Ixtapa Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get stuck into the outlook for the Ixtapa Island area. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but some real gems hiding in the second week for those who can wait.

First thing you’ll notice is the water is sitting at a balmy 88°F – a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the wetsuit at home. We’re looking at a solid run of surf coming through, but the first few days are mostly about building up to the main event.

The kick-off is Thursday morning, 6th August. Ixtapa Island is serving up a clean 3ft from the SW with a 13-second period. The energy is moderate (375), and that light northerly breeze is keeping it cross-off and clean. It’s a decent start, but the real story starts Friday morning, 7th August. The wind goes glassy, ENE at just 3 mph, and the swell jumps to 3ft from the SSW with a very long 18-second period. That’s groundswell, folks – the energy is strong (813), and the conditions will be absolutely pristine. This is a reef break that loves a long-period SSW swell, and it’s inconsistent, so when it does come through, it’ll be worth the wait. Saturday morning, 8th August, keeps the fun going with 4ft SSW swell and clean cross-off wind, but the period drops a touch. We’ve got a few days of this pattern: Sunday morning, 9th August, and Monday morning, 10th August, both offer glassy conditions and consistent 3-4ft SSW swell, with the energy staying strong.

Now, the absolute standout is Friday morning, 14th August. The swell jumps to 5ft from the SW, period of 18 seconds, and the wind is glassy from the NE at 3 mph. The energy is very strong (1438), and the report says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. At 5ft, this is getting into the territory where it’s too big for beginners, but for the rest of us, it’s a dream. Saturday morning, 15th August, is very similar – another 5ft, SW swell, glassy, and very strong energy (1195). These two mornings are the absolute best on offer, no question. Just keep in mind that long-period swells like this can break a bit straight at beach breaks, but this is a reef, so it should hold up beautifully.

There’s a gap in the middle of the second week, with Sunday afternoon, 16th August, turning onshore and messy. But we bounce back. Monday morning, 17th August, is glassy again with 4ft SW swell, and Tuesday morning, 18th August, is also glassy with 3ft SSW swell. Wednesday morning, 19th August, and Thursday morning, 20th August, both offer clean conditions, with Thursday morning being dead calm and glassy – a perfect 3ft SSW swell. The run ends on Friday morning, 21st August, with clean 3ft SSW swell, but the energy is starting to drop.

Crowds are a possibility at Ixtapa Island – it’s a known spot, so expect company, especially on those standout mornings. But with the inconsistency of the break, the better waves will be for the patient. Overall, the pick of the entire forecast is the Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August mornings. Those are the ones you circle on the calendar.

Rusty.

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