Complete Surfing Guide to Baja California, Mexico
The Baja California peninsula is a holy land in the surfing world. Although the surf in Baja California is truly epic, crowds remain fairly small due to the remote location of most surf spots as well as the political uncertainty in Mexico.
However, anyone looking for a life changing surfing adventure will be greatly rewarded when leaving for a surf trip to Baja California, Mexico.
The peninsula is divided in two distinct Mexican states. Baja California and Baja California Sur. While the northern region might have colder water and a bit less of a tropical buzz, it is where you will find the uncrowded, perfect waves.
The surf in Baja California will be better for intermediate and advanced surfers due to the sometimes powerful breaks in the area. Beginners will probably have better surfing opportunities in Sayulita or in Baja California Sur.
When to surf Baja California
The best time to surf Baja California, Mexico is from March to November, although surfing is decent and possible through the rest of the year.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | 13°C 55°F | 14°C 58°F | 17°C 62°F | 21°C 69°F | 19°C 66°F | 14°C 58°F |
| Water temperature | 15°C 60°F | 15°C 60°F | 17°C 62°F | 19°C 67°F | 19°C 67°F | 17°C 62°F |
| Crowd | Few people | Few people | Few people | Fairly crowded | Few people | Few people |
| Swell Consistency | 85% | 90% | 95% | 100% | 90% | 90% |
| Swell height | 4 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft | 4 ft |
The best way to get to Baja California is to fly to Tijuana or Ensenada. From there, you can get around using local public transportation, taxi or car rental.
Keep in mind when getting around Baja California that some areas might be more tense than others and make sure to commute during day time.
Baja California Surf Spots
Baja Malibu
Beautiful and consistent beach break located on the south side of Tijuana. Not your dreamy Baja point break but one of the most accessible spot in the region.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : E
K38
K38 is a long and epic point break located under an hour away from Tijuana. This wave is amongst the best waves in Baja Norte.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Rocks
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : E
Rosarito beach
Next to Rosarito pier is a classic beach break with accessible waves for surfers of all levels. It breaks at any tide and is suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : E