The Meaning Behind Surfari Mexico: More Than Just a Name
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
If you've ever wondered where the name Surfari Mexico comes from, you're not alone.
Many people assume we made it up. Others think it's simply a combination of "surf" and "safari."
While that's technically true, the story goes much deeper than that.
The word surfari has been part of surf culture for more than 60 years. Long before surf resorts, surf forecasting apps, and social media, surfers were already heading off on adventures in search of uncrowded waves, empty coastlines, and the feeling of discovering something new.
In many ways, a surfari is the original surf trip.
Where Did the Word Surfari Come From?
The term "surfari" emerged in California's surf culture during the early 1960s.
A blend of the words surf and safari, it was used to describe a journey undertaken in search of waves. Not a vacation. Not a package tour. An adventure.
The word became famous when The Beach Boys released Surfin' Safari in 1962, helping introduce the idea of the surfari to a wider audience.
While the spirit of surf travel has evolved, the idea remains much the same today. Surfers still head south in search of warm water, good waves, and unforgettable experiences.
If you're planning your own journey, our Mexico Surf Trip Guide: Best Waves, Seasons & Tips is a good place to start.
Back then, surfers would pile boards onto the roof of a station wagon, grab a map, and drive for hours—or days—along the coast searching for the next great wave.
There were no surf cams.
No GPS.
No online surf reports.
Just curiosity, exploration, and a love for the ocean.
That spirit became the foundation of surf travel as we know it today.
What a Surfari Really Means
To us, a surfari has never been about luxury.
It's about the journey.
It's about waking up before sunrise because the conditions look promising.
That's often how our days begin as well.
If you're curious what that rhythm actually feels like, take a look at What a Day on a Surfari in Mexico Actually Looks Like.
It's about checking a remote point break that isn't on most tourists' radar.
It's about sharing stories after a long day in the water.
It's about exploring a coastline rather than staying in one place.
A true surfari isn't measured by how many stars your hotel has.
It's measured by the experiences you collect along the way.
Why We Chose the Name Surfari Mexico
When we started Surfari Mexico, we wanted a name that represented what we actually do.
We aren't a surf camp where everyone surfs the same wave every day.
We aren't focused on crowded beginner beaches or fixed itineraries.
Instead, we guide surfers along one of the most wave-rich coastlines in the world, searching for the best conditions available during each trip.
Some days that might mean surfing a long point break at sunrise.
Other days it could mean chasing a beach break that's firing after a change in swell direction.
Our goal has always been simple:
Go where the waves are best.
That's exactly what a surfari is.
The name wasn't chosen because it sounded cool.
It was chosen because it reflects our philosophy.
Why Mexico Is Perfect for a Surfari
Mexico's Pacific coastline offers something that few destinations can match: variety.
Within a relatively short distance, surfers can find long points, beach breaks, reef setups, mellow waves, and powerful surf depending on the season.
Conditions change constantly.
The best wave today might not be the best wave tomorrow.
That's why local knowledge matters.
It's also why guided surf travel can transform a trip from good to unforgettable.
Instead of spending hours driving around, checking spots, and guessing where to surf, our guests benefit from years of local experience and daily decision-making focused on one thing: finding the best waves available.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
The surfers who first used the word "surfari" more than six decades ago were searching for adventure.
Today, At Surfari Mexico, we've simply adapted that philosophy to modern surf travel.
The word surfari still means what it did more than sixty years ago: leaving routine behind and searching for great waves.
That spirit is still alive today:
Every time we load boards into the truck before dawn.
Every time we discover perfect conditions at a quiet point break.
Every time guests leave Mexico with new friends, unforgettable memories, and stories they'll be telling for years.
Surfari Mexico isn't just the name of our company.
It's a reminder of why we started.
To explore.
To discover.
To chase great waves.
And to share the adventure with surfers from around the world so they can spend less time searching and more time surfing.
Because at the end of the day, the best surf trips aren't about staying in one place.
They're about the journey.
Welcome to Surfari Mexico.
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