Surfing the East Cape
One of the biggest draws of surfing the East Cape is the environment itself. The water is warm most of the year, visibility is high, and you are often surfing with views of desert mountains dropping straight into the sea. The area remains relatively undeveloped compared to Cabo San Lucas, which keeps lineups uncrowded and the experience more raw and authentic. Early mornings often bring glassy conditions, light offshore winds, and long, clean sets rolling in from the Sea of Cortez.
Access requires a bit more effort, which is part of the appeal. Most spots are reached by dirt roads, and conditions can change quickly based on wind and swell direction. That said, for surfers looking for consistency during south swell season, warm water, and a quieter alternative to more commercialized surf towns, the East Cape offers some of the most rewarding surf in Baja.
Famous Surf Breaks
The East Cape of Baja, just north of Cabo San Lucas along the Sea of Cortez, offers a very different surf experience than the Pacific side of the peninsula. Here, the coastline faces east and picks up long-period south and southeast swells, especially from late spring through early fall. The result is clean, warm-water surf with far fewer crowds than you will find on the Pacific coast or in mainland Mexico.
Breaks along the East Cape range from mellow point breaks to faster reef setups, with Shipwrecks being the most well known. Shipwrecks delivers long, peeling right-handers that can run for hundreds of yards on the right swell. It is a favorite for intermediate and advanced surfers due to its speed and shallow reef, but on smaller days it becomes approachable and incredibly fun. Nearby breaks like Nine Palms and La Fortuna offer more forgiving conditions and are better suited for mixed skill levels.
