Frequently Asked Questions
We answered the most asked questions — so you just have to show up.
⏱️ Lesson Duration
How long does a surf lesson take?
The total experience from arrival at the shop to completion is 2.5 to 3 hours. The time includes check-in, board selection, land lesson, walk to the beach, time in the water, walk back and rinse off. If the lesson includes shuttle transportation from Sayulita or San Pancho, the full experience takes about 4 hours. See all lesson options Browse surf lessons
Standard lesson at our Punta Mita surf shop directly in front of La Lancha beach.
Standard lesson at Sayulita beach, offered during low tide for better and safer conditions.
Standard lesson at San Pancho beach break, ideal for beginners and longboarders.
Includes round-trip shuttle from Sayulita or San Pancho, equipment setup, land lesson and surf theory, jungle walk to the beach, and about 1 h 30 min in the water. Book a surf shuttle
What are the fixed lesson schedules?
Standard lessons at our Playa La Lancha (Punta Mita) surf shop run in three fixed daily slots:
If you're departing from Sayulita or San Pancho, the shuttle pickup is scheduled 30–40 minutes before the lesson start time. See all lesson times
What's included in a surf lesson?
- Theoretical and practical instruction in the water
- Surfboard with leash and fins
- Rashguard (summer) or wetsuit top (winter)
- Protective reef/rock booties
- Board carrying accessory (The Claw / Board Buddy)
- Round-trip transport between shops when applicable
- Full use of facilities: outdoor showers, changing rooms, lockers, restrooms & Wi-Fi
What's the maximum number of students per instructor?
To ensure quality and safety at all times, we provide 1 instructor per 4 adults (ages 10 and up) or 1 instructor per 2 kids. Private 1-on-1 lessons and private groups are also available. Kids surf lessons
What's the minimum age to take a lesson?
The recommended minimum age for kids is 4 years old, and they must know how to swim or have basic water experience. A parent or legal guardian must agree to the lesson.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Swimsuit, towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, water, a change of dry clothes and a good attitude. Valuables can be stored at reception or in the lockers.
🏄♂️ Equipment & Rentals
How does the free "Swap Policy" work when renting a board?
One of WildMex's main perks: when you rent any board, you can exchange it for any other board in the same price tier (or lower) as many times as you want, at no extra cost. The swap can be made at either the Sayulita or Punta Mita / La Lancha shop. If you want to upgrade to a higher category, you only pay the rate difference.
What does the optional board insurance cover and what doesn't it cover?
For an optional $2–$3 USD per board / day, the insurance covers dings, lost fins and broken leashes. It does NOT cover loss, misplacement or theft under any circumstances.
What does the mountain bike / cruiser insurance cover?
For $5 USD per bike / day, insurance covers minor damage, broken chains, bent rims and flat tires. As with boards, it does not cover theft or loss.
What's required to rent equipment?
You must leave a valid official ID (INE or Passport) at the shop during the rental period and sign the rental agreement / liability waiver.
Can I keep the board overnight?
Not on standard day rentals — boards must be returned by 7:30 PM closing time. To keep a board overnight, you must book the Overnight (24-hour) rental option.
Do you deliver boards to my accommodation?
Yes, we offer board delivery to most hotels/resorts/accommodations in the Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita areas. Contact us with your location for a quote. Note: guests must be present to receive the equipment and sign the rental sheet — we cannot leave equipment at the front desk or concierge.
Can I check the boards available before I arrive?
Yes — WildMex has 300+ quality surfboards in its rental fleet. Check the live link on our website to see what's available. All boards can be reserved in advance.
Do you provide straps or racks for board transport?
Yes — if you rent from us and need soft racks or straps to carry boards on your rental vehicle, we provide them at no extra cost.
🚐 Shuttle Service
What are the shuttle routes and schedules?
Sayulita → La Lancha (Punta Mita):
San Pancho → La Lancha:
La Lancha → Sayulita / San Pancho (returns):
All shuttles must be reserved in advance to guarantee availability.
How much does the shuttle cost for surfers without a lesson?
From Sayulita: $12 USD one-way · $20 USD round-trip per person.
From San Pancho: $15 USD one-way · $25 USD round-trip per person.
Note: For guests booking lessons or Surf Camps, transport between shops is free of charge.
Does WildMex offer airport transfers from PVR?
Yes, we coordinate private transfers from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Reference rates:
- Small vehicle (1–3 passengers): $95 USD one-way / $155 USD round-trip
- Large vehicle (4–6 passengers): $125–$130 USD one-way / $225–$255 USD round-trip
Transfers must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Can the shuttle pick up guests directly at their hotel in Punta Mita or Puerto Vallarta?
No. Due to strict taxi laws and regulations in the area, the WildMex shuttle is not permitted to pick up passengers at most private hotels or resorts. Guests must make their way to the shop or take a taxi / Uber.
What happens if I need to cancel my activity? Can I get a refund?
Cancellations made within 24 hours of your service will result in a 30% cancellation fee. The remaining 70% can either be given as a refund or applied as a credit towards another service, activity or retail item. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance receive a full refund.
🏕️ Surf Camps & Surf & Stay
What's the difference between a "Surf Camp" and a "Surf & Stay"?
A Surf Camp includes daily guided surf sessions, transport to the waves, unlimited access to the board inventory and full use of shop facilities — but no lodging. A Surf & Stay includes everything in the Surf Camp plus accommodation at our partner hotels and hostels.
Are there surf lessons on arrival and departure days in a Surf & Stay?
No. Arrival and departure days are left lesson-free to give guests travel flexibility.
Can I surf outside my lesson time during a camp?
Yes! Camp participants have unlimited access to the board inventory all week to practice on their own.
What exactly is included in the price?
It depends on the package you choose in the calculator. All packages include the full gear (board, leash, and wetsuit in winter), surf lessons, and accommodation in hand-picked hotels.
Why is The Amazing Hostel less expensive than Alma Surf Lodge?
Alma Surf Lodge offers exclusively private rooms with private bathrooms, whereas The Amazing Hostel provides options with shared bathrooms and different amenities.
Can I add extra nights before or after the camp without more lessons?
Yes, extra nights can be added without additional surf lessons. However, availability in the same room or hostel is not guaranteed and depends on current occupancy.
💳 Booking & Payments
How can I book an activity online?
You can book from anywhere via smartphone, PC or Mac. On each page you'll find a "BOOK NOW" button — click it and follow the instructions to complete your reservation online.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Credit Card, PayPal or Cash, and we take Visa, MasterCard and AMEX. Available both online and at the shops.
What should I do if my Stripe payment link doesn't work?
Notify the WildMex team and a new payment link will be generated and sent to you by email.
📋 Cancellation Policies
What's the cancellation policy for daily activities (Surf, SUP, MTB, Hiking)?
- 24 hours or more notice: 100% full refund. (During Peak Season — Christmas, New Year, Holy Week & Easter — 48 hours minimum are required.)
- 12–24 hours notice: 70% credit toward another activity OR 50% refund.
- Less than 12 hours or No-Show (late arrival): no refund and no credit.
- Rescheduling: with 12+ hours notice, a 30% penalty fee applies.
- Boat / Snorkel tours: no refunds or credits under any circumstance.
What's the cancellation policy for "Surf & Stay" packages (with hotel)?
- 90 days or more notice: 50% refund on lodging + 100% refund on surf lessons.
- Less than 90 days notice: no monetary refund; 100% credit applicable only to the surf lessons portion.
- Once the camp has started: no changes or refunds on the hotel stay.
What happens if weather or ocean conditions aren't good?
If WildMex considers it necessary to reschedule for safety due to weather, guests can choose another slot the same day, a different date, or a 70% refund. In the rare event WildMex must definitively cancel the activity, a 100% refund is issued.
How do I receive the refund for a cancellation?
If paid via PayPal, the refund appears directly in your account (minus the 3.5% credit card fee). If paid via our website or over the phone, the refund is processed in cash (USD or MXN) if you're still in town, or to the same credit/debit card if you're not.
Full Cancellation and Refund Policies
Cancellation Policies
WildMex offers the best quality surf tours and activities in Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho. All excursions are exclusive and require previous reservation. Read the complete policy →
Activities: Surf / SUP / MTB / Hike / Boat Tour
*Restrictions apply on holidays
- 24 hours or more notice — full refund.
- Less than 24 hours notice (last-minute cancellations) — 70% adventure-credit or 50% refund.
- No-show, or late arrival — no refund. 50% adventure-credit.
- Boat or snorkeling activities have no refund or credit for any reason.
*Restrictions: During Christmas, New Year (Dec 22 – Jan 6), Holy Week and Easter due to our high demand:
- 48 hours or more notice — full refund.
- Less than 48 hours, as well as a no-show, and late arrival — no refund.
Surf Camp with Accommodation
- 90 days notice — 50% refund on accommodation and full refund on Surf Lessons.
- Less than 90 days notice (last-minute cancellations) — no refund, full credit on Surfing portion of Camp.
NOTE: Once your surf camp has started, surf lesson reschedule requires:
- 24 hours or more notice — reschedule date or time.
- Less than 24 hours, as well as no-show and late arrival — lesson lost.
Shuttle Service
- Guests are responsible for meeting at WildMex Punta Mita at the agreed time to go back to their original meeting point.
- If you're not on time at the agreed time or location, it will be your own responsibility to make your way back.
Weather Conditions
If WildMex considers it necessary to reschedule our services due to bad Weather Conditions, you can:
- Choose a different time on the same day.
- Choose a different day.
- 70% refund.
In the rare case WildMex, with 20+ years of experience, has to cancel your activity due to precluding Weather Conditions you will get:
- Full refund.
🏢 Facilities & Extras
What services and facilities do the shops offer?
- Free Wi-Fi
- Security lockers for personal belongings
- Restrooms and changing rooms
- Outdoor rinse showers
- Towels
- Free parking (subject to availability)
Do you offer surf photography?
Yes — available at an additional cost. Includes a digital package delivered within 24 hours with 20+ high-resolution photos taken by a professional photographer from the water and beach.
What time zone does WildMex operate in?
WildMex operates strictly on Puerto Vallarta / Central Standard Time (CST). Please don't rely on your smartphone's automatic time zone switch, as it may incorrectly jump to Nayarit time.
What if I need a souvenir or forgot something at home?
There is a surf/souvenir shop adjacent to the WildMex Surf School in Punta Mita with quality clothing for men and women from brands including Quiksilver, Roxy and Rosemary.
Is there somewhere close to your Punta Mita Office to get drinks and snacks?
Right next door to our Punta Mita Office in La Lancha, there's a restaurant called Makai with a wide variety of healthy and delicious food and drinks — perfect after a good surf session.
ℹ️ General Info
Where is WildMex Surf School located?
WildMex has three locations across the Riviera Nayarit:
What are the WildMex Surf School opening hours?
To get the best of the day and catch the best waves, our surf schools are open 365 days a year from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM every day of the week, including holidays. The San Pancho Adventure Center closes at 8:00 PM.
What services does the San Pancho Adventure Center offer?
Beyond surf lessons, our San Pancho center offers a full range of adventures: beginner and intermediate surf lessons, group and private lessons, longboard and shortboard coaching, ocean safety, SUP (stand-up paddle), mountain biking, hiking, surfboard rentals, Marietas Islands tours, shuttle service, airport transfers and more.
Can I rent a surfboard for the whole day or week?
You can rent surfboards by the hour, day, overnight (24 hours), week or month. Ask at the front desk on arrival to see the boards available and the different prices.
🌊 Schedule & Conditions
When are the best waves and conditions in Punta Mita and/or Sayulita?
The Bay of Banderas or Riviera Nayarit has quickly become one of the best surf destinations because of its ability to pick up on south swells, west swells and north swells. Swells originating in Alaska in winter (November–April) hit most north-facing beaches. In summer (May–October), swells from New Zealand and the southern hemisphere hit south-facing beaches.
Winter is usually more consistent for waves, but in summer you could go a week without waves and then get an amazing 5-day swell. At each of the Punta Mita surf breaks, you'll always have consistent ankle-breaker fun longboard waves.
When is a good time to go surfing?
Each surf break and beach in Punta Mita and Sayulita works on different tides, swells and conditions. WildMex uses and recommends Magic Seaweed to check the local forecasts daily. We also have maps of the surf breaks in Nayarit available at our shops with detailed explanations of each break and the best times to surf them.
What is happening with the Sayulita water?
Unfortunately, Sayulita's surf breaks suffer from poor water quality, meaning local surfers risk becoming ill. To enable our guests to surf in the area without risking 'Sayulita sickness', Wildmex offers surf shuttle services to our offices in Punta Mita, near La Lancha beach.
UPDATE: Read the full article →
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
If you're from the US, Canada, most of Europe, or South America, no visa is needed for stays under 180 days. We help you fill out your FMM (Multiple Migration Form) at the airport.
How do I get to my camp from the airport?
We arrange private transfers from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Approximate drive times: 45 minutes to Sayulita, 50 minutes to San Pancho, and 20 minutes to Punta Mita. Once your booking is confirmed, we send you all the instructions.
When do surf activities begin if a guest arrives in the evening?
Surf activities are scheduled to begin the day after arrival so guests have time to settle in and prepare.
How do I get to WildMex Sayulita HQ?
WildMex Sayulita is about 28 miles north of Puerto Vallarta — 40 minutes to 1 hour by car, depending on traffic. Local buses and taxis run from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita. WildMex can also help arrange your transport.
How do I get to WildMex San Pancho?
WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center in San Pancho is located at Av. Tercer Mundo 58, 63729 San Francisco, Nay. It's about 50 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport by car, or a short 15-minute drive north of Sayulita.
From Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or Bucerías you can take a taxi, Uber or local bus. Our San Pancho center is open daily and closes at 8:00 PM.
How do I get to WildMex Punta Mita / La Lancha?
If you're in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías or nearby, you can take a taxi, Uber or local bus. It's easy to spot us: we're right next to the only Kapetron Gas Station and OXXO store on the Estate Highway Punta Mita – La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (KM. 15).
I'm staying in Sayulita — how do I get to the surf breaks in Punta Mita / La Lancha?
WildMex runs one-way or round-trip surf shuttles from our Sayulita HQ daily, departing at 8 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM during high season (October–April) and 9 AM, 12 noon and 3 PM during low season (May–September). These shuttles must be reserved in advance.
📍 Location & Contact
How can I contact WildMex Surf School?
📞 Office (Mexico): +52 (329) 291 3726
📱 After Office Hours / San Pancho: +52 (322) 100 7070
☎️ US & Canada: +1 (877) 904 3974
✉️ Email: info@wildmex.com
If you want an immediate response, please use the chat box at the bottom right of our website during office hours.