A reeling right-hand point on Baja Sur's East Cape, Nine Palms has earned a loyal following on the Cabo circuit for good reason. It needs S or SE swell to fire, ideally head-high to double overhead, with a NW wind keeping the inside section glassy even when conditions elsewhere are blown out. Mid to incoming tide pulls the best shape from the wall, though forecast services notes it works across all tides. Below head-high the wave goes mushy and slow, so patience pays here. Crowds are moderate for a remote point, and the vibe is generally welcoming, though it can get slightly edgy on the better days. Bottom: sand over rock. Season: March through October on summer S swell. Consistency: medium. Pack reef booties for the shallower inside sections and time your session for early morning before any afternoon chop builds.
Despite sitting on a remote stretch of East Cape road, Nine Palms draws a consistent crowd when it's on. The local vibe is welcoming but can shift slightly on the better days. Respect the lineup order, don't over-paddle, and you'll be fine. Dawn patrol sessions before the crowds arrive are the move.
Park directly above the break off the East Cape road. Free parking and basic camping nearby make this a solid overnight destination. No formal facilities, so bring water and food. Watch for exposed rocks on the inside when the tide drops. Water quality is generally clean with minor residential influence.
A few kilometres up the road, Punta Perfecta offers the tube section missing at Nine Palms when the swell has enough punch. Los Frailes, a large sandy bay to the north, is worth checking on a big SE swell for its left reef option.
Forecast by Windy.app
