Surf’s Up in Los Cabos
Los Cabos has world class waves for everyone, boasting consistently enjoyable surfing conditions to suit all abilities in all seasons. The stunning desert landscape provides a dramatic backdrop to warm, azul hued waters and the Los Cabos area is home to both surfing schools and professional championships. The cold waves of the Pacific meet the warmer Sea of Cortez, with serious swells traveling across many miles to crash upon the shore. Most popular surf spots are easily accessed and over two dozen premier locations are within 90 minutes drive of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Surfing in Los Cabos generally happens in three separate areas. The southeast facing Costa Azul lies west of San Jose del Cabo on the peninsula’s tip and features rocky reef breaks, in which the waves break in deep waters due to an underlying rocky formation or coral reefs. The Pacific Coast northwest of Cabo San Lucas contains both reef breaks and beach breaks, the latter being classic surf breaks resulting from a shallow sandy bottom. The East Cape lies a bit east of San Jose del Cabo and faces south, and is most known for right point breaks and their signature long riding waves.
Los Cabos began to become known by surfers starting in the 1950’s, as discovered by traveling California sailors and fishermen. Champion longboard surfer Steve Bigler, visited the area in 1967 while filming the movie Golden Breed, which created demand for an airstrip at San Jose del Cabo. Surf forecaster Sean Collins of Surfline fame arrived on the scene in the late 1960’s, exploring and promoting the area further into the 1970’s. The Trans-Peninsular highway connected Baja Norte and Baja Sur as of 1973, but the real rush began in the 1980’s as condo developments and golf resorts started to populate the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The Fletcher Los Cabos Classic was held in 1991 and won by legend Kelly Slater as the first big surf contest for the area.
Surf Seasons in Los Cabos
Summer: May though October is the busiest season in Southern Baja for surfers and the best surf conditions for the Sea of Cortez. Periodic storm-induced swells termed chubascos can direct perfect waves into the East Cape environs while swells from New Zealand and other southern hemisphere waters spread large scale waves to all of the Los Cabos surf zones. Hot, sticky weather predominates, making the water a pleasant escape.
Fall: September-November starts to cool down, though south swells are still readily found along the Costa Azul and East Cape beaches. They are joined by west swells, moving some of the surfing action over to the Pacific.
Winter: December-February is a very busy time in Los Cabos for all manner of vacationers, making prime surfing spots more likely to have crowds. The East Cape and Costa Azul are low on waves this time of year, but the Pacific coast enjoys reliable west swells.
Spring: March-May is a transition back to southern swells and May is actually recorded as the most consistent month in that regard. Winds can be strong but it’s a great time to beat the summer crowds.
Best Surf Spots in Los Cabos
For those lodging in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, over a dozen breaks are located within easy reach along the tourist corridor.
Easy:
Acapulquito (also known as Old Man’s): Easily found directly across from the Cabo Surf Hotel, Acapulquito is a long, smooth right break easily handled by novice surfers. There are surfing lessons available here, and it’s a great place to get in some practice as a novice surfer. Its other nickname of Old Man’s is due to a more senior crowd that frequents this spot.
Intermediate:
The Rock: Close to Acapulquito, The Rock has quicker wave action and is well balanced for action on both left and right sides.
Zippers: Perhaps the most known break in Los Cabos, Zippers is the closest break to San Jose del Cabo and is where the Los Cabos Open of Surf is held. Zippers is best enjoyed during summer when southern swell predominates, producing a fast right break and a lippy wave that can barrel near shore.
Advanced:
Monuments: This iconic wave is located just below the Thompson Hotel, one of the closest breaks to Cabo San Lucas. Known for a dense reef bottom and an uncommon left break on the Sea of Cortez, this challenging spot provides several tricky point breaks alongside protruding rocks. Just ten minutes outside of Cabo San Lucas, Monuments is also a great spot to watch veteran surfers in actions.
East Cape
The East Cape is home to several more remote surfing spots, often accessed by bumpy dirt roads and 4WD vehicles. This area shines in the summer, when large southern swells bring the iconic Baja surfing experience.
Shipwrecks: An hour’s drive past Los Cabos, Shipwrecks is the nearest significant break along the East Cape, delivering a fast right point break ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Nine Palms: Fifteen minutes further down the road, Nine Palms in a longer wave and a chance for a barrel in the midsection. Also best suited to the intermediate/advanced surfer, Nine Palms is ideal in the morning and afternoon when winds are lowest.
The Pacific
Open ocean waters along the Baja coastline offer opportunity for both novice and experienced surfers. The water tends to be 5-10 degrees cooler here and a springsuit is often advised.
Cerritos: The most popular beach on the Pacific side of Los Cabos is just 45 mins out of town. A sandy bottom provides a break that can accommodate varying abilities. Beginners can enjoy the inside waves off the point’s edge while advanced surfers can ride the fast, outside point break. Other left and right breaks are available nearby along the beach. Surf lessons are available at Cerritos, both for beginners and those wanting to improve their skills.
San Pedrito: For the intermediate to advanced surfer, San Pedrito delivers a powerful right point break when swells are strong.
La Pastora: An hour north of Los Cabos and decidedly off the beaten path, uncrowded La Pastora has an consistently good exposed point break, as well as other fun breaks suitable for expert surfers.
Our Location
Let’s Plan Your Next Vacation: Where unforgettable memories are crafted. We’re here to ensure your vacations are truly extraordinary.
- 1813 Parker Ln, Austin, TX 78741, United States
- rentals@costamarvillas.net
- +1 (800) 875 6751
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Welcome to The Cabos! With expert knowledge of the area, we provide personalized recommendations and reservations for premier attractions, dining, and shopping in Southern Baja. Our top goal is to deliver exceptional, memorable service to our guests that showcases all the Los Cabos has to offer.
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