Study Spanish and Surf Mexico

Frequently asked quesitons

How do I get there?

There is easy access by air from the US East and West coast gateways, and from Europe. Mexico city is the most common hub, and Los Angeles is also only a short 2-1/2 hours flight away. A member of our crew will meet you at the airport on arrival and bring you to our home docks in Marina Nuevo Vallarta, for an immediate departure. If you arrive late, e.g  after 3:00 pm will be taken by road to Punta Mita to meet the rest of the group in time for an early evening surf session.
Visa's: Most travellers can get an $18 tourist card at the airport before departure or at the border.
Flights: There are over 450 flights a week serve (PVR) Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. To fly there from the United States especially from the East Coast, we recommend you to check rates with Aeromexico or Mexicana Airlines via Mexico City ($320). Also check both Airlines, for flights connecting through Mexico City from US gateways, that often times offer significant savings over the rates of most North American carriers that offer direct or connecting flights from the USA. Besides, there is only one charge of $90.00 Dollars per board bag instead of charging for each board separately.
Bus: From Mexico City you can also ride the 13 hrs bus ($80). There is also buses direct from some southern US cities e.g. from Texas
From Europe: fly to Mexico city and form there (PVR) Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta.

How big is the yacht?

The ultimate surf vehicle is a 44 ft. Steel Hull Philip Rhodes design Power Sailor with all the modern amenities, the best food in town and absolutely no mosquitoes. We have a hHard bottom inflatable with outboard, huge storage deck and & no limit on the amount of equipment you want to bring. The crowd you surf with are the friends you bring.

I'm travelling alone - can I still book?
Yes. Obviously we cant sail with one person - two is our minimum. However, many of our happy clients come alone - and we form  a small group of 2-4. If you are thinking of coming, contact as soon as possible. Then when others inquire, we can match them to your dates - and hey presto - its all go! You find that people  that come on our trips are all like minded, so you will soon make (often lifetime) amigos!

When the best time to come?

Anytime!
WINTER: (November-March), W and NW Aleutian swells will wrap into the Bay of Banderas, providing the biggest conditions when focused by subterranean canyons on to off-shore reefs. Most of these huge breaks are secret spots surfed only aboard Sylvester. Banderas Bay?s Punta Mita, cleans-up these swells with the Northerly offshore. Occasional W swells will add to the fun waves, lighting up some special W swell breaks. Winter is just perfect weather for 6 months. Very enjoyable daytime temperatures around 27°C or 85 F. Nights get cooler, down to 15°C. mid 60´sF Ocean water temperature is 72º. A spring suit is advisable. Its a perfect place to escape winter!
SUMMER: (May-October) surf season will start after the transition month of March which is usually windier than the rest of the year. South Pacific activity push-in long period swells from SW to S directions. A real plus in the Summer months are the seasonal hurricane swells that can come in any direction.

Recommended Boards
Longboards - one for small waves one for medium to big waves. Pulled in at the nose because of off shore winds, with a faster tail outline.
Shortboards- An egg or fun shaped for small days. Something with a little more flotation for paddling into big waves. Equipment and rentals are available at Coral Reef Surf Shop in Bucerias or Acción Tropical Surf Shop in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Where else can I say?

Lodging & food: Resorts are plentiful from San Blast to Puerto Vallarta. One of the best places for beginners, families and young surfers we highly recommend in Banderas Bay is Viva Vallarta Resort facing Punta del Burro. A ?World Class? surf spot that breaks all year. In Sayulita try Bungalows Las Gaviotas ($25/dble) or Las Olas all women surf camp ($2000/week all included). A $18 dinner lets you sample Sopa de Ostion (Oyster Soup), Pescado Sarandeado (BBQ Fish ) or Frijoles Puercos (Pork & Beans).
Punta Mita offers accommodations to fit every budget. Make reservations for a ?Surf & Turf Package? on Sylvester a ?Family Package? at Palladium Vallarta Resort or reserve accommodations on land at Punta Mita.

What else is there to do in the area?

Nature & Culture: Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita are very typical coastal laid-back towns. San Blas is Nayarit?s coastal ?Colonial Town?. Take a look at the Spanish Fort or try a jungle river boating tour to La Tovara Springs. Check out remote beaches, snorkel or diving around Islas Marietas white sandy beaches. There is fun to be enjoyed nightly in Puerto Vallarta, walking along the Malecón downtown area. Dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs will provide entertainment for the young and young at heart crowd all night long.
However if you want to surf, we recommend you save up your energy and leave a day on the town for the end of your trip!

Getting around

Sayulita and San Francisco are within 1:30 h drive N of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200. Ride the bus ($4) or Rent a car in PV ($65/d). Regular local buses cover the whole Bahia de Banderas area and accept short boards.
North shore of Banderas Bay: Some spots are accessible through the Villa Vera Beach Club at Destiladeras beach. The breaks in Punta de Mita require surfing by a boat or renting a 'Panga' (local 23 ft. fishing boat) from the town of Corral del Risco, located at the end of the highway that goes to Punta Mita, located 45 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Email us at: info@studyspanishandsurf.com

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