Acción Tropical in Punta de Mita is my go-to pick for surf trips, stand up paddle board rentals, surf instruction and boat trips to the Marieta Islands. I continue to come back to them for my own trips and constantly send people their way because of their professionalism & reputation for safety.
Sunday Surf trip to Bahía with Lalo, Horacio, Fede & Sam
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Hidden Beach & The Marieta Islands
Just off the coast of Punta de Mita loom the Marieta Islands; famously known for Hidden Beach, which really is no longer undiscovered and is hardly hidden. Most of the beaches and small islands are protected by the Mexican government; hiking or relaxing on land is prohibited, in most areas. Diving, snorkeling and exploring by boat take several hours. Tómas, our favorite boat captain, will give you a white knuckle pass through a small cave during low tide.
When To Go:
Early mornings are best before the wind chops up the water & larger tour companies arrive.
December-March is high season (but also the same time many humpback whales return to the bay).
Just off the coast of Punta de Mita loom the Marieta Islands; famously known for Hidden Beach, which really is no longer undiscovered and is hardly hidden. Most of the beaches and small islands are protected by the Mexican government; hiking or relaxing on land is prohibited, in most areas. Diving, snorkeling and exploring by boat take several hours. Tómas, our favorite boat captain, will give you a white knuckle pass through a small cave during low tide.
When To Go:
Early mornings are best before the wind chops up the water & larger tour companies arrive.
December-March is high season (but also the same time many humpback whales return to the bay).
Photo by my talented amigo Mark Yackley during his August 2014 visit.
Photo by my talented amigo Mark Yackley during his August 2014 visit.
Stand Up Paddle Board, Surf Board Rentals & Lessons
Their equipment is well taken care of and their prices are comparable to the other surf shops in town. If you do not have your own transportation, you can call ahead and they will drop off/pick up your boards at a nearby surf break. The local bus passes several surf breaks in the area; allowing surfboards, but longboards are very difficult to bring on. You can also inquire about transportation to surf breaks, even if you do not hire a surf instructor.
I have never taken a surf lesson with Acción Tropical but have been out in the water surfing with their instructors when they are giving lessons to clients. I find them respectful to local surfers and their clients; which is not always the case when some instructors are looking to get their clients standing, in hopes of big tips.
Their equipment is well taken care of and their prices are comparable to the other surf shops in town. If you do not have your own transportation, you can call ahead and they will drop off/pick up your boards at a nearby surf break. The local bus passes several surf breaks in the area; allowing surfboards, but longboards are very difficult to bring on. You can also inquire about transportation to surf breaks, even if you do not hire a surf instructor.
I have never taken a surf lesson with Acción Tropical but have been out in the water surfing with their instructors when they are giving lessons to clients. I find them respectful to local surfers and their clients; which is not always the case when some instructors are looking to get their clients standing, in hopes of big tips.
Apres-Surf Fish Tacos & Margaritas
And, no surf day or boat trip would be complete without fish tacos and a margarita. Just across the street from Acción is a small palapa style restaurant. If you are lucky Oso and his famous dog Neptuno will be out surfing directly in front of the restaurant.
And, no surf day or boat trip would be complete without fish tacos and a margarita. Just across the street from Acción is a small palapa style restaurant. If you are lucky Oso and his famous dog Neptuno will be out surfing directly in front of the restaurant.
