Playa del Carmen - Coco Beach
Mexico
Playa del Carmen
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.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
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.
La profondeur est peu profonde près du bord avec un fond sableux et quelques zones de récifs. On a pied sur les bancs de sable devant le 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).