Mexico
Coco Beach is a bay located in Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It is a popular public spot for locals and passing kiters, with its turquoise water and white sandy beach.
Right next to the famous 5th Avenue, the bay stretches from Punta Esmeralda to Cannibal Royal. It has a lively tourist atmosphere, with beach clubs and restaurants, but the middle of the bay remains dedicated to kitesurfing.
The spot has hosted international competitions like the PKRA in the past. It is conveniently accessible from Cancún airport, about an hour's drive away.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
chop
flatThe prevailing winds come from NE, E, SE, often side-onshore or side-shore, providing a good balance for navigation. The wind is steady, with an average strength of 15-20 knots, and can rise up to 30 knots during the northern fronts called "Nortes".
The launch area is in the middle of the bay, with enough space to take off and land despite a not very wide beach. To the north, it is easier for launching thanks to the help of locals. There is a sandy bar in front of the spot that forms small playful waves from hip to shoulder height, perfect for jumps, and flatter areas for freestyle in the center.
Be cautious of boats parked south of the bay and swimmers on the public beach. With NE wind, a reef to the north can create more consistent waves up to shoulder height. The conditions are less choppy than elsewhere on Playa Car, especially with SE.
Ideal conditions are with wind from NE, E or SE at 15-25 knots, side-onshore for a clean water surface and jumpable waves. Perfect during the Nortes from November to April.
The water is crystal clear and turquoise, with a small shore break and waves formed by the sandbank, from hip to shoulder height. Not too choppy, with flat areas for freestyle and kickers for jumping.
In strong wind, three shore breaks can form with small waves. Shallow areas near the shore and a few reefs to watch out for.
Currents are generally weak in the bay. Tides have little impact on navigation, but always check local schedules to anticipate any changes.
Opt for kite sizes from 9 to 12 m² in medium wind of 15 knots, and 7 to 9 m² when it picks up to 20-30 knots during the Nortes.
The wind regime is dominated by the Nortes, cold fronts from the north that blow from the NE strong, up to 25-35 knots. After a Norte, the SE takes over with more stable winds.
Best directions: NE, E, SE, side-onshore 80% of the time. Typical strength of 10-20 knots, regular in the afternoon and evening. Optimal season from November to May, with 4-5 days of wind per week.
The climate is hot tropical year-round, with average temperatures around 24-28°C. The months from December to May are the driest and most pleasant, ideal for kitesurfing with perfect weather and little rain.
During the "Nortes" season from November to March, cold fronts from the north bring strong winds for 2-3 consecutive days. The water remains warm, refreshing in winter and warm in summer.
The depth is shallow near the shore with a sandy bottom and a few reefs. You can stand on the sandbanks in front of the spot.
The water is warm to very warm year-round, around 26-29°C. Refreshing in winter (24-26°C), warm in summer (28-29°C).
