What happens when the weather is perfect, you’re in a tropical country, and you’ve got your SUP?
That’s right; you go out paddleboarding.
Stand-up paddleboarding is a relatively new water sport that has exploded in popularity within the last few years. The idea is simple; you stand on a board and use a long paddle to propel yourself through the water. It’s pretty challenging, but it can be enriching.
But why just paddleboard in your local area when you have the whole world to explore!
With that thought in mind, we gathered a list of 6 great places to explore in Mexico with your SUP, so you can have the best paddleboarding experience ever!
Table of Contents
1. Lake Chapala
Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. The scenery surrounding it is spectacular, with mountains on three sides and the fourth side leading to the city of Guadalajara. There are several small towns along its shores where visitors can stop for a meal or an overnight stay. Boat tours of Lake Chapala leave from the city of Chapala and travel around the lake to Jocotepec.
2. Baja California
There are many small bays where you can practice paddleboarding. For example, in San Jose del Cabo, the waves are not very high but have enough amplitude to make you fall or overturn if you’re not careful. Baja is about cruising and enjoying life.
Paddleboarding makes it possible to relish in all this free playfulness out on the water.
There is nothing more enjoyable than paddling towards an island and once you reach it, releasing your board and jumping into the water to snorkel or just take a break from paddle boarding. All of this is possible and enjoyable if you have the proper information.
Renting gear is always an option as there are many surf shops around La Paz, such as 4Street. They have paddleboards available for rent. It’s simple enough and cheap ($5-10 per hour at the time of writing).
3. Bahía De Banderas
Mismaloya is on the shores of Bahía De Banderas Bay, an icon for surfing from its beginning. It has perfect waves that allow you to feel that adrenaline rush of knowing how to navigate the water. You may need a bit of experience to tackle this one. There are many beautiful spots to paddleboard here, but we recommend Mismaloya because it offers calm waters and is very close to an ecological reserve for a more relaxing experience.
4. Quintana Roo
There are many bays in which you can practice your new passion. Playa del Carmen, for example, has very calm waters where you can take your first “steps” in this world. It’s probably more appropriate to call it your first “paddles”. Moving on from that if you want to make the most of it and go up a notch, we recommend Cancun.
The waves of the Caribbean Sea can be ideal for taking on any sport. They are gentle waves that will make your first contact an unforgettable memory.
5. Puerto Vallarta
You have more than 20 known places in this city with calm waters. The typical depth in this region does not exceed 10 feet (3 meter), so you may be lucky enough on a clear day to see right to the bottom. There are many rivers nearby, so it will be an unforgettable experience for you and your travel companions if you want to paddleboard in those areas.
With average temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, Puerto Vallarta is ideal for just about any water sport.
One of the most popular activities in the area is paddle boarding. Whether you are new to this activity or have experience, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it during your holiday vacation.
For example, you can go paddleboarding while passing through dolphins through Banderas Bay or simply use SUP boards to explore the following locations.
Aqua Marina
If you want the complete experience, we recommend doing it via Aqua Marina, located in Puerto Vallarta, next to the marina (where all the boats for whale watching go out from). They have a large selection of boards, and you can rent them from there. With their kayak tour, you can paddleboard in a calm bay while another guide leads the way in a kayak so that you feel safe at all times. You’ll love it!
Bahia de Banderas Bay
Looking for a ride with great sensations, then the beautiful Bahia de Banderas is a great option for this activity. So, take your SUP and hit the waters! You can see whales passing close by during certain seasons. But, even without seeing them, the sensation of the waves under your feet is spectacular.
6. Mazatlán
It is a town full of contrasts where enjoyment itself becomes an activity. You can also paddleboard on its beaches with perfect waves for this activity. You’ll be able to enjoy the scenery like never before! Do not forget your sunscreen or sunglasses because sunlight reflects intensely off the water’s surface at midday.
Quick And Effective Tips For A Great Paddleboarding Vacation In Mexico
- Practice in shallow water – If you can’t swim or have trouble with balance, start in shallow water so you can touch the ground or a dock if you lose your balance.
- Wear a life jacket – even if you’re an experienced swimmer. It’s difficult to get back on your board from deep water without help, and conditions while paddling can change quickly.
- Watch out for boat traffic – paddleboarding happens in the same places as boating.
- Avoid over-exertion – especially when you’re just learning, paddleboarding can be exhausting. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Wear A leash – A safety leash is a must for your board because the current can sweep it away if you fall off, leading to a whole heap of unnecessary trouble.
Final Takeaways
Summing it up, stand-up paddleboards are becoming increasingly popular in Mexico because of their convenience and ease of use. They’re great for fishing, touring, or just taking a break from life on dry land. Paddleboarding is easy to learn, so there’s no need to be intimidated by the water, and with so many great spots to use a board, why not give it a try in Mexico!
Steve Frankland
Steve Frankland loves the outdoor life and getting out in nature. He loves writing and sharing knowledge. He's part of the team at thesupguru.com
He’ll find any excuse he can to get out on the water and can often be seen on a SUP with his kids and dogs.