Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 08:09 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Cabo San Lucas, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Cabo San Lucas, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip, including surfer tips, surf seasons, surf spots, and everything else you need to know about surfing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
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About Surfing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas has developed dramatically in the past 2 decades. It turned from a small fishing village to a touristic party town. Situated at the very south end of the Baja California, Los Cabos area hosts some of the best surf spots in Mexico. For that reason, many surfers keep coming here to enjoy this excellent surf destination.
To surf in Cabo San Lucas, you must drive about 16-17 hours from the US border. However, many international flights land daily at Los Cabos Airport, which is only about 10 minutes from the waves, so taking a flight is the easier way.
Surf Seasons in Cabo San Lucas
The surf in the Cabo San Lucas area is up 365 a year. Since Cabo is divided into 2 different surfing areas, each receives the swell at different times of the year.
First, you have the area that stretches from the town of Cabo San Lucas all the way to San Jose and the East Cape. This area is exposed to the Sea of Cortez and receives the south swells during summer. Therefore, between April and October, the swell is very consistent; this is when you will surf the best waves. Besides September, which can bring some nasty winds and rain, the surf conditions during these months are just perfect. Furthermore, the water is warm, so there is no need for a wetsuit.
Then, there is the other surfing area northwest of Cabo San Lucas. This area faces the Pacific Ocean and is exposed to the north swell. Therefore, the surf spots in this area work best during the winter months, between November and March. The water in this area is colder, and you should definitely bring your wetsuit (a short one is enough).
Surf Spots in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
When surfing in Cabo San Lucas, you can choose between several different surf spots, depending on the time of the year and the swell size. As mentioned, in the winter months, you want to surf the beaches on the Pacific side, northwest of Cabo. In contrast, during summer, you can surf either the spots on the corridor (the road between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo) or in the East Cape.
So, Divided into surf areas, these are the best surf spots in Cabo San Lucas.
Surf Spots in the Pacific Side
Cerritos:
This beautiful beach plays a big part in Cabo San Lucas’ surf scene. The swell in Cerritos is consistent, and the waves are suitable for all skill levels. While the northern part of the beach offers a right-hand point break, the center of the beach is a typical beach break. Both breaks are relatively soft and mellow, but the rides at the point are longer.
San Pedrito:
About a 10-minute drive from Cerritos, you will find San Pedrito. Unlike Cerritos, this beach has no hotels, restaurants, or surf schools. However, it offers a spectacular right-hand reef break. In fact, the waves at San Pedrito are faster and more powerful than in Cerritos. For that reason, between November and March, you will see many local surfers from Cabo San Lucas coming to ride these waves. And yet, it is never too crowded.
Surf Spots in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose
Monuments:
This is the closest surf spot to the town of Cabo San Lucas, also known as “Misiones”. It is a powerful left-hand wave breaking over a sharp rocky bottom full of sea urchins. In fact, this is the only left point break in the area, so goofy footers love this beach. Luckily, Monuments is the spot that picks up the most swell of all spots. Therefore, on the small days, or when everywhere else is flat, you can count on this spot to produce some good waves.
El Tule:
Right in the middle of the road between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose, you will find El Tule. This is a fast reef break, which opens up to the right side. The takeoff zone is steep, but once you make it, you get a tremendous open ride.
Old Man’s:
This spot is also called “Acapulquito,” and it is located right next to San Jose in Costa Azul Beach. This is the ultimate longboard surf spot of Los Cabos. Yes, you can surf it on a shortboard, too, but since the wave is fat and mellow, the guys with the big vehicles will probably catch it much earlier than you. This is the most crowded spot in the area, but with a longboard, you can get extremely long rides.
La Roca (The Rock):
A short paddle from Old Man’s, and you are here. In the middle of the water, you will see a big rock pop out, and next to it, many surfers waiting for their wave. This rock creates a great takeoff spot for the waves, which continues to open up mainly to the right side. The bottom is a flat reef from the good kind. Luckily, it is a friendly reef and not a sharp one. However, watch out on your feet when you get off a wave because it is full of sea urchins.
Zippers:
You will find this spot a bit further east from La Roca (paddle or walking distance). Zippers is considered a “locals spot”, but no worries, as long as you are an “OK” surfer and show respect, you can surf here. In fact, this right-hand reef break hosts many national and international surf competitions and produces high-quality waves.
Surf Spots in the East Cape
Shipwrecks:
Drive east from San Jose, and you will get to the East Cape, where the desert meets the ocean. Then, after about 20 minutes on a dusty road, you will see shipwrecks (the ship is no longer there, but the name still is). This right-hand point break is maybe the best surf spot in the Los Cabos area. It is fast, open, and long, so don’t miss out on this one on your surf trip. Also, there is a beach break in the middle of the beach, which is usually empty.
La Fortuna:
Similarly to La Roca, here you will also see a big rock pops out and creates a takeoff zone. This wave requires a big swell to be at its best and opens to both the right and the left sides.
Nine Palms:
Deep into the East Cape, about a 15-minute drive after Shipwrecks, you will get to this spot. This is the longest wave in the Los Cabos area. It is a right-hand point break, and the waves break very far from the shore. On a good day, you can get an open ride of more than 1 minute. This is definitely an incredible beach to surf and camp on.
Can Beginners Surf in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, definitely!
Old Man’s and Cerritos are fantastic beaches for beginners. Both offer a mellow break, and many surf lessons take place on these beaches.
If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, you can find more powerful waves in the other surf spots in Los Cabos.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Cabo San Lucas.
Surf Hotels in the Cabo San Lucas Area
When coming to surf in Cabo San Lucas, you obviously want to stay as close as possible to the best breaks. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the Los Cabos Area:
1. BeachFront Resort Mykonos, Los Cabos– Located in San Jose del Cabo, just 50 m from Hotelera Beach, BeachFront Resort Mykonos provides beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and free WiFi. Featuring free private parking, the apartment is where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and tennis.
2. The Cape, Thompson Hotel– with two swimming pools and an outdoor spa, The Cape offers accommodation in the Cabo San Lucas area just in front of the left break of Monuments. Guests can enjoy a tasty meal at one of the 2 restaurants available on-site, and free WiFi access is available in this resort.
3. Cerritos Beach Hotel Desert Moon– Situated on the Pacific side, next to the point break of Cerritos, this property has a great location and a sun terrace for guests to enjoy some sunshine. The property also has a restaurant and a bar.
For more surf hotels in Cabo San Lucas, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Cabo San Lucas
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the surf spots of Cabo San Lucas at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. The Riptide Surf Hostel.
2. Cabo Surf Retreat.
3. Baja Surf Camp.
For all the details about Cabo San Lucas surf camps, please click here.
Nightlife in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas’ surf scene is fantastic, but as you probably know, it is not the only reason people come here. Cabo is maybe the craziest party town in Mexico. It is a hot destination for young Americans, full of restaurants, bars, and electric nightclubs. Right on the main street in town, you will find all the action. You can cruise around in the more mellow places such as the Happy Ending, Cabo Wabo, and Hard Rock, or if you are in the mood for a hardcore celebration, go to Squid Roe, Mandala, or Pink Kittie, where the party lasts till 4 AM.
Cabo- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Mexican peso.
Population– over 200,000.
Calling code– +52.
Time zone– GMT -7.
Pros– a variety of surf spots, great nightlife, close to the US.
Cons– must rent a car to move between different surf spots.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Cabo San Lucas is lots of fun. With stunning beaches, great waves, and a happy Mexican vibe, it is the ultimate place for a surf trip. If you have some time left, you can also check out surf spots in the mainland of Mexico, such as Sayulita or the world-famous Puerto Escondido.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Cabo San Lucas. Have a great surf trip!
