Surf trips in Baja California Sur
Long point breaks, warm water year-round, S swell magnet with playful beach options nearby.
Baja California Sur is defined by its Pacific-facing point breaks that peel for 200m-plus on solid swell, anchored by setups like Scorpion Bay and Punta Conejo that rank among Mexico's most consistent right and left handers.
Winter swells (November-March) wrap the entire coast, but the real magic happens April through October when dedicated S and SW groundswell trains fire the east-facing breaks along the Los Cabos corridor and remote Pacific stretches. Intermediate to advanced surfers dominate the lineup, though beach breaks like Cerritos offer playful alternatives for all levels, and crowds spike at marquee breaks during prime windows.
I'd base in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo Pulmo for access to east-facing reefs and points, then venture north to Scorpion Bay or south to Punta Conejo on dedicated road trips. Minimum trip is five days.
Ten days lets you chase swells across both coasts and dodge the clusters that gather at famous breaks.
Find a wave, then pick a bed
25 spots and 1 camps in Baja California Sur.
When Baja California Sur fires
Baja California Sur, the long version
Logistics
International flights land at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), 20 minutes south of San Jose del Cabo. Rent a car or book a shuttle. Scooters exist but aren't reliable for longer point-break missions.
Most surfers base in San Jose del Cabo proper or nearby beach towns like Cerritos and Todos Santos on the Pacific side. The east cape (Cabo Pulmo, La Ribera) has fewer hotels but direct access to Zippers, The Rock, and Shipwreck. Roads are paved but seasonal sand-washes can block access to remote Pacific spots like Scorpion Bay and Punta Abreojos.
Plan 2-3 hours drive time for northern adventures. Fuel up in populated towns. Remote coastal stretches have no services.
WiFi and ATMs exist in San Jose and larger pueblos. Small board repair shops operate in Todos Santos and Cabo Pulmo, but bring spare leashes, fin keys, and ding tape.
Lineup etiquette
Baja Sur beaches and reefs are less territorial than famous Mexican breaks, but respect local crews at every spot. Scorpion Bay and Punta Conejo attract dedicated surfers who've invested time. Show patience on the peak and don't snake inside the main lineup.
At crowded east-cape breaks like Zippers and The Rock, the takeoff fills fast. Sit further back, read the peak, and take your turn. Most lineups have a mix of locals and tourists.
A friendly greeting in Spanish goes far. Avoid paddling over resting lineups at point breaks. Walk the beach to your entry point.
Dawn patrol (6-7am) is the gentlemen's agreement to beat crowds at famous breaks. Heavy water and shallow reefs demand respect. If you're not comfortable with the power and rocks, sit it out.
What to pack
Bring a 5'10 - 6'4 quiver: a point-break stick (6'2 - 6'4, narrow outline for trim and rail), a mid-range all-rounder (6'0 - 6'2 for beach and softer reefs), and a small-wave board (5'8 - 5'10) for choppy or under-head-high days. Reef booties are essential at Punta Conejo, Zippers, The Rock, and Monuments. Rocks and sharp volcanic reef will cut unprotected feet.
Water temps range 16-29°C. Bring a 3/2 spring suit for winter (November-March) and boardies or a 1mm rashguard for April-October. High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen is non-negotiable.
The Pacific coast reflects brutal midday UV. Pack a basic first-aid kit (antibiotic cream, tweezers for sea-urchin spines, antihistamine for stings). Wax suited to warm water (tropical or cold water blends depending on season) and at least two leashes minimize downtime.
Lightweight layers for evening coolness and a light rain jacket for scattered winter storms.
When to go
April through October is the region's prime window. S and SW swell trains arrive regularly, firing the east-cape breaks (Zippers, Shipwreck, The Rock) and the long points (Scorpion Bay, Punta Conejo). I've seen Scorpion Bay peeling from 6-10ft, with perfect offshore winds and empty lineups in mid-May.
Crowds build June-August as summer holiday traffic peaks. September-October see fewer tourists and consistent swell with cleaner, less crowded mornings. November through March brings winter N and W swells that wrap the Pacific coast and light up some beach breaks, but many point breaks sit quiet.
Water temps drop to 16-17°C in January-February, requiring a proper cold-water suit. If you hate crowds and can chase swell forecasts, October is your sweet spot. If you want guaranteed warmth and playful beach options, June-July deliver despite the tourist influx.
The questions we get asked most
Some spots are. Cerritos and The Estuary work for learners on small days, but most celebrated breaks (Scorpion Bay, Punta Conejo, Zippers) demand intermediate+ skill and reef or rock awareness. Bring a coach or go with experienced friends if you're early in your surfing.
June-August. Holiday tourists pack San Jose and Cabo Pulmo. Easter week and Thanksgiving also spike numbers. April, May, September-October see fewer surfers and equally good swell. Come then if you can.
April-October, boardies or a 1mm rashguard suffice. November-March, water drops to 16-18°C. Bring a 3/2 spring suit or 4/3 if you're cold-blooded. Reef booties are essential year-round at sharp reef and rock breaks.