El Paraiso surf guide

Make your way to El Paraiso, and you're officially entering heart-pounding, body-thumping Mexican beachbreak territory. This village is squeezed between lush fields and a stretch of black sand beach, giving it that true local vibe. While it might not match the round perfection of its well-known neighbor, Pascuales, Paraiso offers some solid pumping days with way less crowding, especially if you stick to the less popular peaks along the beach.

The main wave breaks right in town and features a shallow, sucking beachbreak. You can catch both rights and lefts here, with the rights often providing a bit more shoulder to ride. The swell works best from the SouthWest, but you can also see good rides coming from the South and NorthWest. On a good day, expect waves from 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) up to 3.6 meters (around 12 feet). For wind, the North-East is ideal, and you’ll want to hit it during low to mid tides for the best sessions. This spot is great for intermediate surfers, but it can be challenging when the swell gets bigger, so know your limits.

Access is pretty straightforward with plenty of parking once you find the town. The main break can get congested, but if you wander down the beach, you’ll find less crowded peaks. Just a heads up, if you head out early, don’t forget to bring some shoes or flips, as the black sand can get super hot in the sun. When it’s pumping, be ready to duck dive a lot, as the shallow bottom can catch you off guard. El Paraiso is definitely a fun spot to check out, just make sure you catch it before the wind kicks up!