Cabo Surfing
Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding beaches have some amazing surf (and other activites)
Quick Facts
Huge variety of beaches, reefs, and waves
Relatively large swell window, especially for Mexico
Not the most beginner-friendly spot in Mexico
Tons of other activities to keep you occupied
Because there are so many swells coming in from different angles along this peninsula, there are generally spots to surf year-round in Baja California. For the best time in and around Cabo, you’re looking at summer (June - August/September). The S/SW swells make Cabo and Costa Azul a prime destination for surfers during these months. For the big breaks, winter is the time in Todos Santos. In autumn and spring, you may find a mix of good days and bad days with groundswells coming in from the west.
Surf Season in Cabo
If you’re looking to be close to the actual hotels and town, the place to go is Costa Azul, the main beach of Los Cabos. There are three popular breaks there:
Zippers - A popular local spot, a solid right. Just an awesome wave when it is firing
The Rock - Far west side of the beach, popular point break. Often a bit more aggressive and pitchy, less locals
Old Man’s - Best beginner wave, good logger spot. Great for intermediates to practice trimming!
Where to Surf in Cabo
Surf Camps and Classes in Cabo
There’s no shortage of schools and lessons in Cabo. You shouldn’t have any problem finding them while there.
Crazy Joe (or Joe Cool) - Works with several local hotels/hostels, offers beginner-oriented 3 day camps and 5 day camps.
Cabo Surf Hotel - Right on the beach, working closely with Mike Doyle Surf School, a great place to stay with likeminded surfers.
Cerritos Surf Lessons - Private one-on-one lessons with awesome guys. Ask for Luis if you can :)
Surf Shop Lineup - A bit more expensive, but right in town and super accessible surf classes with a variety of boards.
Nearby Surf Spots
Crowds - Super crowded
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - W/NW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Right point, beach both ways
Consistency - 90%+
Be Aware: People, lots of beginners and swimmers
About 45 minutes north of town, Cerritos is the go-to for beginners in Cabo. Really the best option in the area, and there are many surf schools who bring their students up here. Tons of whitewash in the bay, and swells from the NW (often in the winter) make great logging waves.
Playa Cerritos
La Fortuna
Crowds - Not much
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell -S
Ideal Wind - Low
Break Type - Beach + point
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Rocks
In my opinion, the best right in Cabo when it’s firing well. Better in Summer when the swell is coming from the south. Definitely not beginner friendly, and a bit hard to get to.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/NW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Peaky beach, right point
Consistency - 90%+
Be Aware: People
One of the few spots that can get surfable waves year-round in Cabo. About 20 minutes from town/resorts, it often is a bit peaky. Sometimes can find solid rights here off the point.
Milgrino
Crowds - Medium
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach break
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Sand bar, rips
Deserves its own page. A bit farther up from Playa Cerritos, probably the best surf spot in Baja California Sur in general. Can barrel at low tide to the right, and San Pedro is a few kilometers to the south for the days when Todos Santos is pumping too big.
Todos Santos
Other Things to Do in Cabo
Cabo is full of stuff for tourists to do. Here’s a few things we think are actually worth the money:
Snorkel and Dive - Cabo and the Sea of Cortez have some incredible snorkeling and diving. Take a snorkeling tour (with open bar) or go diving. Our personal top recommendation :)
Private Ocean Tour - A bit pricy for sure, but get a private yacht to go whale watching and snorkeling!
Hiking Tour - Take a nice long hike to the surrounding waterfalls, with food included. A more mellow day, but some serious hiking.
Golf - We aren’t actually golfers ourselves but the golf in Cabo (we hear) is world-class. Check out some of the beautiful desert courses in the area!
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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