Top Surf Destinations in Baja California Sur: Your Guide
If you're a surfer, you already know that Baja California Sur is a bucket list destination. But if you're new to the area (or new to surfing) you might not know where to start. The good news? You don't have to travel far. Some of Mexico's best waves are literally minutes from our bungalow, and a couple hours away, you'll find incredible, sought after breaks.
Here's your insider guide to the best surf spots in Baja Sur!
Have a board? Great! If not, you have options. There are a handful of great surf shops with everything from board rentals, wet suit tops, wax, sunscreen, and tees: Todos Santos Surf Shop (downtown Todos Santos), La Katrina Surf + Supply (Las Tunas), and Costa Azul Surf Shop (Cerritos). And, you can directly support local surf scene by renting from the guys on the beach! The guys at Cerritos are all friendly, have a nice selection of boards, and accept cash. They also rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas – if you have a group and will be there for at least a few hours, it’s always nice to support them.
Cerritos Beach: The Accessible Break for Everyone
Cerritos Beach (Playa los Cerritos) is your go-to if you want consistent, forgiving waves with a sand-bottom beach break. Located just minutes from El Pescadero and fifteen minutes from Todos Santos, this is the beach where you'll see beginners taking lessons, intermediate surfers honing their craft, and seasoned pros warming up before heading out to more challenging breaks.
The waves here are reliable year-round, with the best conditions typically in the morning before the wind picks up. The beach is wide, the water is warmer than you'd expect (especially in summer), and there's a genuine community vibe. You'll see locals, tourists, and everyone in between, all united by the ocean. Here’s the Surfline guide.
Fair warning: Cerritos can get crowded during high season, especially on weekends. (They’ve even been holding the “WSL Cerritos Surf Open”, which gets really busy, but is fun!!) Get there early if you want your pick of the lineup. And yes, this is the safest swimming beach in the area – the only one where you can safely swim without worrying about dangerous currents and rough waters. So, this adds to the popularity of it because of the lack swimming beaches nearby.
Bring cash if you want to grab a drink or snack from the vendors on the beach – they're friendly and the prices are reasonable (there’s who we call the “happiest guy in Baja” and he makes the most delish dacquiris!). There are also established businesses on the beach: Barracuda Cantina and Big Fun Beach Club being faves. Both have food, drinks, and often live music. Watching the sunset from the water or seeing whales in the near distance (in winter months) are things you won't forget!
San Pedrito Beach: The Intermediate Surfer's Sweet Spot
San Pedrito sits about ten minutes north of Cerritos, and it's where you'll find surfers who have outgrown the beginner waves, but aren't quite ready for the heavy stuff. The break here is a bit more powerful than Cerritos, with some shape and punch that makes it fun and challenging without being intimidating. is primarily a rocky reef break with a powerful, rippable right-hand wave (along with some lefts), and exposed beach-and-reef mix. Here’s the Surfline guide.
There are two access points to San Pedrito: one at the end of the main road from our bungalow (next to Kimpton Mas Olas Resort) and another right next to Amaya, which is about a ten-minute drive. The second access point is our go-to because it's easy to park next to the swell. If Amaya is open (it’s been less open lately, unfortunately), it would be the perfect spot to chill post-sesh.
San Pedrito is quieter than Cerritos, which means more waves for fewer people. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and settle in for a few hours. The beach is perfect for picnicking while you're not in the water, and watching the sunset from here is absolutely worth staying until dark.
La Pastora: Advanced Surfers Only
La Pastora is a powerful, exposed, right-handed break with a sandy bottom. The waves here are substantial, the current is strong, and respect for the ocean is mandatory. Don't show up alone if you're unfamiliar with it. Located a little north of Todos Santos (about a thirty minute drive from our bungalow), the beach itself is beautiful and remote, which adds to the appeal for serious surfers. But honestly? Just know it's there, is an option, and it's incredible. Here’s the surf guide.
Nine Palms Beach (East Cape): The More Remote Adventure
About two hours from Todos Santos, in the East Cape, Nine Palms offers something different: it’s a peaky, powerful, long, right-handed point break with a rocky bottom. Getting there requires a drive through rugged desert landscape, but the isolation and the quality of the waves make it worth it. The drive is stunning. It’s a great place to bring a cooler and have the essentials for lunch ready, then leave early afternoon (around 1 or 2PM) because the sun setting on your way home is brutal and dangerous).
This break is for all levels, depending on the swell size and season. Be sure to check the Surfline guide for up-to-date info. It is widely considered one of the most user-friendly and forgiving point breaks in the East Cape region.
If you're planning a day trip to Nine Palms, bring plenty of water, snacks, and gas. There aren't many services out there, so come prepared.
Bonus: Wind Surfing, Kite Surfing, and Kite Boarding in Los Barriles
If you're drawn to wind sports, Los Barriles (just under two hours away) is your place. This small village is famous for consistent wind conditions that make it ideal for wind surfing, kite surfing, and kite boarding year-round, but especially in November to March, revolving around the “El Norte” winds.
The scene here is different than Todos Santos or El Pescadero – it’s a little older expat community with small, independent restaurants and shops, and an overall cool vibe. It’s a lovely drive from Todos Santos on a road that meanders through El Triunfo (an old silver and gold mining town with an fabulous bakery and restaurant) and the surrounding mountains. Staying overnight? There’s also Palmas Pickleball Resort to enjoy and Beans and Rice Tako Bar for a fun, authentic Mexican dinner before you pass out of exhaustion. :)
Making the Most of Your Baja Surf Adventure
The beauty of being based in Todos Santos or El Pescadero is that you can access multiple breaks without hours of driving. Whether you're just learning or you're chasing heavy barrels, there's something for you here.
A few practical tips: always check the swell forecast before you go out. Bring sun protection and have plenty of water or electrolytes on-hand (the Baja sun is no joke), have a full-ish tank of gas, and always have cash on-hand (just in case, cash is king). Respect the ocean and the locals who call these breaks home. And if you're renting a board or taking lessons, ask for recommendations – the local shops and guides know these waters better than anyone.
If you're planning a trip specifically for surfing, timing matters. While there are waves year-round, certain seasons bring more consistent swell. November through March tend to be the most reliable. But honestly? Any time is a good time to be in the water here.
** I love the capture of the surfer below with the whale breaching in the background! This was taken at the Corona Cero Surf Open Cerritos in November 2025.
