Stoners Surf Spot Guide, Mexico

Stoners is a legendary right-hand point break located at the outer tip of Matanchen Bay in San Blas, Nayarit. This exposed point break stretches across boulders and offers long, clean rides that can peel for over a kilometer when conditions align perfectly. The wave has mythic status in Mexican surfing history, discovered in the 1960s and immortalized in iconic surf photography, though it remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to more famous breaks along the Pacific coast.

Geography and Nature

San Blas sits on a sandbar at the mouth of the Tovara Estuary on Mexico's Pacific coast. The region is defined by lush tropical vegetation, mangrove forests, and a rich ecosystem that includes jaguars, crocodiles, and exotic bird species. Stoners Point occupies the very tip of the estuary where the river meets the ocean, creating a unique geographic setup. The surrounding landscape transitions from dense jungle to sandy beaches, with Playa Borrego serving as the main beach access point just three minutes from the town center.

Surf Setup

Stoners works best when a southwest swell combines with northeast offshore winds to create the ideal conditions. The wave is a right-hand point break that peels down the line with a fast, hollow, and powerful character. Best results come during low to mid tide stages when the wave shape is most defined. Typical sessions feature consistent, well-formed waves that allow for long rides and progressive maneuvers, though the power and speed demand respect and solid technique.

Consistency and Best Time

Summer months from June through October offer the most consistent surf at Stoners, with reliable swell and favorable wind patterns. The break produces fairly consistent waves throughout the year, though winter can bring variable conditions. Spring and fall provide moderate consistency with occasional excellent sessions. The spot rarely experiences complete flat spells, making it a reasonable choice for planning a trip, though summer remains the optimal window for guaranteed quality waves.

Crowd Levels

Stoners remains relatively uncrowded on weekdays with only a handful of surfers in the water. Weekend sessions see increased activity but never reach the saturation levels found at more accessible breaks further south. The local surfing community is small and welcoming, with visiting surfers generally finding a relaxed atmosphere.

Who It's For

This break is best suited for experienced surfers who can handle fast, powerful waves and navigate the boulder-strewn bottom. Intermediate surfers with solid fundamentals can enjoy sessions during smaller swell periods, though the wave's power and speed reward confident paddling and committed takeoffs. Beginners should consider other nearby breaks or take lessons at the local surf school before attempting Stoners.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for sharp rocks and boulders throughout the break, particularly during lower tide stages. The river mouth creates rip currents that require awareness and proper paddling technique. Crocodiles inhabit the estuary, so avoid swimming in the river itself. Sharks are present in the area, though incidents remain rare with proper precautions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer water temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, requiring only a thin rashguard or no wetsuit for most surfers. Winter temperatures drop to 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, making a 2-millimeter spring suit comfortable. Spring and fall temperatures sit between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, where a light rashguard or thin spring suit works well.

How to Get There

The nearest airport is Tepic Airport, located 45 kilometers away, with Puerto Vallarta International Airport 93 kilometers south. From Guadalajara, the drive covers 250 kilometers via well-maintained toll highways heading northwest toward Nayarit. The drive takes approximately four hours from Guadalajara. From San Blas town center, Stoners Point is accessible by driving to Playa Borrego and either driving a four-wheel vehicle to the point or swimming across the river mouth. Local accommodations include Stoners Surf Camp, situated directly on Playa Borrego beach, offering budget-friendly beachside cabanas.

Stoners Surf Spot Guide, Mexico

Stoners is a legendary right-hand point break located at the outer tip of Matanchen Bay in San Blas, Nayarit. This exposed point break stretches across boulders and offers long, clean rides that can peel for over a kilometer when conditions align perfectly. The wave has mythic status in Mexican surfing history, discovered in the 1960s and immortalized in iconic surf photography, though it remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to more famous breaks along the Pacific coast.

Geography and Nature

San Blas sits on a sandbar at the mouth of the Tovara Estuary on Mexico's Pacific coast. The region is defined by lush tropical vegetation, mangrove forests, and a rich ecosystem that includes jaguars, crocodiles, and exotic bird species. Stoners Point occupies the very tip of the estuary where the river meets the ocean, creating a unique geographic setup. The surrounding landscape transitions from dense jungle to sandy beaches, with Playa Borrego serving as the main beach access point just three minutes from the town center.

Surf Setup

Stoners works best when a southwest swell combines with northeast offshore winds to create the ideal conditions. The wave is a right-hand point break that peels down the line with a fast, hollow, and powerful character. Best results come during low to mid tide stages when the wave shape is most defined. Typical sessions feature consistent, well-formed waves that allow for long rides and progressive maneuvers, though the power and speed demand respect and solid technique.

Consistency and Best Time

Summer months from June through October offer the most consistent surf at Stoners, with reliable swell and favorable wind patterns. The break produces fairly consistent waves throughout the year, though winter can bring variable conditions. Spring and fall provide moderate consistency with occasional excellent sessions. The spot rarely experiences complete flat spells, making it a reasonable choice for planning a trip, though summer remains the optimal window for guaranteed quality waves.

Crowd Levels

Stoners remains relatively uncrowded on weekdays with only a handful of surfers in the water. Weekend sessions see increased activity but never reach the saturation levels found at more accessible breaks further south. The local surfing community is small and welcoming, with visiting surfers generally finding a relaxed atmosphere.

Who It's For

This break is best suited for experienced surfers who can handle fast, powerful waves and navigate the boulder-strewn bottom. Intermediate surfers with solid fundamentals can enjoy sessions during smaller swell periods, though the wave's power and speed reward confident paddling and committed takeoffs. Beginners should consider other nearby breaks or take lessons at the local surf school before attempting Stoners.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for sharp rocks and boulders throughout the break, particularly during lower tide stages. The river mouth creates rip currents that require awareness and proper paddling technique. Crocodiles inhabit the estuary, so avoid swimming in the river itself. Sharks are present in the area, though incidents remain rare with proper precautions.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer water temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, requiring only a thin rashguard or no wetsuit for most surfers. Winter temperatures drop to 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, making a 2-millimeter spring suit comfortable. Spring and fall temperatures sit between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, where a light rashguard or thin spring suit works well.

How to Get There

The nearest airport is Tepic Airport, located 45 kilometers away, with Puerto Vallarta International Airport 93 kilometers south. From Guadalajara, the drive covers 250 kilometers via well-maintained toll highways heading northwest toward Nayarit. The drive takes approximately four hours from Guadalajara. From San Blas town center, Stoners Point is accessible by driving to Playa Borrego and either driving a four-wheel vehicle to the point or swimming across the river mouth. Local accommodations include Stoners Surf Camp, situated directly on Playa Borrego beach, offering budget-friendly beachside cabanas.