Aticama

Aticama is a left point break that produces long, peeling rides when sufficient southwest swell arrives, though it requires fairly strong groundswells to break properly. The point forms over a mix of uneven reef and sandy bottom sections, creating a consistent if generally small-to-medium wave suited to intermediate surfers. Best conditions occur during summer months, particularly October, when offshore north-northeast winds often provide clean faces and deliver the most reliable combination of rideable swell and favorable wind direction.

The break entered surfing consciousness during the early 1960s wave of California surfers discovering Mexican waves. A notable pioneer settled at the Aticama point in 1965, living in a simple palapa accommodation on the promontory. By that time, a small handful of surfers were scattered around the broader San Blas area, though the region remained largely undeveloped for the sport. The spot has retained its low-key character and rarely draws crowds.

Aticama sits along Matanchén Bay, roughly 90 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, reachable via approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of driving north on Highway 200 from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The break is visible from the road approaching San Blas and lies just north of the town of Santa Cruz. The bay's beach is notably wide and sandy. Hazards include strong rip currents, rocky sections, and an elevated shark population historically linked to a former fish cannery operation in the area.