Discover a Surfing Paradise in Cabo

The surfing opportunities in Cabo San Lucas are some of the best in the Americas, drawing avid surfers from around the world, but particularly from the US. With its variety of beaches, diverse point breaks, and large swell window, Cabo is undeniably a paradise for surfers of all skill levels. There are more than 20 breaks in Cabo, spanning Baja California’s southernmost coast from the East Cape all the way to Todos Santos in the Pacific. That means, when you stay with us at Pueblo Bonito, you’ll be able to surf right from your backyard. But before we list our top six locations for experienced surfers, we’ll share our insider tips for beginners. 

With a growing reputation for its big swells and superior surf culture, Cabo can feel a tad intimidating for newbies. But fear not! There are two beaches practically made for you. The first is Cerritos. One of the most popular beaches for anyone staying in Cabo San Lucas. Cerritos boasts gorgeous white sand and idealic water. Most importantly, however, its position on the Pacific side of the peninsula means that it gains access to those northern swells that make California so popular. The consistent, small swells make it the ideal place to take advantage of surfing lessons. More than one six-and-a-half-hour surfing experience is offered during the winter months as the Pacific coast doesn’t offer swells in the winter, making Cerritos a reliable option for newbies surfers. Many such experiences include transportation from Pueblo Bonito as well as lunch, refreshments, and snacks. After all, nothing works up an appetite like surfing! Expert surfing instructors will guide you through everything you need to know while keeping you safe at every point along the way. Advanced surfers can level-up, too, with coaching opportunities rather than how-to lessons.

Costa Azul Beach is one of our all-time favorite places to surf near Cabo. This fantastic beach is close to Cabo San Lucas and very close to San José del Cabo. Three-hour surf lessons often include round-trip transportation, use of a surfboard and wetsuit, and guidance from bilingual instructors. It’s worth noting that the swell at Costa Azul Beach is pure brilliance in the summer, but it isn’t consistent in winter, so most surfing outfits operate such services during the summer months only. But you can find out everything you need to know on providers’ websites. Different from Cerritos, Costa Azul Beach is on the eastern edge of the peninsula, so you get a different kind of surf here. In either location, depending on the season and the weather, the surf tends to be very reliable and is great option for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

As soon as you’ve gotten your footing and grown your confidence, join an international crowd of surfing enthusiasts at one of the “swellest” spots in Cabo. and the world. Here are our top 9!

Todos Santos

Don’t confuse this spot with the other Baja break on Isla de Todos Santos. That’s a much heavier prospect with an extra, extra low tow-out, in fact. Here, just a short drive up the lovely desert coast road of the Baja California Sur, you can find a real mix of breaks. Experienced boarders are sure to love the exposed reef at La Pastora (see next). When it’s working, that can roll into very fast barrels on low tide. Look ‘right’ and get positioned well and you’ll be pitted and spitted before you can shout Baja. A little to the south are the more accessible waves of Playa San Pedro—also stunning!

La Pastora

About an hour’s drive north from Cabo San Lucas, just outside of Pueblo Mágico Todos Santos, La Pastora has rewarded surfers from all over the world for decades. This unspoiled spot offers inspiring ‘right’ breaks, and at times, really solid ‘left’ breaks as well. But because of its rocky bottom and big winter swells, it may be best left for the more experienced. After your session, a short tour of Todos Santos may be worth your time, especially with the number of fantastic restaurants open in town.

Acapulquito

Also called “Old Man’s” because of the surfer elder that used to frequent it, this point breaks directly in front of Mike Doyle Surf School and tends to get mostly smaller and slower waves. But it is worthy of a mention because beginners can mix with the more experienced. After all, we get better by practicing up! Acapulquito’s gentle waves and the fact that there are fewer sea urchins here make it a paradise for both newbies and experienced surfers looking for a more relaxed day on the board or to practice their mechanics.

The Rock

Within paddling distance of Acapulquito along Costa Azul is The Rock or La Roca, a ‘right’ point break that produces waves faster than Acapulquito. Three- to four-foot waves gain a bit of extra speed here and may get up to 10 feet with pending or trailing tropical storms. The Rock can also produce barrels, making it a favorite among the more advanced surfers.

Migrino

Thanks to its west-coast location, Migrino enjoys a wide, 180-degree swell window that keeps it in action from summer to winter. It’s also one of the closest breaks to the Pueblo Bonito—about 20 minutes by car—on the Cabo San Lucas surf line up, so the crowds will make an exodus if it’s smaller to the south. Wave wise, expect a few peaks along the sand. However, the pièce de résistance is the ‘right hander’ at the point, that’s sure to mix things up when it’s rolling.

Zippers

Next to The Rock is Zippers. Here, the waves break really fast, and are even more challenging. This point break, which has been playing host to the annual Los Cabos Open of Surf since 2013, boasts nice long speed waves that are very popular with expert surfers. Not surprisingly, it can get pretty crowded and quite competitive, so if you’re not up to the challenge, it’s best to stay out of the way and watch. While you’re there, make sure to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the beach. There’s nothing like a delicious plate of fish tacos after a surf session—especially on National Fish Taco Day!

Monuments

Monuments, like Zippers, is best left to the seasoned surfers. This cove has some good-sized, yet tricky ‘left’ point breaks as well as an excess of massive rocks that protrude out of the water, making it treacherous for non-experienced surfers. The good news is, it’s only about 10 minutes east of Cabo San Lucas, right next to Misiones del Cabo. So don’t rush it; it’s an easy surfing spot to get to when you feel ready to tackle its waves.

Nine Palms

According to regulars, Nine Palms has breaks for all skill levels, even beginners. Also called Rancho Santa Elena, this ‘right’ point break on the Eastern Cape not only has consistent waves that give surfers nice, long rides; it manages not to get crowded. This makes it a favorite spot for locals. Now you know!

Shipwrecks

Rounding out our list is one of the last Los Cabo surf spots you can consistently get rolling on normal ocean swells. That’s because it’s tucked into the mouth of the Sea of Cortez with good protection from summer onshores. Still, you can ask the experts: it works beautifully between five and nine feet, offering a cruisy point with a big shoulder to play on. Shipwrecks is the name of one break, but the area actually has close to 10 of them. 

Now what are you waiting for? Grab your board, or rent one, and paddle out to ride the swells! Pueblo Bonito is your home base for surfing some of the best waters on the planet. Book your stay today.