Nexpa

Barra de Nexpa, usually just called Nexpa or Río Nexpa, is a tiny settlement at the mouth of the Nexpa river on the Michoacán coast, at about km 55 of Federal Highway 200 from Lázaro Cárdenas towards the Colima border, a few kilometres north-west of Caleta de Campos. It belongs to the municipality of Aquila. The beach is long and backed by coconut palms, and the community, with a laid-back, slightly hippie feel, grew up around one thing: the waves. Surfers come from Canada, the United States, Australia, Israel and South America, and the beach has hosted national and international contests, including stages of the Mexican national surf circuit.

The wave that made its name is a long, sometimes hollow left that peels down the boulder and cobblestone fan of the river mouth. When the sections connect, rides can run up to about 200 m; when they don't, the point breaks into about five separate peaks, and there is also a right over reef and a decent beach break south of the river mouth. Waves are typically 2 to 3 m and on big days reach about 4.5 m. The biggest swells arrive in summer, from June to September, with July the most reliable month, though there is surf all year. It is a wave for intermediate and experienced surfers: it gets crowded when it is on, there are strong rips and currents, and you have to get in and out over rocks.

Accommodation runs from rustic palm-thatched cabins and camping areas to rooms with air conditioning and TV, and a surf camp serves meals. Out of the water you can paddle a kayak on the river, fish from the shore or try a temazcal sweat bath. The food is coastal: pescado zarandeado, fish tiritas, shrimp burgers and burritos, and pescadillas. For shops and other services, Caleta de Campos is about ten minutes away by car.