The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Punta Cabras

Photo courtesy Olivia Roberts

All along the coast of Baja, Mexico, there are dozens of waves that are untouched or uncrowded day to day, because we either just don’t know about them or don’t want to go through the process of crossing the border. 

Over the past few months, my friends and I have made an effort to take on quick trips down to Mexico to surf and explore some of these waves, our last being in Punta Cabras. 

Keep reading to find why this place is worth a visit as well as the ins and outs to help you master the wave while you’re there. 

What’s So Special About Surfing Punta Cabras?

Small Crowds

Arguably, the best part about surfing in Mexico—especially in Punta Cabras—is the lack of a crowded lineup. No matter how good the waves are on a given day, it is rare if you get to surf alone along the coast of Southern California. 

Despite it being a known and established wave, the 20-30 minute dirt road drive from the nearest town and the smaller surfing population in Mexico, significantly raises the chances of you getting to surf here by yourself or with a smaller crew. 

Scenery

As you drive along the cliffside, the sight of horses and cows roaming freely, combined with the absence of large industrial buildings, makes it impossible for you to ignore the beauty of the landscape around you.

Camping Experience

Most people heading to surf Punta Cabras choose to camp in their cars or tents along the dirt road leading to the wave or right in front of it.

This means that a trip to Punta Cabras isn’t just about surfing—it’s an opportunity to disconnect from cell service, dive in and out of the water multiple times a day, and live simply off of what you brought with you. 

For me, the simplicity of this experience made all the difference. Each session was more rewarding and enjoyable than the last.

The Best Surf Spots in Punta Cabras

The main and most common surfed wave here is on a long stretch of sand with tons of peaks scattered throughout. While they don’t have distinct names, certain sections of the beach work differently than others. 

For the sake of this guide, we will call the wave directly in front of the camping zone the main break and the wave tucked into the cove on the North end of the beach, the North Break. 

Punta Cabras- Main Break (31.347178, -116.454633)

This wave is a classic beach break. The location of the peak is different from wave to wave and there is potential to go both right and left. One thing that is unique about this wave is its ability to stay clean past dawn patrol sessions as its placement between coves shelters it from the wind. 

While it is known to work best in the winter season and on a west swell with east-southeast winds, predicting the size of its waves months in advance is difficult. 

This December, as my friends and I visited, we were met with 4-6 ft waves with occasional sets that were comfortably overhead. While this may be typical for winter months, those same friends I went with this year, visited last December as it was only 1-3 ft. 

As always, a good rule of thumb to follow while planning any trip is to check the forecast and see if the wave sizes are predicted to be in your skill range or not. 

Punta Cabras- North Break

As you walk north to the very end of the main beach, you'll discover another wave tucked within the cliff's edge and cove.

On bigger days, a wave will form and break off one of the rocks about 25 ft out, creating a right-point wave. If this type of wave suits your style, it’s a great alternative to the beach breaks that dominate the rest of the sand.

This spot is also particularly notable for being beginner- and intermediate-friendly on overhead days.

A channel runs alongside the rocks, offering an easy path out to the peak—unlike the main break, where you might take a few sets on the head.

Additionally, small inside waves can still be surfed here even when the rest of the beach is overhead, making it an inviting option for surfers of varying skill levels.

The Secret Spots

Looking back on my earlier comment, Baja has countless waves that remain unnamed and unestablished, and the Punta Cabras area is no exception.

That said, exploring these waves requires a little bit of blind faith. They can vary from day to day, might only work as novelty waves or even have rocks scattered across the inside.

Still, the reward is undeniable: the likelihood of surfing completely on your own is significantly high.

To uncover these spots, follow the dirt paths that lead to various lookouts along the cliffs. Scan each cove to see if it’s surfable. Who knows? You might stumble upon a perfect point break that doubles up, with an ideal camping spot right next to it—hint hint.

What To Do In Punta Cabras When the Waves Are Flat

Fish

The coves that surround this beach and camping area are coated with fish that you could catch, fillet and eat for dinner. So, don’t forget your rods, spear-gun or even just your goggles to go snorkeling on a clear day. 

Offroad

The roads around Punta Cabras are wide open and unpaved. For those with four-wheel drive or off-roading vehicles, these rugged paths provide plenty of opportunities to explore, some even leading you directly to riding onto the beach along the water. 

Explore the Area

Far from cell service and the rest of civilization, you’ll have nothing better to do than explore the land around you. You can spend your days exploring tide pools and wandering through sand dunes as the sun is up, and as night falls, gather yucca plants to fuel your fire and watch the bright stars and occasional shooting stars above. 

Surfing Punta Cabras

Escape the chaos of Southern California or other crowded lineups and explore Baja, Mexico. Using this guide, plan a trip, grab some friends, pack your passport and head down to Punta Cabras as new waves await you!