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Aerial satellite view of Shipwreck surf break in Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Shipwreck

23.120, -109.527
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Surfline and WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Shipwreck is a right over mixed, fast sectiony right-hand point-reef.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 4-12 ft.
  • Peak April to October.
Right · MixedIntermediate → Advanced4–12 ftApr – Oct

A zippy right-hand point-reef on the east cape of Baja California Sur, Shipwreck delivers some of the most consistent surf between San Jose del Cabo and the East Cape corridor. S swell is the engine here, making April through October the prime window, and the wave picks up energy on par with Costa Azul nearby. The star attraction is a fast right that breaks at the west end of the bay, threading through distinct sections before connecting down to the beach on a good day. A secondary reef mid-bay throws up short lefts when conditions align. Intermediate to advanced surfers will get the most out of it. Crowds are moderate and can stack up on weekends, but multiple takeoff zones spread the pack. Bottom: sand, rock, reef. Season: April to October. Consistency: reliable summer performer. Mid tide is the sweet spot, dropping too low exposes rock sections and raises the hazard level significantly.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Apr – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Fast sectiony right-hand point-reef.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Hazards
Turning your back to the ocean.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy sections
  • Fish for smaller or mushier days
  • Longboard viable on the right when it walls up clean
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekday crowds are manageable. Weekends can get competitive, particularly when the swell is pumping. Local vibe is described as doable but can turn intense. Multiple takeoff zones help distribute the pack. Respect standard Baja lineup etiquette: wait your turn, don't snake, acknowledge the locals who surf here every day.

Access & Facilities

Park at the top of the cliff and pick your way down. It is a long paddle back to the channel after a good ride, so pace yourself. Watch the horizon: the hazard listed is turning your back to the ocean, and cleanup sets on this reef are not forgiving. Water quality is clean.

Nearby Alternatives

Nine Palms, a short drive north, offers a mellower right on the same S swell but with a longer, more walling shape. Costa Azul near San Jose del Cabo picks up similar swell and is worth checking if Shipwreck is maxing out or the crowd is unworkable.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Shipwreck surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Baja California Sur

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Shipwreck

What skill level is Shipwreck suited for?
Shipwreck is a mixed bottom, fast sectiony right-hand point-reef, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Shipwreck work best at?
Working size is 4 to 12 ft. Below 4 ft the swell goes flat. Above 12 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Shipwreck?
Shipwreck fires from April through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Shipwreck need?
Shipwreck switches on with swells out of the SSE to SW (157 to 225 degrees).
What are the main hazards at Shipwreck?
Main hazards at Shipwreck: Turning your back to the ocean..
What type of wave is Shipwreck?
Shipwreck is a right-breaking wave over mixed. Fast sectiony right-hand point-reef.

Sources

  • Surfline
  • WannaSurf
Shipwreck
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