Mexico
San Blas
A crumbling Pacific port where the world's longest rideable wave breaks for two kilometres.
The wave rolls in and keeps rolling. At Matanchén Bay, the break unfolds along the coastline for up to two kilometres — a wave so long that by the time you kick out, you've forgotten where you paddled in. Behind the beach, a crumbling Spanish fort overlooks the harbour, and in the mangrove estuary, crocodiles share the water with five hundred species of bird.
San Blas is a small Pacific port town in Nayarit state, known for La Ola Larga at Matanchén Bay — one of the longest rideable waves in the world, breaking for up to two kilometres when conditions align during the summer south swell season (June to October). The town was Spain's main Pacific naval base in the 18th century, and the fort ruins on the Cerro de San Basilio still overlook the harbour. The La Tovara mangrove estuary, accessed by lancha from the town dock, is a crocodile and bird sanctuary — over 500 bird species have been recorded in the San Blas area, making it one of Mexico's premier birding destinations. The Contaduría (customs house) and the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario are remnants of the colonial port era. The town maintains a slow, salt-worn character — no chain hotels, no cruise ships, no nightlife beyond the waterfront palapa bars. The famous jejenes (no-see-ums) are a constant presence and a rite of passage for every visitor.
Friends
The world's longest wave, mangrove boat rides, fort ruins, and palapa beers at sunset — San Blas is a group surf-and-explore trip on a coast that feels decades behind the rest of Mexico.
Solo
Surfing a two-kilometre wave, birding in the mangrove estuary, and sleeping in a town where the Spanish navy once anchored — San Blas rewards solo travellers who prefer character to comfort.
- La Ola Larga (The Long Wave) at Matanchén Bay can be ridden for up to 2 kilometres — the world's longest documented ride.
- The 18th-century port was Spain's main Pacific naval base — fort ruins overlook the harbour.
- The mangrove estuary of La Tovara is a crocodile-and-bird sanctuary accessible by lancha.
Pescado zarandeado — whole fish butterflied and grilled over mangrove coals — San Blas's signature.
Banana bread from the beachfront stalls, baked by families whose recipe predates the town's tourism.
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