(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“My experience with celestino was very similar with many other reports that are consistent with intimidation and threats of violence to any surfers who are not staying at Cardon Surf Resort. In August 2018, I went alone to surf at Celestino. There were about 12 people from California, staying at Cardon, in the water enjoying the waves. When I paddled out, I was approached by Omar, apparently one of the owners of Cardon, and he told me that I was not allowed to surf at Celestinos because the town passed a law that only allowed people staying at his hotel to surf. At the time, I thought Omar was just another local surfer trying to intimidate non local surfers; unfortunately, Omar resorted to threatening me with physical harm if I did not leave and purposely crashed into me while I tried to surf.
Recently, the minister of tourism visited Celestino to promote tourism in Mexico. Unfortunately, there was no mention of the violence that may be waiting for surfers who are not staying at the Cardon Surf Resort. It is important to note that my experience is not an isolated incident. There have been many reported incidents that are very similar to mine, and much worse, that have been going on for years, and all of them implicate the owners of Cardon resort. In fact, reports of violence in Celestinos from the owners of Carson resort is well documented and has been reported to the authorities but it seems nothing has or will be done to prevent these unfortunate incidences. At a minimum, the Mexican authorities should investigate this matter or tell unaware tourists that the ocean in celestino is owned by the Cardon resort and you will be harassed and intimidated unless you pay to stay at Cardon Surf Resort.”
Khris from MEXICO - 05 Sep 2019
Celestino Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 6 votes and 9 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.2(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: 3.5(1: Celestino is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.0(1: Celestino is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Sinaloa. 5: the best break in Sinaloa). |
Difficulty Level: 3.4(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Celestino can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Celestino, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Celestino are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Celestino is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.6(1: Getting to Celestino 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: 3.6(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.6(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.8(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Celestino for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.3(1: Camping at Celestino is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.3(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Celestino is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.7(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.8(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Celestino, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Celestino where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Just Returned from the Beach Hotel Villas Tourtuga yesterday.
My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw from the second story deck
12-15 foot glassy perfect long ass waves with super perfect hanging lips.
I would say long boards or big boards make it easier to drop in since that was the biggest issue.
Our hotel was wonderful at Villas Tourtuga.
The hotel is family owned, Francisco, his wife (killer cook) and two other ladies that served the food.
Great surroundings, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, beach shade and lounge cushions.
Hot Showers, two beds per room and I will post these pictures and movies of the killer swell on my facebook david ethridge, San Jose
Actually did some Bass fishing over at Salto Lake with our Guide Hono and his crew of great guides.
Never caught so many Bass in my life.
Search online for bass el salto
The 6 guys on the beach in the picture above is us watching the surf after we just had gotten there.”
David Ethridge from UNITED STATES - 23 Apr 2011
“Hello guys & Girls !
This is to introduce a new Lodge for Surfers in CELESTINO GAZCA, right in front of the Tiburon Break.
The name is EL SALTO ADVENTURES AT VILLAS TORTUGA BEACH CLUB HOUSE; the place is cosy, daily maid service, A/C. pool, jacuzzi, delicious food and icy beer and margaritas. Vegans or any dietary issues could be handled as well.
There is no problem with other camps in the area, we have solved the situation over there and you can surf all you want.
We strongly suggest to come from Monday to Friday and the break will be for yourself.
This is the best break you can find in the area and it is a little crowded on weekends.
Make your plans and let us know your needs. We will be happy to assist you.
For more information contact us at: [email protected]
Come on ! and dare to ride the nice swells in front of VILLAS TORTUGA, you won't regret it !”
Hono Elizalde from MEXICO - 14 Apr 2011
“The Reported account on the Freeway in front Of Celestino was random could have happened any place along the Toll road between Culican and Mazatlan, Narco killing Narcos, do not hold this agianst the town of Celestino Gasca. I do not know what this has to do with the topic of the original post..”
Chris from MEXICO - 13 Apr 2011
“I too was chased out of Celestino by that fat Mexican kook Omar who has a hard time getting his lard-laden ass out of the way of the way.He told me to leave and never return.When I took too long to leave,gunshots rang out and I never returned.Omar and Jeff Phillips will get what they deserve!DO NOT SUPPORT CARDON OR SINALOA SURF CAMPS!!”
mike from MEXICO - 15 Jan 2011
“My wife and I were victims of the Cardon Surf camp this year. Having stayed at the first resort in Celestino Gasca many times we were told leave and never come back by Omar, one of the owners of the surf camp. There are many places to stay there but with all the threats of violence against surfers all the business owners except Cardon are losing business.”
Pat from UNITED STATES - 31 Dec 2010
“The surf camps violate constitutional rights of all surfers, Mexican and foreign, by using death threats and physical violence against surfers not paying the overpriced packages they sell. Please do not support these thugs.”
surf-fanatic from MEXICO - 06 Nov 2010
“Please do some research and choose to boycott the 2 surf resorts in the area. The stories of surf violence and drug ties are true. Do you really want to give the friends of the people that did this in a small town your vacation dollars?
debate.com.mx/Eldebate/Articulos/ArticuloGeneral.asp?IdArt=9748723&IdCat=6097”
free surf from UNITED STATES - 02 Aug 2010
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