The East Cape region between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz is home to some of Baja's best surf breaks, including Zippers, La Fortuna, and The Rock near Los Barriles. This area is famous for its consistent swell from November to April and its off-grid, laid-back surfing culture. Kiteboarding is equally popular, especially at Los Barriles and Buena Vista.
The East Cape of Baja California Sur runs north from San José del Cabo along the Sea of Cortez toward Los Barriles and La Ribera, and it carries a string of point and reef breaks that work on very different conditions from the Pacific side of the peninsula. Because these breaks face southeast, they light up on southern hemisphere swell during the summer and autumn hurricane season rather than on the winter north swells that drive Todos Santos and the Pacific coast.
The named waves cluster along the Corridor and the coast road beyond it. Zippers, at Costa Azul just west of San José del Cabo, is the best known: a fast, hollow right-hand beach and reef break that gets crowded and competitive on a good south swell. The Rock and Old Man's sit within walking distance of the same car park, Old Man's being the mellow, forgiving option where most lessons happen. Further north, Nine Palms, Shipwrecks and La Fortuna are long right-hand point breaks over cobblestone bottom, reached down unpaved spurs and generally far quieter, though a high-clearance vehicle helps. Beach access throughout is free.
A session is a half to full day depending on how far north visitors drive. Board rental and lessons operate from Costa Azul and from shops in San José del Cabo, with beginner lessons commonly around $60-80 USD. The Costa Azul breaks are busiest from mid-morning; dawn patrol is both cleaner, before the onshore breeze, and far less crowded.
The same coast is North America's premier winter kiteboarding and windsurfing destination. From November through March a reliable northerly blows across the bay at Los Barriles and Buena Vista, and schools and rental operations there run through the season. Camping is tolerated at several beachfront spots along the coast road. Facilities thin out quickly north of Los Barriles, so water, fuel and supplies should be carried, and the cobblestone point breaks demand booties and some experience with rocky entries.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always accessible
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- surfers, kiteboarders, off-grid travelers
Location
Carretera al sur, Los Barriles, BCS 23501
23.6833, -109.6667 View on map
Highlights
- Surf Zippers at Costa Azul, the East Cape's fastest and most contested right-hand break
- Learn on the forgiving peaks at Old Man's, a short walk from the same car park
- Drive the unpaved spurs north to the long cobblestone points at Nine Palms, Shipwrecks and La Fortuna
- Kiteboard and windsurf the reliable November-March northerly at Los Barriles and Buena Vista
- Camp at free beachfront spots along the East Cape coast road between La Ribera and Los Barriles
Tips for visiting
- November-April for north swells
- Kiteboarding school in Los Barriles
- Camping available at beachfront spots
When to visit
April through October brings the south swells that make the East Cape breaks work, with the largest surf typically arriving between August and October during hurricane season. Paddle out at dawn before the onshore breeze and the Costa Azul crowds; November to March is the window for kiteboarding rather than surfing.
Accessibility
Costa Azul has a paved car park immediately above the beach with a short but steep sandy descent to the water, so surf-watching from the parking area is possible but shoreline access is not step-free. The northern points are reached by rough unpaved spurs requiring high-clearance vehicles and have no facilities of any kind. There are no adapted toilets or beach matting anywhere along the coast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A half day covers a session and lunch at Costa Azul near San José del Cabo. Driving north to the remote points at Nine Palms or Shipwrecks makes it a full day, given the unpaved access roads.
When is the surf season here?
The East Cape faces southeast and works on southern hemisphere and hurricane swells, so the season runs roughly April through October with peak size in late summer. Winter north swells hit the Pacific side at Todos Santos instead, while November to March brings the kiteboarding wind.
Is it worth it for kids and beginners?
Old Man's at Costa Azul is a gentle, forgiving wave used for most lessons, with rentals and instruction from around $60-80 USD. Zippers and the northern cobblestone points are unsuitable for beginners.
Is there a charge for beach access?
No. All the East Cape breaks have free public beach access. Costs are limited to board rental, lessons and fuel for reaching the more remote points.