Thanks to a steady flow of warm-water waves paired with breathtaking desert scenery, luxurious accommodations, world-class dining and shopping, a surfing trip to Los Cabos is sure to be the vacation of a lifetime. The Los Cabos region is comprised of two neighboring towns at the southern end of the Baja Peninsula; San Jose del Cabo is a charming colonial town home to a beautiful downtown plaza and a thriving art scene, while Cabo San Lucas is famous for its wide variety of pulsating nightlife.
Here are some highlights about the local surf scene in Los Cabos:
History of Surfing in Los Cabos
The waters around Los Cabos were surfed by traveling sailors and fishermen from California as early as the 1950s. Footage of the area’s surf was featured in the 1968 surf film Golden Breed, and Sean Collins of Surfline fame started to explore the region in the late 1960s. Despite the fact that the Trans-Peninsular highway connecting Baja Norte and Baja Sur was finished in 1973, Los Cabos didn’t really gain traction as a mainstream surf destination until the middle of the 1980s. By the ‘90s, surf contests and conferences were cropping up in the area. Today, Los Cabos is home to a large population of local surfers, both ex-pat and Mexican alike, and draws surfers from all over the world looking for the perfect getaway.
Most Popular Areas
Los Cabos contains innumerable surfing gems along its pristine coastlines. However, there are some definite hot spots that consistently draw larger crowds. East of San Jose del Cabo is south-facing East Cape which features right pointbreaks, and to the southwest at the tip of the peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez is Costa Azul, famous for rock-reef breaks. The area northwest of Cabo San Lucas on the west-facing Pacific coast is another great spot for rock-reef breaks and gorgeous coastline.
Know Before You Go
With year-round local surfers, both expat and Mexican, plus daily flights arriving from Southern California, the waters can get a little crowded. As with any area you may be visiting, be sure to show respect to your fellow surfers and you will likely get the same courtesy in return. Certain areas have large populations of sea urchins, and rocks can be hazardous at times, too. The strength of the Baja sun is not to be underestimated, so keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water and always be sure to wear sunscreen. And don’t forget, the ocean isn’t just a playground for surfers; there are sea creatures galore roaming the area such as jellyfish, sharks and stingrays that you should definitely keep an eye out for.
