Travel Guide to Playa La Saladita, Mexico
I only just heard about Playa La Saladita last year but from the moment I heard about it I knew I had to go! Playa La Saladita (often confused for Sayulita, Mexico – they sounds similar) is known for its super long peeling left point break that is perfect for longboard surfing.
We traveled to Saladita in February and March for two weeks and completely fell in love with the surf centered, small beach town (if you can call it that!) on the west coast of Mexico in the state of Guerro. The pace of life in Saladita is slow and relaxed and it was just what we signed up for.
Keep reading for all you need to know about Playa La Saladita including: how to get there, surfing surfing surfing, things to do other than surf, the best restaurants and where to stay!
How to get to Playa La Saladita?
What is the closest airport to Playa La Saladita?
Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa (ZIH) is the closest major airport to Saladita and serviced by multiple airline carriers. There are daily flights on Aeromexico from MEX and on other carriers from the United States. The airport is roughly 45 minutes away.
The most common ways to get from the airport to La Saladita is by renitng a car or hiring a taxi. The The Zihuatanejo airport taxi fares are a fixed rate (which are high but you know you are not getting ripped off). You can buy your taxi tickets from the booths on the right after you exit customs. Or pre-book here.
IMPORTANT: there are no ATMs in Saladita. There are ATMs in the town of Los LLanos which is about 5km up the hilly road from Saladita. You can find an ATM at Lalo’s in Los LLanos or use the ATM at the airport when you land. Most Places take cards but not all so cash is very handy for tipping and small bills.
Do I need a car in La Saladita?
My answer is it really depends on what you want to do. If you are happy to surf Saladita point everyday and mosey around Saladita than you are 100% fine without a car.
If you have interest in surfing other breaks or going to neighboring towns and cities I would recommend renting a car. But don’t get ripped off at the car rental counter like we did.
STORY: We rented a car from Hertz online through Hertz for $250 USD for 12 days. When we got to the rental counter the price was now almost $800 USD and we declined the insurance! (our amazing travel credit card has built in rental insurance – and yes it is worth it because we have had to use this twice now!)
The man at the counter told us the price increase was taxes and fees – but we kept pushing back because how are the taxes and fees 200% of what the initial rental was… yup, after going back and forth for a bit he finally said the lowest he could do was $550 and that included their insurance.
So… yeah. Just be aware you will get ripped off renting a car in Mexico.
Read this guide on renting a car in Mexico and how not to get scammed by Shelley Marmor of Travel Mexico Solo. Something I definitely should have done – so learn from me!
Is it Safe to Drive in Mexico near Saladita?
For the most part, yes. We have heard to avoid driving at night but we drove many times during the day from Zihuatanejo to 30 minutes north of Saladita and ran into no issues. There are occasional traffic stops with the local authorities so just be mindful. Make sure you are back in Saladita by sunset to be safe!
Surfing in Saladita (& nearby)
Most people come to Saladita to surf. So I am going to assume you are interested in Saladita because you want to surf the super long left point break with the same name. So lets get into waves!
Saladita Point
This wave is incredible for longboarders. It is a super long left point break that just peels into the bay. I had so much fun surfing here – but I will warn you it is quite crowded even at sunrise!
There are a handful of local surfers that sit at the peak and catch the good set waves but honestly there are so many waves and opportunities to catch a wave no matter where you are sitting in the line up. Saladita is probably the longest wave I’ve ever caught. You can catch a wave from the peak all the way to the shore – although your arms are gonna burn paddling back out.
The waves are smaller in the winter months with NW swells. However, I was there in Febuary/March and the wave was a 2-3ft cruisy wave every day for two weeks. The wind is off shore in the morning making super glassy conditions until around 11am when the wind picks up and switches to onshore. Sometimes it will glass off right at sunset as well!
In the summer all of Mexico’s surf spots really come alive with long period SW swells. Saladita point sees bigger waves with more steep walls, but still a longboarders domain.
Surfboard Rentals & Lessons
Everywhere rents boards in Saladita. There is no shortage of nice longboards in this small corner of Mexico.
I was told to go to Brandon’s to rent and I had a great experience. They have really nice longboards that you wouldn’t really expect from a board rental shop. Brandons is located right on the beach sandwiched between House of Waves and Casa Mar de Palmas. Rental rates in 2025 were $300 pesos for the day and $2,000 pesos for the week.
If you really like a board you are riding they will hold it for you for the next day which i think is super cool. Or if you’re like me I tried a bunch of different boards to get a better idea of what I like and what I want my next board to be. It’s really great not having to travel with a longboard either! (if you know, you know)
The Ranch
This wave is about 35 minutes away from Saladita in the car (although you can get there from boat- more on that later!) and a bit of a trek down a long dirt road. This wave was probably a good, local secret until surfline included it on its surf spots.
Anyway, the Ranch is more suitable for short boarders and more experienced long boarders. The waves are definitely a bit bigger here than at Saladita point. I surfed here a few times on a midlength surfboard and had so much fun.
The best part is going to Los Amigos restaurant after your session and ordering breakfast. Seriously, if you surf the Ranch and don’t eat at Los Amigos what are you even doing?!
The women who own the restaurant are super nice and they crank out some amazing food over an open flame. Order the shrimp empanadas and thank me later!
Troncones
Troncones is located just 20 minutes south of La Saladita back towards Zihuatanejo. Troncones also has a bustling surf scene. The town is definitely larger and more developed than Saladita but still very authentic Mexico.
In Troncones you have Troncones point at the south end of the town and then a beach break that breaks over some large boulders. The large bay catches swell at all times of the year but like the rest of Mexico, summer is when this wave shines.
Things to do in La Saladita other than Surf
Get the best Massage
I had maybe the best massage of my life by Xochis in Saladita. Please get a massage early on in your trip because you will want another one. The one hour massage with Xochis on the top floor of Lourdes’s Bar & Grill was $700 pesos and I left an extra $100 pesos for tip.
When you surf for a week straight your back will thank you when you get a message.
Practice Yoga
There is a lovely yoga shala set back from the beach behind the restaurants and guest houses near the point called Templo. So if you are into adding yoga to your daily routine check out their instagram for the schedule.
Go Fishing
Once you get to Saladita you’ll realize fishing is a big part of the local culture and economy. There are panga style boats that go out each day from the beach. Any of these boats can set up a half day of fishing for you. Go to Los Benny’s restaurant and inquire about a day fishing!
Shopping
Saladita is quite small, so there are not many places to shop but there are a few! There is a lovely little shop right on the beach next to Lourdes’s called Soyyo. She has a great selection of swimwear perfect for surfing, jewelry and even baked goods! (we may have bought multiple chocolate chip cookies a day)
There is another shop also on the beach in a white hut and a man that sells mexican table runners from a table on the beach. If you go up to the Hacienda just up the road there is a small surf boutique called Sal-adicta Surf Shop which is worth stepping into for a look.
Eat Baked Goods
While normally I wouldn’t necessarily include eating baked good as something to – there isn’t much in Saladita to do! Every afternoon we looked forward to getting a slice of cake, cookies or flan from the Tropical Munchie (park of Soyyo). The lovely girl who owns it is from France and bakes these fresh daily.
Ecotours with Costa Nativa
Costa Nativa Ecotours offers an array of ecotours for you to enjoy duing the day. Some of their offerings include an Estuary Kayaking and Wildlife tour, Nature hike at Sierra Madre, Mountain Cave Hike, Snorkel tour to Ixtapa Island and Bird Watching on the river.
2 for 1 Margaritas at Sunset
Marea restaurant has a great second floor deck right in front of Saladita point and the perfect place to watch the sunset (& surfers) with a margarita. Every evening from 4-7 margaritas are 2 or 1! They also have mezcal passionfruit margaritas which is what we would order – they were so good.
Walk across the River to Jovita y Pancho
Take a beach walk all the way to the left and you’ll come to the river mouth. Just across the river are a few restuarants one of them being Jovita y Pancho.
You can usually wade across the river, in fact there is a diving board and a volleyball net set up, or there is a small boat that you can pull yourself back and forth in. At Jovita y Pancho there are tables under ample shade as well as hammocks on a deck over the river. It is a great chill spot for a drink in the afternoon.
Explore Troncones
The town of Troncones is just 20 minutes away by car and worth checking out if you have rented a car for your stay. It’s more developed than Saladita and has many cute small hotels and restaurants on the beach.
We enjoyed drinks at Costa Brava and drinks and apps at Present Moment Retreat another evening.
Pro Tip: when we were there in February there was a big carnival in Troncones that was so much fun! I won a mini soccer ball at a carnival game and a bucket at bingo! haha
Explore Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo is a beautiful large bay and small city. We had so much fun on a day trip here and I would recommend to anyone to visit. We decided to go to Playa las Gatas to spend the day on lounge chairs and swimming in the water.
To get to Playa las Gatas you will want to take a water taxi from the pier called Capitanía De Puerto Zihuatanejo. It was $100 pesos per person, round trip. Playa Las Gatas is the kind of super touristy thing you expect from Mexico so it was fun to do this for a day – not to mention really beautiful!
After we got back to downtown Zihuatanejo we walked through the streets. The bars and restaurants came alive in the late afternoon and early evening. We just sumbled onto different bars and drank margarits.
Another option would be to buy a day pass from one of the nice hotels on Playa La Ropa which is supposed to be beautiful. This sounds like a more elevated experience than the one we got at Playa Las Gatas.
Or you can catch live music at the Parthenon in Zihuantanejo which is perched on top a hill overlooking the whole bay. The Parthenon was a house built in the 80’s by a corrupt police cheif but today is used as a cultural center. Read more about the Parthenon in Zihuatanejo here.
Where to Eat in Saladita
Ilianet’s
Illianet’s is the first (or last) restaurant on the beach in Saladita and in my opinion one of the nicer restaurants. I thought the food here was fantastic and some of the best guacamole I have ever had. Both times we ate at Illianet’s we ordered a whole fish which was absolutely incredible.
They also have a chille relleno night which you have to reserve by the morning! We didn’t get try them but heard they are very good.
Surf City Cafeteria at the Hacienda
This is a newer cafe in the Hacienda complex. Surf City Cafeteria has some Bali aesthetic/vibes to it. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner here and all meals were great. My favorites were the avocado toast (which was actually more of a sandwich but the bread was so soft and good) and the pasta we ordered one night when we were craving, well pasta.
Pro Tip: this was my favorite place to get an iced latte! Overall I think this is the best coffee in Saladita.
In the Hacienda there is also a small grocery store, surf shop, tattoo parlor, art gallery and co-working space! There is a farmers market on Fridays!
El Charco de Camila
You might see this small restaurant next to the big Hacienda parking lot and wonder about it. It is a great local taquiera. There are no frills and the tacos aren’t bad! I can’t say they were the best tacos I’ve had but honestly, if you want a taco night this is a cool and authentic place to come.
Kevin’s Tortas y Mariscos
I think this place might fly under the radar! Kevin’s is down a dirt road close to the beach, but kind of back away from other houses and buildings. It is a very cute and chill little restaurant set up. The tortas were awesome and the cheapest meal we had!
Marejada Surf Spot
When you are craving a burger or fish sandwich this is your place. Marejada is located off the beach but in walking distance and not too far from the main beach area.
They have crazy combinations for burgers… like a burger with fish or a burger with shrimp which Brent actually tried and said it was unreal. I opted for the fish sandwich each time and it was so good. Burgers all come with french fries too!
Lourdes Bar & Grill
Lourdes restaurant is perfectly situated in front of Saladita point. It’s a great place to come for breakfast after a long surf or dinner after a long day in the sun. They have live music a few nights a week and a pizza oven!
Marea
Located right next to Lourdes’s and on the opposite end of the beach from Illianet’s restaurant, Marea is a large restaurant with lots of tables in the sand with a perfect view of Saladita point. We came here for breakfast after surfing and for 2 for 1 margaritas at sunset. They have really good pizza and fish tacos here and we really enjoyed the passionfruit mezcal margaritas at happy hour.
Los Benny’s
Los Benny’s is a nice shadded restaurant in the middle of the cluster of restaurants that dot the beach in Saladita. We would come to Benny’s in the afternoon for some beers and ceviche. The ceviche is going to be BIG so be prepared.
Paco’s
We ate at Paco’s on our last night and I wished we had come here sooner! Paco’s is pretty straight forward with just tacos and burritos. Both were excellent.
Making Multiple Stops in Mexico? Read my Restaurant Guide to Puerto Escondido or my Girls Weekend Guide to Tulum
What if I want to cook?
There is a small food market at the Hacienda just up the road from the beach with the essentials, lots of snacks, fruit and veggies. If you’d like to do a big grocery haul I would hit the grocery store in Zihuatanejo before arriving in Saladita.
If you want you can stop at the Mega Soriana supermarket in Zihuatanejo before arriving in Saladita to shop at a true grocery store for food and supplies.
Pro Tip: the is a farmers market in Los Llanos (the town at the top of the hill near the main road) on Sunday’s at the basketball court. You pick up loads of fresh fruits and veggies. There is also a market at the Hacienda on Friday afternoons as well in the parking lot under a tent.
How much does it cost to eat out in Saladita?
Here is a list of typical items at restaurants and their cost in Mexican Pesos & converted to approximate US dollars. (we travelled in Feb/March 2025)
| Can or Bottle of Beer | $50 MX | $2.50 USD |
| Cocktail | $180 MX | $9 USD |
| Breakfast dish | $130 MX | $6.50 USD |
| Whole fish dinner | $300 MX | $15 USD |
| Guacamole | $100 MX | $5 USD |
| Torta (sandwich) | $80 MX | $4 USD |
| Whole pizza | $200+ MX | $10 USD |
Where to Stay in Saladita
My recommendation would be to stay as close to the beach and wave as you can. It is a real luxury to be able to walk out your door and check the waves, isn’t it?
Most places seem to be available through a platform like airbnb. Below you will find a few from booking.com’s platform. If looking on your own I would center my search in this area:
Samas LaSal
This brand new boutique hotel is at the far end of the beach in Saladita. Samsas LaSal might not be the best option if you want to stay right in front of Saladita point but your best option for a little bit of luxury in Saladita. This trendy hotel also has a pool which is not so common in Saladita and would be a lovely bonus to hang at during the day.
“The staff were very friendly from before our arrival, a unique place with very cozy rooms and an exceptional view of the beach.” – Albornoz
Casa Macu
This villa complex features four different rentals and is set back from the beach down a quiet dirt road. Getting to the beach is easy though! Casa Macu has an elevated clean design and also features a small kitchen.
There are 4 villa options at Casa Macu: Lua, Sich, Nami & Ona.
“I love the beautiful design of the space. It’s hands down my favorite place to vacation to! Everything is always immaculate and the staff are so helpful.” – Barbara
Villas Jaqueline
This is where Brent and I stayed on our trip to Saladita. It was a basic rental but it was very close to the beach, had a large bedroom and full kitchen. If you are Ok with basic, Villas Jacqueline was great. The villas are in the perfect location to explore all of Saladita as you are kind of smack in the middle (but not in a loud kind of way). However, I will say that I felt the price did not match what we paid for.
Villas Condada
A group of small apartments with a shared pool in the center. Villas Condada has a modern and sleek design and located within walking distance to the beach.
“The pool and the location are amazing. The host was extremely friendly and helpful. The condo was pristine and fully stocked with everything we needed. Absolutely beautiful.” – Jordan
Chucho’s
I had heard about Chucho’s from a freind that had stayed there but couldn’t really find it on any of the booking sites. Chucho’s is a beach front small hotel with very basic amenities. You are getting what you are paying for here!
I hear of most people showing up and booking a room or knowing about it and booking with Chucho’s in advanced. I believe rooms are about $40-$50 USD per night and it is right on the beach.
Here is the Airbnb listing for one of their rooms.
Mexico is one of my Favorite Countries!
If traveling around Mexico be sure to check out Tulum for a weekend or visit Puerto Escondido and surf the famous Playa Zicatela.
