Quick answer
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, was dedicated on 21 March 2026 as the 14th World Surfing Reserve by the Save The Waves Coalition, before more than 350 attendees. It is Mexico's second such reserve and protects about 10 km of coast and 8 waves, including Zicatela. KORU RENT already operates here: rent a car or a scooter and ride the breaks at your own pace in 2026.
What happened on 21 March 2026?
According to the Save The Waves Coalition, on 21 March 2026 more than 350 people gathered on the coast for the ceremony dedicating Puerto Escondido as the 14th World Surfing Reserve. The reserve covers about 10 km (6.2 miles) of coastline and 8 waves. The effort involves the government of Oaxaca, the municipalities of San Pedro Mixtepec and Santa María Colotepec, the Oaxaca Surf Association and the Mexican Association of Surf Instructors.
Puerto Escondido is Mexico's second World Surfing Reserve. The first was Bahía de Todos Santos, in Ensenada, Baja California, dedicated on 21 June 2014 as the 6th in the world, according to the Save The Waves Coalition. The reserve's ambassadors are Coco Nogales and Greg Long, and the Local Stewardship Council is made up of Salvemos Colorada, Costa Unida, Salvemos la Ola and Fondo Oaxaqueño.
What is a World Surfing Reserve, and what changes?
The World Surfing Reserves program was created by the Save The Waves Coalition in 2009 to protect quality waves and their ecosystems. One important point: the designation is not a legally binding instrument. It does not turn the area into a legally protected zone, nor does it automatically bind the authorities. It is a management and community-voice framework that may, over time, lead to legal safeguards.
The coast is home to mangroves, wetlands and estuaries, plus three sea turtle species: olive ridley, black and leatherback, the last critically endangered. The Lagunas de Chacahua National Park lies in the region. Protecting this natural system matters even if you never pick up a board: it is what keeps the Oaxacan coast wild in character and its beaches clean.
The waves and the best season
Among the waves officially named by Save The Waves and Surfertoday are Zicatela (the 'Mexican Pipeline'), Punta Colorada, La Punta de Zicatela, Playa Marinero and Playa Carrizalillo. The main south-swell season at Zicatela runs from April to October, peaking between May and September; waves usually reach 10 to 15 feet and occasionally top 20 feet, according to Surfline and Surf Atlas. From November to March, the dry season brings cleaner, somewhat smaller waves.
“The reserve doesn't close the coast: it keeps it free, clean and alive. With a KORU car or scooter you ride the 8 waves at your own pace, respecting the surroundings.”
— KORU RENT
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
KORU RENT already operates in Puerto Escondido. Message us on WhatsApp to book your car or scooter and get a quote; the team confirms availability and details such as insurance and deposit directly with you [VERIFY with KORU]. Ride the 8 waves of the 14th World Surfing Reserve at your own pace, respecting the coast that makes this part of Oaxaca unique.