Cabo San Lucas, the vibrant Mexican town at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and thrilling water sports. Among these, surfing stands out as a beloved activity, attracting wave riders from around the globe. With its consistent swells, diverse breaks, and breathtaking scenery, Cabo San Lucas offers a surfing experience like no other.

In this article, we’ll explore the best surfing spots in this sun-drenched paradise, providing you with insider tips and essential information to make the most of your surfing adventure. 

Monuments Beach (Playa Monumentos): Picturesque Swells

In the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Monuments Beach is a popular beach break that caters to surfers of all levels, particularly seasoned surfers. This sandy stretch offers fast-breaking waves that are perfect for those with years of surf experience or pros looking to improve their skills. The beach’s proximity to the town center and numerous surf schools make it an ideal spot for lessons and rentals. It also offers a unique bonus: stunning rock formations, including the famous El Arco, form a stunning backdrop to your surfing.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the beach, as it can get crowded during peak hours. Additionally, be mindful of the occasional strong currents and follow the guidance of local surf instructors.

Pescadero: Quiet Beach Town

About an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find the relatively off-grid small fishing village of Pescadero, which boasts a long stretch of beach with several surf breaks. Its sandy beach, called Playa El Pescadero, is known for the variety of the swell of its waves, making it a great spot for folks with intermediate surfing skills. 

Insider Tip: Lots of sea urchins scattered across Pescadero. Dress and equip yourself appropriately.

Los Cerritos: Beginner’s Delight

For those seeking a more secluded and uncrowded surfing experience, Los Cerritos is a hidden gem worth exploring. Located within the town of Pescadero, this beach break on the Pacific side of the peninsula offers consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere. With approachable waves and a sandy bottom, Los Cerritos is a great spot for beginner surfers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Baja peninsula. 

Insider Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited amenities in the area. Additionally, be mindful of the rocky terrain and exercise caution when entering and exiting the water.

Todos Santos

About an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas, the charming town of Todos Santos offers an exciting surf scene with several beach breaks to explore. The consistent waves and uncrowded lineups make it a favorite among experienced locals and visiting surfers alike. 

Insider Tip: After a surf session, be sure to explore the town’s vibrant art scene, galleries, and excellent farm-to-table restaurants. Or just grab a bite at the beach while taking in the beautiful vista of the Pacific Ocean.

Migriño: Powerful Waves

Playa Migrino is a hidden gem located just 20 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas. It offers strong swells from summer to winter, making it an alternative for those looking for larger waves. This beach break is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, as the waves can be powerful and the currents strong. 

Insider Tip: Pack plenty of supplies as there are limited amenities in the area, and be prepared for a rugged adventure across its desert terrain.

Bahia Chileno: Classic Paradise

Situated in the East Cape region, Bahia Chileno is a beautiful bay that offers several surf spots, including a point break and a beach break. The waves here can be challenging, but the stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters make it a true surfer’s paradise. 

Insider Tip: Consider staying at one of the nearby surf camps or eco-resorts for easy access to the breaks and a truly immersive experience.

Costa Azul: Waves for All Levels

Located just north of San Jose del Cabo, Costa Azul is a popular surf spot known for its consistent beach breaks and multiple level surfer-friendly waves. The area is also home to several surf schools, making it an excellent choice for those looking to learn or improve their skills.

Within Costa Azul are three main surf breaks:

Old Man’s a.k.a. Acapulquito (Costa Azul)

Old Man’s is a popular beach break known for its consistent waves and beginner-friendly conditions. This spot is a great option for those looking to learn or improve their surfing skills in a relatively mellow environment. 

Insider Tip: The beach can get crowded during peak seasons, so arrive early to secure a prime spot and take advantage of the calmer morning conditions.

Zippers (Costa Azul)

For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled surfing experience, Zippers is a must-visit destination. This world-class right-hand point break is located just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas, offering challenging waves that can reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters) during peak swells. Zippers is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can handle the powerful waves and rocky terrain. 

Insider Tip: Check the tide and swell conditions before heading to Zippers, as the break can become dangerously powerful during large swells. Also, Zippers is a favorite spot of locals, so it’s advisable to surf with a local guide or experienced surfer who knows the area well.

The Rock (Costa Azul)

Just a short distance from Old Man’s, The Rock is another surf spot in Costa Azul that offers a more challenging wave. This beach break is characterized by a rocky outcropping that creates some strong waves that may be sectiony and fleeting, good enough for casual surfers.

Insider Tip: Check forecasts for tide levels before heading to The Rock. Shallow breaks will get you closer to lurking sea urchins on the bottom.

El Tule: A Hidden Gem

For those seeking a more remote and adventurous surf experience, El Tule is a hidden gem located in the East Cape region. This beach break offers powerful waves and a rugged, untouched setting, making it a favorite among experienced surfers. 

Insider Tip: Be prepared for a challenging hike to access the break, and exercise caution due to the strong currents and rocky terrain.

Shipwrecks: Secluded Swells

Shipwrecks stands out as one of the few Los Cabos surf spots you can count on to deliver rideable waves from typical ocean swells. Its strategic location tucked into the entrance of the Sea of Cortez provides shelter from the summer onshore winds, although it may miss out on some of the larger west and northwest swells. However, when the waves range from 5 to 9 feet, Shipwrecks truly shines. 

Insider Tip: This location is not well-marked – it’s helpful to have a local guide with you. The drive, however, is incredibly scenic. While Shipwrecks is the name of a single break, the area boasts nearly 10 different surf spots that all respond to the same swell direction.

La Fortuna: Adrenaline Rush

At La Fortuna, the wave offers an exhilarating surfing experience with some of the biggest open faces in the Cabo region. However, it requires massive southern swells to really turn on since it’s nestled right on the eastern coast of Baja California. Typically less crowded than the popular breaks around Costa Azul, this wave is a true performer’s canvas. Shortboards are the call, allowing you to unleash radical turns and carve intricate lines across the wide open faces.

Insider Tip: This area’s rocky bottom may require you to bootie up accordingly. There is a nearby surf shop should you need more gear.

Planning a Surf Getaway? Book Today with Come To Cabo

Cabo San Lucas is a true surfer’s paradise, offering a diverse range of surf spots to suit every skill level and preference. Whether you’re a seasoned wave-rider or a newcomer to the sport, Cabo San Lucas promises an unforgettable surfing experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a vibrant surf culture. So grab your board, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to ride the waves in this Mexican surf mecca. 

If you’re visiting Cabo for this experience, contact Come to Cabo to help you arrange your trip. Our team offers an exceptional selection of Cabo accommodations and takes care of every detail of your visit. From pre-stocking your villa with snacks to arranging private chefs, butlers, and customized activities, we can handle it all for you. Book your stay at one of our properties, and we’ll ensure your surfing vacation is nothing short of epic. Contact us today at 1-800-975-5569 to start planning your dream surf trip to Cabo San Lucas.