Playa Manzanillo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer down at Playa Manzanillo over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a mixed bag, but the real story is a solid pulse of long-period groundswell that firms up in the second week. The water temp is sitting pretty much average for this time of year, nothing wild there.

The first few days are all about small, clean conditions but not much push. Thursday the 6th struggles out of the gate with heavy rain and a tiny 1ft SW swell at 14 seconds, and the energy is weak (98). That afternoon though, the glass-off kicks in with a 2ft SW swell and the energy jumps to moderate (207). It’s surfable, but barely.

Friday the 7th morning gets interesting: same 2ft but the period stretches to 18 seconds, and the combined energy hits 414 (moderate). The wind is glassy, and the waves will have that long, groundswell shape. This is a real point-break swell – long lines, clean, but those long gaps between sets will have you waiting. Afternoon gets sketchy with onshore wind.

Saturday the 8th morning is a standout early in the run. Clear skies, glassy offshores, and the swell bumps up to 3ft from the SW, 16-second period, with moderate energy (506). The waves will be clean and have some punch. This is the best of the first week.

The following mornings up to Wednesday the 13th are all small, clean, and glassy but the swell stays under 3ft. It’s a fun, mellow window for a log or a mini-mal. The afternoons get blown out with onshore winds and t-storms, so don’t sleep in.

Now, the real highlight. Friday the 14th of August morning lights up. The swell jumps to 4ft from the SW, 18-second period, and the combined energy rockets to 921 (strong). Glassy conditions. This is a proper groundswell – waves will be well-shaped, with plenty of power for the intermediate surfer. The afternoon pushes 5ft but the cross-onshore wind will mess it up.

Saturday the 15th morning is the best session of the entire outlook. The swell is 5ft from the SW, 16-second period, and the energy is very strong at 1330. Glassy offshore wind from the NE. This is a heavy, powerful swell – too big for beginners, but for experienced surfers, this is the one to circle. It’s an exposed beach-and-reef setup, so watch for the rip and the power.

The last few days of the outlook hold good, clean swell in the 4ft to 4ft range, with glassy mornings and moderate to strong energy. The 21st of August Friday morning is another clean, glassy, 4ft SSW swell with 15-second period and strong energy (892). A great way to close out the run.

Bottom line: The first week is small and clean, but you need to be patient. The second week, especially Saturday the 15th morning, is a proper swell window. That’s the one to get excited about.

Rusty.

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