Camaron Beach Reviews and Ratings

Visitor reviews of Camaron Beach surf break

• May 02, 2012
  el loco drogadicto from Mexico
  

  El camarón beach, also known as "El Bucanero" because of a restaurant bar that was right in front of the break, or "Lupes" for the old timers is very consistent year round but excels during spring and early summer when the south swells start to work. From Mid-November to March it is not at its best because the north swells are blocked by the Baja peninsula. Some northerly swells swing around the península and hit us but you would get better waves at Jacarandas, Playa Bruja, Punta Bonita, caimanero river mouth or Las Flores. The break has a few take off spots such as "El tigre" which is the main take off spot right in front of a very sharp tiger claw rock form. "Segundo punto" which is right where the wave closes out from El tigre and is a very good take off but the ocean is deeper there making this a big but a pocket wave, we also have the inside rock where most af the tubes take place and "Las derechitas del camarón" formerly known as "Las derechitas del playa del rey" which is a right hollow wave that breaks right in front of the Emporio hotel. This place works at its best with a 190 degrees south swell and from 3 to 6 feet, mid tide and rising. Use to work with high tide but there is a wall built by the "fiestaland people" that sends an killer backwash that screws the wave at It´s best part. You´ll find sharp rocks, sea urchins, jellyfish, party-goers from the night before, homeless people, dealers, old gang members, oyster divers, swimmers, bodyboarders and we have spotted sharks, manta rays and dolphins many times.

  As for localism, if you bodyboard dont get in the way of "resendiz", if you surf leave "sombras" waves alone. On the beach watch out for "chavita guasón". "chirolas" is a 60 year old surfer that is incredible fit and wont think twice about run over you if you don't respect the locals. "Ricky" is a massive old local that resembles a bald cyclops that will trash talk to you but hardly hits people, he's is just scary looking. There is also a guy called "el licenciado" that is soft spoken, speaks many languages is a sociopath and a lawyer but don't be fooled; the guy is a masked professional wrestler (that´s how he made his career) full of tattoos (always a long sleeve rash guard on) and represents people that I´m afraid to write of in here. Yes, you´ll find crowds for this is the most consistent break in the area but you´ll get some waves for sure. This is NOT a secret spot definitively as people who don't surf and that live in other countries know about this place! Jacarandas is the same spot but from the other side (a right) off the rocks (Velentino´s disco club). "El Teacher" is the oldest active surfer in Mazatlán and is always there shooting pictures and bullying youngsters ... we all joke with him and play some pranks on him, but if you don't belong in here and act mean to the guy, you will have a really bad time.

• Camaron Beach Ratings

  Based on 3 votes. Vote

  Quality on a good day: 2.7 (1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).	Consistency of surf: 3.3 (1: Camaron Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).
  Regional rating: 3.0 (1: Camaron Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Mexico - Sinaloa. 5: the best break in Mexico - Sinaloa).	Difficulty level: 2.5 (1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).
  Onshore wind: 4.5 (1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Camaron Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them).	Other options: 4.0 (1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Camaron Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures).
  Wind and kite surfing: 2.0 (1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Camaron Beach are often excellent).	Water quality: 2.3 (1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).
  Crowds: 2.7 (1: Often too crowded. 5: Camaron Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).	Access: 5.0 (1: Getting to Camaron Beach requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).
  Scenery: 3.0 (1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting).	Local attitude: 4.5 (1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly).
  Accommodation: 5.0 (1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Camaron Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels).	Camping: 2.5 (1: Camping at Camaron Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe).
  Entertainment: 2.5 (1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Camaron Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus).	Equipment and repairs: 5.0 (1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too).
  Eating: 5.0 (1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Camaron Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants).	Drinking: 4.0 (1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Camaron Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight).

  Based on 3 votes. Vote