Todos Santos Surf Guide
Northwest of Cabo, Todos Santos is a small town with a few solid breaks nearby.
Quick Facts
Close to Cerritos, one of the better breaks in the area
Much quieter than Cabo to the south
Fun little town with good food and plenty to do
Gets a range of swells due to location
Introduction to Todos Santos
Not to be confused with Bahia de Todos Santos up to the north near Ensenada or the islands with the same name off the coast there, Todos Santos is a town in Baja California Sur (BCS). About an hour and a half north of Cabo, Todos Santos is a fun town that has some energy behind it, but not quite the party atmosphere of Cabo. It’s grown in the last 20 years quite a bit, but remains a bit of a retreat from the sometimes-chaotic scene in Cabo. There are a few breaks that can be quite solid in the area, although nothing really great right in the town itself.
Todos Santos Surf Season
The best surf season in Todos Santos in our opinion is for sure wintertime. The northwest swells will hit breaks like Killers and San Pedrito more consistently, and create bigger waves. In the summer, you’ll find mellower waves that can be lovely. However, they’re less consistent in general and won’t be quite as big. Winter also will see more crowded lineups, but I still wouldn’t call this spot a crowded one by any means.
Where to Surf in Todos Santos
There’s no break worth surfing right in town, but Cerritos is just about 15 minutes south. You’ll find schools and surfers from Todos Santos and Cabo here. Swells can hit double overhead in the winter, and you will likely need a wetsuit. The main break is a sandy beach break, while there’s a southern reef break for more advanced surfers. Finally, there’s a rivermouth break at the north end of the beach that rocks at high tide.
Crowds - Not Much
Surfer Level - Any
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - E/SE
Break Type - Beach, reef, river
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Reef underneath at the south end
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Todos Santos
Pescadero Surf Camp - If you’re looking for a surf camp in Todos Santos, this is really your only bet. Pescadero is more of a surf-themed hotel, but they do rent surfboards for $20/day, as well as offer lessons. They have plenty of surfboard and boogie boards in their quiver. They also offer camping options, little casitas, a penthouse, and a private casa.
Mario Surf School - Not actually in Todos Santos proper, Mario Surf School is down in Cerritos. That’s okay, because Playa Cerritos is where the best waves are anyway. In addition to surf classes, they offer SUP tours, kayaking, multi-day packages, and more.
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
San Pedrito
Less crowded than Cerritos, a fairly consistent break best surfed at high tide due to the cobblestone floor.
Crowds - Not Much
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - E/SE, Low
Break Type - Cobblestone
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Not at low tide!
La Pastora
A bit harder of a break, La Pastora is a reef break to the north of town. Waves can really pump here on the right day, and it’s often empty.
Crowds - Not much
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - E/SE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Reef
Cabo
Not the best surfing in Mexico, nor is it super close. But there are plenty of breaks in the Cabo area.
Crowds - Yup
Surfer Level - All
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Many
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Other Things to Do in Todos Santos
Explore the Downtown Area - Downtown Todos Santos is relatively small, and an easy place to walk around. There’s beautiful old colonial architecture, tons of papel picado decorating the streets, and lots of local galleries and boutiques worth checking out.
Hike Punta Lobos - If you want to get some more time outdoors and exercising, go hike to the top of Punta Lobos. It’s truly stunning. There are many different trails to take, and you’ll end up with a crazy view of the bay and surrounding area. We’ve never seen one from here, but we’ve heard you can sometimes see whales from the top!
Release Sea Turtles - This is a popular thing to do in the area, especially if you are with family or kids. We recommend checking out Tortugueros Las Playitas. With their guides, you can help release the little turtle hatchlings into the sea at night. It’s free. I believe they ask for donations to support the cause and conservation so bring some pesos!
Where to Stay in Todos Santos
If you don’t want to stay at one of the many surf camps in Jacó, don’t worry! We have you covered. There are seriously a ton of hotels in town. The town can get rather rowdy with parties at night. This may be what you’re looking for, or not, so keep that in mind.
Perro Surfero
Boutique relaxing hotel
Perro Surfero is a small boutique hotel located in Todos Santos. It’s great for couples with their small pools, ice baths, and communal kitchen. It’s a geat place to meet people, and they have a lovely coworking space!
Hotel El Perdido
Rural villas in El Pescadero
Hotel El Perdido is a collection of seven beautiful villas. The natural villas and sleek pool leave you feeling like you’re a part of the environment rather than hiding from it. I believe it is adults-only, and offers a serene experience!
Hotel San Cristobal
Beautiful hotel right on the beach
Hotel San Cristobal’s rooms are unrivaled. Right ont he beach with little plunge pools, it’s seriously an amazing place to stay. They also have a great restaurant, Cosecha. This means harvest in Spanish and is a true farm to table experience!
Villa Gardenia
Cute casita two minutes from the beach
Just five minutes from downtown, Casa Studio is a little one bedroom casita for adults. It’s a nice little retreat, where you can have some peace and quiet.
Getting to Todos Santos
If you’re traveling from another country, you’ll want to book a flight to SJD in Cabo. Many hotels in Todos Santos offer a shuttle service from the airport, but you can also hire a taxi or rent a car. Personally, I’d recommend renting a car. It’s a drive, not a walk, from the town of Todos Santos to any of the surf breaks, so the car will come in handy. A 4WD or AWD car is recommended for this part of Mexico due to the unpaved and bumpy roads you’ll encounter.
Restaurants in Todos Santos
The Green Room - A popular tourist spot at the beach worth checking out. They can get crowded! They have awesome appetizers and drinks, as well as entrees and meals. Their seafood is delicious and fresh, and it’s a fun vibe. They call it “elevated Mexican seafood” and I really can’t argue with that description.
El Compa Chava - Best spot for ceviche that we know of! Relatively affordable, and delicious fresh and local ceviche including fish, shrimp, octopus, and mixed. Last time we were there it was cash only. Things change, but be prepared.
Paradero - A more expensive meal, you won’t be disappointed. They use traditional ovens and make what I would call Mexican fusion food. Their seafood dishes can’t be missed!
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