Ixtapa Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming up for Ixtapa Island.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a slow starter. The first solid window kicks off Saturday morning, July 18th, with a tiny but clean 2ft SW groundswell rolling in. The period is a lovely 16 seconds, which means real energy for a reef break, and the water is a balmy 89°F – that’s a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. The wind is glassy, NNW at 3 mph, so it’ll be like a mirror out there. The combined energy is moderate (379), so it’s not a paddle-buster, but that long period will make the waves a bit more select and the lulls between sets longer. It’s a good start for the patient surfer.

Sunday morning, July 19th, the swell picks up to 4ft from the SW, still with a long 17-second period. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the NNW at 6 mph, setting up some clean conditions. The combined energy jumps right up to strong (1059), so there’s a lot more power in the water. This is surf for the seasoned crew – the size is getting into intermediate-to-advanced territory.

Monday morning, July 20th, is the first real standout. We’ve got 4ft of SW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind is dead calm – zero mph from the NNE, glassy as can be. The combined energy is very strong (1120). This is the kind of morning where you paddle out and feel like you’ve got the ocean to yourself. It’s clean, powerful, and consistent. Though, keep in mind, this spot is listed as an inconsistent break, so when it’s on, it’s on. Crowds are possible, but with the energy and the quality, it’ll be worth sharing a few waves.

The pattern then drops off for a few days. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are a mix of cross-onshore winds and smaller, shorter-period swell, making for choppy and less appealing conditions. The combined energy dips back into the moderate range.

The next big moment comes on Friday morning, July 24th. We’ve got a small 2ft swell, but look at that period – 24 seconds. That’s an incredibly long groundswell, feeling very long. The wind is glassy from the NE at 3 mph. The energy is moderate (674). For a reef break like Ixtapa Island, this could be something special, with very clean lines but very long waits between sets.

Then, Saturday morning, July 25th, is the absolute best of the whole forecast. The swell is 4ft from the SW with a 21-second period. The wind is glassy from the ENE at 3 mph. The combined energy is a massive 1421, which is strong. This is the kind of morning that makes you believe in the forecast. The wave quality is peaking, and the conditions are pristine. This is the one to circle on the calendar if you can.

Sunday morning, July 26th, holds the size at 5ft from the SW (18-second period) with glassy winds from the WNW at 3 mph. The energy is very strong (1794). This is expert-level territory now, as the swell is over 5ft, and the power is serious. It’s a clean, powerful morning for the experienced.

Monday morning, July 27th, brings a shift to a SSW swell at 4ft, with a 19-second period and a clean cross-offshore wind from the N at 6 mph. The energy is very strong (2180). This is another excellent morning, with the direction shifting slightly, which might open up the break a little differently.

The following week stays active but with a slightly more onshore trend in the afternoons. The mornings of July 28th (7ft, strong), July 30th (5ft, strong), and July 31st (4ft, moderate) all offer clean windows with cross-offshore or offshore winds. The wave heights are solid, but the later mornings see the wind picking up from the south, spoiling the afternoon sessions. Still, if you’re an early riser, there’s plenty to chase.

The last few days of the forecast show a steady decline in size and energy, with smaller swells and more onshore chop. The final morning, August 2nd, is a tiny 2ft glassy finish, a quiet end to a busy run.

So, to wrap it up: the standout is Saturday, July 25th, for the perfect combination of size, period, and glassy conditions. The second best is Monday, July 20th, for the same reasons. The water is a touch warmer than usual, and the long-period swells mean this reef break will be offering some beautifully shaped, powerful waves. Just be ready for the crowds at a spot that doesn’t always fire.

Rusty.

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