Salina Cruz Surf Trip FAQ
Planning a Salina Cruz surf trip? This FAQ coversHere are the questions we hear most often about getting here, surf level, boards, food, accommodation, payments, conditions and what to expect during your stay at LunaCoral.
Travel & Arrival
Which airport should I fly into?
The closest airport to LunaCoral is Huatulco International Airport (HUX), approximately 2 hours and 15–25 minutes from the surf house.
Most international travelers connect through Mexico City, and flight options may also be available through cities such as Houston, Tijuana or Guadalajara depending on the season. We recommend checking current routes when planning your trip.
Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers to and from Huatulco Airport are included with our Signature Surf Coaching Experience and All-Inclusive Surf Experience.
Transfers are not included with the Filmed Surf Experience or Classic Surf Experience, but we can arrange transportation with a trusted driver we have worked with for many years. Guests pay the driver directly.
How long is the drive from Huatulco Airport to LunaCoral?
Usually around 2 hours and 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
What happens if my flight arrives early or late?
We try to stay flexible with travel schedules.
If you arrive early and your room is available, you can check in. If guests are checking out that same day, we can store your luggage safely at the house while you relax or go surf until your room is ready.
If you arrive late at night, someone will be at the camp to receive you. We will also leave something light to eat and water so you can settle in and rest before the next morning.
Do I need a visa to enter Mexico?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. We recommend checking current Mexican immigration requirements for your country before booking your flights.
Do I need to rent a car?
No. Once you arrive at LunaCoral, transportation for the surf days is taken care of.
A rental car only makes sense if you plan to travel independently before or after your stay, such as visiting Oaxaca City or other areas of the region.
Surf Level, Boards & What to Bring
What surf level do I need for LunaCoral?
You should be at least an Advanced beginner and able to catch waves on your own.
You do not need to be an expert, but you should already know how to paddle into a wave and stand up independently.
Do you take complete beginners?
No.
We can help with positioning, wave selection, timing and getting you into the right part of the lineup, but we do not push surfers into every wave.
Guests should already be able to catch waves independently.
What surfboards should I bring?
We recommend bringing at least two boards, and ideally three.
A good Salina Cruz quiver could include:
- your everyday shortboard;
- a fish or twin-fin fish;
- a step-up for bigger days.
If the forecast shows a solid swell, something around 6’3″ to 6’6″ can be useful depending on your size, ability and the conditions.
Do you have surfboards available?
If something happens to one of your boards during the trip, we can usually help with a board for a short period.
For a full week, boards would be available as a rental rather than a free loan.
What should I bring?
Bring your normal surf-trip essentials: hat or cap, sunglasses, long-sleeve rash guard, boardshorts, sandals, sunscreen if you use it, mosquito repellent, warm-water wax, leashes, fins, fin key, beach towel and a refillable water bottle.
Do I need a wetsuit?
No.
The water is warm during our surf season. Boardshorts or a swimsuit are normally enough. Some surfers use a rash guard for sun protection.
Food, House & Daily Life
What kind of food do you serve?
Our menu has developed over many years based on the meals our guests enjoy most.
We focus mainly on traditional Oaxacan food, while also including a few familiar options such as pasta. Meals usually include chicken, red meat, fresh fish and seafood, prepared home-style at the surf house.
Can you accommodate vegetarians, vegans or food allergies?
Yes.
We have experience cooking for vegetarian and vegan guests as well as people with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Please let us know before your arrival so we can prepare properly.
How many meals are included each day?
Usually three to four meals, depending on the surf schedule.
Before dawn, we prepare an express breakfast with coffee, granola, yogurt, cereal, fruit, toast and butter
If the morning session finishes early enough, we can also serve a full breakfast such as huevos rancheros, chilaquiles or omelettes.
On longer surf mornings, guests may return closer to lunch and skip the second breakfast.
Lunch and dinner are also included.
And because we are surfers too, we know how much surfers eat. Portions are generous, and we always make sure there is more food available.
Is there reliable Wi-Fi?
Yes.
LunaCoral uses Starlink, currently the strongest internet option available in our area. The connection is reliable enough for Zoom calls, video meetings and remote work.
Do the rooms have air conditioning and private bathrooms?
Yes. All three rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and two fans in each room. The shower, toilet and sink are separated, which makes sharing a room much more comfortable.
Is there a fixed daily schedule?
Not really.
The day is built around the surf and the group, not around a rigid timetable.
If the waves are good and everyone wants to stay out longer, we adapt.
The main practical timing is breakfast: if the group returns before around 10:00 AM, a full breakfast can still be prepared. After that, the kitchen begins preparing lunch.
Money, Booking & Stay Details
What is the best way to pay?
Cash is preferred.
When possible, we ask guests to pay the remaining balance in Mexican pesos. We can also accept U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
We do not accept credit cards.
PayPal is available if needed, with the guest covering the PayPal transaction fees.
Are there ATMs nearby?
Yes.
There are ATMs in Salina Cruz, approximately 15 minutes from the surf house.
Because our daily schedule revolves around surfing, an ATM trip needs to be coordinated, but it is easy to arrange when necessary.
How much is required to reserve my stay?
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
The complete payment, cancellation and date-change conditions are explained on our Rates & Booking Policies page.
What if I need to cancel or change my dates?
Our cancellation and date-change terms are explained in detail in our Rates & Booking Policies.
We recommend reading them before confirming your trip, particularly before purchasing flights.
What is the minimum stay?
The minimum stay at LunaCoral is five nights.
Our main surf experiences are built around longer stays, including our seven-night experiences.
How many surfers can stay at LunaCoral?
We host a maximum of 10 surfers at a time.
Keeping the group small helps us manage surf transportation, meals and daily logistics without turning the house into a crowded surf camp.
Can I book LunaCoral for a private group?
Yes. Groups of 9 surfers can reserve LunaCoral exclusively, giving your crew the whole house and surf experience to yourselves. Our maximum capacity is 10 surfers.
Surf Season, Conditions & Safety
When is the best surf season in Salina Cruz?
Our surf season normally runs from around March 21 through October 5.
This is when Salina Cruz receives the south swells that produce the waves we surf.
Late fall and winter are generally much quieter, which is why LunaCoral operates mainly during spring, summer and early fall.
What are the waves like during the season?
Conditions change from swell to swell.
Some weeks bring larger, more powerful surf. Others bring smaller, more playful waves.
Even between major swells, there is usually something surfable somewhere along this coastline.
Wind, tide and swell direction all matter, and finding the right spot at the right time is part of our job.
Can you guarantee good waves?
No surf destination can guarantee a particular swell or wave size.
What we can provide is local knowledge and flexibility.
We watch forecasts, tides, wind and swell direction, but our most important forecast is what we see here every day.
Once you arrive, finding the best available surf becomes our job — not yours.
What happens if the conditions are bad?
We usually have another option.
We may change spots, wait for a better tide or find somewhere better protected from the wind.
Completely surf-free days during our season are uncommon, but if conditions really shut down, there are other possibilities such as fishing, waterfalls, archaeological sites or simply taking a rest day.
Are the waves in Salina Cruz dangerous?
Surfing always carries risk, and Salina Cruz is no exception.
All of the waves we surf here break over sand but depending on the tide and sandbanks, some sections can become very shallow — particularly on the inside. Bigger swells can also produce powerful surf.
Every day we explain the conditions, currents, tide, shallow areas and anything else we believe surfers should know before paddling out.
Guests are expected to understand their own ability and the normal risks associated with surfing.
What happens if I get injured while surfing?
Surfing is an extreme sport and injuries can happen, including cuts, impacts, sprains or fractures.
We do our best to guide surfers toward appropriate conditions and explain known hazards, but each surfer is responsible for deciding whether the conditions are within their ability. If an injury happens, we can help get you to the nearest doctor or medical facility as quickly as possible.
Do I need travel or surf insurance?
It is not something most of our guests have traditionally traveled with, but travel insurance that covers surfing, medical treatment and trip interruption is always a good idea.
Every surfer is responsible for choosing the travel or medical coverage that makes sense for their trip.
Still Have a Question?
If there is something we did not answer here, send us a message. We are happy to help you figure out whether LunaCoral is the right surf trip for you.