into Sayulita.
San Pancho: San Francisco or "San Pancho" has fairly consistent open reef surfing conditions, as well as left reef breaks. San Pancho is just ten minutes north of Sayulita (see above) on Highway 200.
Caleta: This site is a left point with lots of sea urchins on the bottom, so beware. Take the highway to Tepic past Sayulita. After Las Varas, take the Chacala Bay (Bahia de Chacala) exit. To get to the point, take a panga boat from the pier. If the swell is strong, the panga will leave you in the water. If not, they'll take you to the beach in front of the point, where you can hang a hammock.
