The Baja California peninsula is a piece of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Over the last decades, Baja California became a surfing holy land with some of Mexico’s best surf spots.
Baja California Sur is the southern end of the peninsula, including the cities of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Puerto San Carlos. This part of Baja has warmer weather than north Baja and still has the same great waves as the rest of the peninsula.
Find a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185
On a surf trip to Baja California Sur, you can expect some great surf with only a fraction of the crowd you will usually find in Southern California and all that for a fraction of the cost!
When to surf Baja California Sur
The best time to surf Baja California Sur, Mexico is from March to November. This is when the best southern swells hit the Mexican coastline and water is warmer. Winter will also offer great surfing conditions, just not as consistent as during summer.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 20°C 68°F | 23°C 73°F | 27°C 81°F | 30°C 87°F | 29°C 84°F | 22°C 73°F |
| Water temperature | 24°C 75°F | 23°C 73°F | 25°C 78°F | 28°C 82°F | 28°C 82°F | 26°C 82°F |
| Crowd | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 85% | 90% | 90% | 95% | 95% | 85% |
| Swell height | 4 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft |
Surf Camps in Baja California Sur
Find a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185
7-day Exclusive Surf Retreat for Beginners in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California
US$299, including:
- 5 surf lessons
- 1 guided art-walk through San Jose art district
- All equipment, documentation photo and video, and professional instructors
- Daily healthy breakfast and ground transportation
- 6 nights accommodation
- Camping night
Where to stay in Baja California Sur
Cabo San Lucas
Playa Grande Resort is the best reviewed hotel in Cabo San Lucas with amazing location and service. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is another great option for anyone looking to surf near Los Cabos.
La Paz
Casabuena B&B is a great place to stay on a budget while Hotel Catedral La Paz offers a bit more quality still at a decent price.
Browse our Interactive Map to Find the Best Deals in Baja California Sur!
Getting there
The best way to get to Baja California Sur is to fly to Cabo San Lucas or any major airport in the area. From there, you can get around using local public transportation, taxi or car rental.
Safety/things to know
-Before planning a trip, read all local guidelines regarding Covid-19
-Mexico remains a country with a fairly high criminality rate. Avoid leaving tourist areas, especially at night.
Baja California Sur Surf Spots
Scorpion Bay
Near the little town of San Juanico is a great wave called Scorpion Bay. When it’s on, Scorpion Bay is hands down Mexico’s most epic wave. A long, perfect right-hand point that goes on for hundreds of meters. It has a few different sections that will connect on a good swell.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E
Punta Abreojos
When it works, Punta Abreojos is another epic Mexican point break. Located just north of Scorpion Bay, this wave works well on a SSW swell and will be more consistent from May to October.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand and rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NW
Shipwrecks
Located on the southeastern tip of the peninsula, Shipwrecks is a really fun and special break. As the name suggests, this surf spot is surrounded by ship wrecks. The wave itself is smooth and manageable for almost every surfer.
Wave direction : Any
Bottom : Reef/rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NW