Troncones Point vs La Saladita The Ultimate Surf Break Showdown for Intermediate Surfers

Surfer T
May 3
4 min read

If you’re an intermediate surfer planning your next mexico surf trip, choosing between Troncones Point and La Saladita can feel like a tough call. Both breaks are legendary along Guerrero’s "Miracle Mile," but they offer very different experiences on the water and off. After spending several seasons chasing waves here, I’ve learned what makes each spot unique and how to get the most out of both. This guide will help you decide where to stay and how to surf like a local, so you can maximize your time and rides.

La Saladita: The Wave Machine for Longboard Lovers

La Saladita is famous for one thing: long, peeling left point waves that stretch for up to 500 meters. This wave is a dream for anyone who loves longboarding, mid-lengths, or high-volume boards. The wave breaks slowly and smoothly, giving you plenty of time to set your line and enjoy a relaxed ride. It’s the kind of wave where you can cruise, carve, and really feel the rhythm of the ocean.

What Makes La Saladita Special?

Super-long rides: The wave can peel for nearly half a kilometer, which means you get a long, mellow ride every time.
Perfect for bigger boards: If you’re rocking a longboard or a mid-length, Saladita’s slow, forgiving nature will suit you perfectly.
Mellow pace: The wave peels slowly, making it ideal for practicing smooth turns and trimming.
Long paddle out: Be ready for a solid paddle to reach the lineup. The wave breaks far from shore, so endurance helps.
Consistent swell direction: Saladita works best with south and southwest swells, which are common in the region.

The Vibe at La Saladita

La Saladita feels like a sleepy surf-only village. It’s low-key, quiet, and focused on the waves. You won’t find many fancy restaurants or nightlife here, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place to unplug, focus on your surfing, and soak up the peaceful surroundings. If you want to escape the crowds and just surf all day, Saladita delivers.

Troncones Point: The Versatile and Punchy Home Base

Troncones Point, located in Manzanillo Bay, offers a very different surfing experience

This break is more technical and punchy, with a steeper drop and faster sections. It’s a left point and reef break that rewards surfers who like to push their shortboards, fishes, or performance longboards. The wave handles larger swells better than Saladita, making it a more versatile choice when the ocean gets bigger.

Why Choose Troncones Point?

Steeper, punchier waves: Troncones offers a more challenging drop and faster sections, perfect for intermediate surfers looking to improve.
Better for shortboards and fishes: If you want to work on your turns and speed, this break suits smaller, more maneuverable boards.
Handles bigger swells: When the swell picks up, Troncones stays surfable and exciting, unlike other beach breaks, which can get too heavy.
Central location: Troncones is a boutique village with better restaurants, cafes, and options for non-surfers.
Social vibe: The local surf community is welcoming, and staying here means easy access to other breaks and surf trips.

The Vibe at Troncones

Troncones has a laid-back but lively village feel. It’s not a big town, but it offers more variety than Saladita in terms of food, nightlife, and activities. You’ll find yoga studios, surf shops, and cozy cafes alongside the surf hostels. It’s a great place to meet other surfers and enjoy a balanced trip with both surf and downtime.

How to Get the Best of Both Worlds

If you’re torn between the mellow long rides of La Saladita and the punchy, technical waves of Troncones Point, there’s a smart way to experience both without missing out. I recommend basing yourself in Troncones at the Troncones Point Hostel. This spot offers a central location, a social vibe, and easy access to the best local waves.

From there, you can book trips with Surfari Mexico, a trusted operator that runs boat and 4x4 trips to La Saladita and "The Ranch." These day trips let you enjoy Saladita’s long rides without the long paddle out from a remote base. You get the best of both worlds: the boutique village life and punchy waves of Troncones, plus the endless lefts of Saladita.

Why This Setup Works

Central hub: Troncones Point Hostel puts you close to food, surf shops, and a friendly community.
Flexible surf options: Take day trips to Saladita when the swell suits or explore other nearby breaks.
Social and chill: Meet other intermediate surfers and share sessions, tips, and stories.
Maximize your mexico surf trips: This approach saves travel time and lets you surf more waves.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Surf Base

Both Troncones Point and La Saladita have their strengths, and your choice depends on what kind of surfing experience you want. If you crave long, mellow rides and a quiet surf-only vibe, La Saladita is your wave machine. If you want punchier, more technical waves with a lively village atmosphere, Troncones Point is the better home base.

For intermediate surfers looking to improve and enjoy variety, staying in Troncones and taking trips to Saladita offers the perfect balance. You get access to different wave styles, a supportive surf community, and the chance to explore Guerrero’s stunning coastline.

If you’re planning your next mexico surf trip, consider this local’s guide to make the most of your time in the Miracle Mile. Pack your boards, get ready for peeling lefts, and enjoy some of the best waves Mexico has to offer.