Blog  |  Monday, November 25, 2024

A Surfer’s Guide to Beaches ‘Going Off’ Near Los Cabos

Los Cabos attracts three million visitors every year. In this sun-soaked southern point of Baja, tourism is on the rise with an estimated 70% of visitors considered “repeats,” making return trips to the locale. With picture-perfect weather, sapphire waters, luxury accommodations, and an abundance of outdoor activities, like surfing, it’s easy to see why Los Cabos is a hit.

Up until the 1980s, Los Cabos was only known to a handful of locals and outside surfers. As tourism and infrastructure grew, word got out about this quintessential surf locale. Known for rustic beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and waves that offer long rides, surfing near Los Cabos is now an iconic adventure.

• Best time to visit

  While you can always find a wave to ride, spring is the best time to plan a trip. Between March-May, a shoulder season, you’ll find quiet beaches and frequent swells.

  During the summer, the beaches are crowded with vacationers. The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, gets pretty busy too.

• Surfing beaches

  If you’re planning to surf, you’ll likely head to one of a dozen or so beaches. Some spots are better for beginners while others are ideal for experts. Sometimes, you’ll find groups of locals embracing the surf; some even host “full moon parties” and surf into the night.

  Here are some of the popular beaches for surfers:

  • Nine Palms

    A high-ranking spot with locals and visitors, Nine Palms has a right-hand point hidden at the end of a cratered dirt road. For more than a decade, Nine Palms has lured surfers to its shores. When an overhead south swell rolls in, you’ll see a reeling wall that keeps surfers active.

    Expect to see locals and a crew of expats hailing from the nearby Los Zacatitos community at this beach. This active community, situated on East Cape, relishes the area’s natural beauty and its proximity to some of the best waves around.

    After a day on your board, hit Azul Cortez inside the White Lodge Hotel, near 9 Palmas, a local coffee shop, for a coffee or fresh-pressed juices. Zai Sushi Surf Bar at La Fortuna beach is another local fave. By serving up some of the freshest fish on the coast, this spot has such a reputation that people drive for 30-40 minutes just to have a meal.

  • Shipwrecks

    Getting to Shipwrecks is part of your adventure. You’ll travel along some of the most scenic roads in Los Cabos, as you hug the coastline. Development is limited here, so it’s usually just you and the open road.

    Shipwrecks, like many popular surfing beaches, is not well-marked, and you’ll wind through a wild path to get yourself to the water. Once you get to the beach, you’ll find crystal-clear water and rock cliffs surrounding you.

    Known for its punchy right wall and a left wall that can barrel, surfers of all levels flock to Shipwreck.

    If it’s your first time visiting, it’s best to go with a guide who can point out the take-off spots, rocks to avoid, and go over the local etiquette. While locals are welcoming to visitors, it’s always best to understand the unwritten rules of the waves.

  • Playa Monumentos

    If you’ve got some skill on the board, you can head to Playa Monumentos. Reserved for highly-experienced surfers, this tricky left point break offers surges that swell to 12 feet. The take-off zones are a bit rocky, and you have to be mindful of sea urchins, but many say that it’s a worthy ride.

  • Zippers

    Sitting just west of Cabo San Lucas, Zippers has a fast right break that’s popular with well-known surfers. It’s the home of world surf competitions, so if you’re looking to rub elbows with some of the greats, head to this beach. Keep in mind, it’s not an ideal spot for beginners, so you shouldn’t paddle out unless you have some skills.

• Planning your trip

  If surfing near Los Cabos is your main focus, you’ll need to consider a few things as you plan your trip.

  • Where to stay

    Research the beaches you plan to surf and plan to stay in the area. You don’t want a long commute to and from the beach.
    Consider staying at a resort that offers surf lessons or day-trips to local beaches so you can get the services you need right on-site.

    Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers a Surf Safari, for example, that takes visitors to the best beaches in the area. If you choose not to bring your board, you can rent one and take advantage of lessons, transportation, snacks, and drinks.

  • What to bring

    If your trip entails surfing near Los Cabos, you’ll need to bring a few essentials with you, like your board. While you can rent, most surfers want their own board. You’ll need a board bag and you should look into the cost of getting your board to Los Cabos. You’ll need to add your airfare and baggage fees together to find the best rates.

    You should also bring:

    • A ding repair kit
    • Extra leash
    • Extra fins
    • Wax
    • Sunscreen (with zinc)
    • Bathing suit and rash guard

    It’s usually too warm for a wetsuit, but many surfers do prefer a rash guard.

  • Get some advice from locals

    If you’re a beginner, it’s best to connect with a surf shop that offers lessons and gear rentals. They’ll not only provide lessons on how to surf but suggest beaches that are best for beginners, like Old Man’s Beach which has gentle waves ideal for those just starting out.

    Even if you’re an advanced surfer, it’s a good idea to check in with a local surf shop and have a quick conversation about the beaches, weather conditions, and etiquette.

Whether it’s the surf that draws you to Los Cabos or something else, many visitors end up becoming residents. Why return year after year and ride the waves when you can own your own residence and surf at your leisure? For those who fall in love with the sunny swells, luxury real estate options exist within Costa Palmas that are ready for exploration.