Mexico’s Puerto Escondido has been nominated as the 14th World Surfing Reserve

Save The Waves Coalition has nominated Puerto Escondido as the next and 14th World Surfing Reserve. 

Puerto Escondido is home to some of the best beach breaks in the world, including Zicatela and Punta Colorada, and are beloved and admired by the entire surfing community. Often referred to as the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ the wave is universally regarded as an international treasure. 

While renowned worldwide for the famous big wave beachbreak Zicatela, the proposed Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve will also host a variety of waves and surf ecosystems spanning over 10 kilometers and including 8 unique waves.

Beyond the waves, the coastal ecosystems of Zicatela and Colorada have critically important terrestrial and marine biodiversity and host an abundance of wildlife and important habitat for nesting sea turtles.  

“Puerto Escondido reflects the quintessential surf ecosystem, incredible world-class waves, a biodiverse environment with important ecosystems for coastal resilience, and a united community willing and able to defend the place they love,” said CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich of Save The Waves.

Save The Waves has been working with local community organizations to protect and steward key aspects of the region for several years. This local coalition has proposed a protection strategy for the mangrove ecosystem at Punta Colorada, addressed ongoing water quality and sewage issues, and sought out solutions to the sand flow and erosion issues at Zicatela. 

With the expected designation of a World Surfing Reserve, the community has united to present a unified front to celebrate and protect the irreplaceable surf ecosystems that make Puerto Escondido known worldwide.

Local bodyboarder and key community leader, Humberto Olivera or “Beto” said, “Zicatela is not just a beach; it is our identity, our history, our life. Being recognized as a World Surfing Reserve is an honor, but also a responsibility. Celebration is not enough—we must preserve our waves and everything they represent.”

“Now is the time to unite, to raise our voices, and to protect what makes us unique. Because Puerto Escondido would not be the same without its ocean, its culture, and its people. Together, we will ensure this legacy lives on forever.”

“Saving the wave of Zicatela would not only benefit Puerto Escondido but also bring Playa Zicatela back to life. It is heartbreaking to see the deterioration the wave and the beach have suffered over the past decade. Obtaining the World Surfing Reserve designation would be a major step toward restoring its prestige and reclaiming its place among the top 10 waves in the world,” said Coco Nogales, professional big wave surfer and Puerto Escondido local.

Save The Waves and local partners will now begin a Stewardship Planning Process to identify the key goals of the Puerto Escondido World Surfing Reserve and organize the Local Stewardship Council. The dedication of Puerto Escondido as the next World Surfing Reserve is slated for the early months of 2026.

The World Surfing Reserves program is managed and implemented by California-based Save The Waves Coalition, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems across the globe.

The program was launched in 2009 and is currently comprised of 13 World Surfing Reserves spanning around the world including Malibu and Santa Cruz in California; Ericeira in Portugal; the Gold Coast, Manly and Noosa in Australia; Punta de Lobos in Chile, Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica; Huanchaco in Peru; Guarda do Embaú in Brazil; North Devon in the United Kingdom;  Bahía de Todos Santos in Mexico; and Oriente Salvaje in El Salvador.

TO LEARN MORE CLICK HERE

 - NEWS FROM SAVE THE WAVES