Boca Del Salado

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Boca Del Salado is a fairly exposed beach-and-reef surfing spot on the Baja Sur East Cape, with miles of beach break and scattered reef breaks. The bottom is mixed with reef outcrops, so conditions can vary across the lineup, and rides are often described as most enjoyable when the right swell and offshore wind align. For wave direction, south swells are repeatedly highlighted as the key driver of better conditions. When offshore northwest winds are present, the surf tends to be better groomed. While the overall wave power is generally described as moderate, the spot can deliver fun, peeling right-hand reef waves under the right summer setup. Safety is a major theme here: sources consistently warn about submerged rocks and sea urchins. Pollution risk is also mentioned, particularly after heavy rains, and strong currents can occur in/near the reef and river-mouth areas. Because the area is remote, visitors should expect limited immediate services and plan to be fully self-sufficient. Seasonally, summer is the standout period for surf, with November to March often associated with windier conditions regionally. Sea temperatures are warm through the year, and wetsuit needs are typically light compared with colder coasts—though boots are recommended for reef access given the hazards.

  • Quite reliable surf in the right summer conditions
  • South swell is the best swell direction
  • Offshore northwest winds help groom waves
  • Remote, off-the-beaten-path feel
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Quite reliable surf in the right season
  • Exposed beach/reef variety can produce both beach and reef breaks
  • Offshore northwest winds can groom waves
Heads up
  • Hazardous bottom with rocks and sea urchins
  • Water quality can be polluted (including possible post-rain pollution)
  • Remote access and limited/no services on-site
  • Surf can be more fickle than Pacific-side breaks due to Sea of Cortez conditions
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW, W
Wind Range
4–12 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Sources describe mainly trade/seasonal northerly offshore influence depending on season; winter can include northerly 'El Norte' frontal winds.
Reliability
fairly consistent
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Also described as light-gusts by another provider, indicating variability by season/day.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Close to cliffs or high terrain along the coast

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Sand — Also described as mixed beach composition.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small-to-modest size commonly reported; can get messy on very large south swells.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with open access and rocky/reef sections.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Also described as moderate due to access/launch conditions across sandy and rocky sections.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
23–29 °C
Water Temperature
23–34 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 1 mm wetsuit or rash guard (boots recommended for reef access)
Crowds by Season

Generally low year-round due to remote access; can get busier on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

August to October

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A fairly exposed beach-and-reef setup with scattered left/right reef breaks and miles of beach break. Best when a south swell combines with offshore northwest winds; summer is the standout season.

Beach breakReef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Reported as best at mid tide by one provider; another source emphasizes summer/south swell more generally.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed beach and reef break.
Wind Effect
Best with northwest offshore winds that groom the waves; surf can be more fickle than Pacific-side breaks.
Bigger Swell
Can close out or become messy with very large south swells; holds modest size in general.
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as average; overall characterized as quite reliable in the right swell/season.
Wave Power
Moderate — Also characterized as moderate/average overall.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Described as mixed; with a consistent right-hand peeling wall when conditions line up.
Peel Speed
Medium — Described as peeling at the right-hand reef/point.
Ride Length
Medium — Relatively long and fun rides reported; also described as a consistent ride at the reef/point.
Ride Length Details
Consistent right-hand peeling wave over mixed sand and rock/reef bottom.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Boca Del Salado in the full forecast view.

Boca Del Salado wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
NE42°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 258 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–2.1 m11s period
Temperature
26–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Boca Del Salado is forecast for daytime winds of 3–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–2.1 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • urchins
  • pollution (including possible post-rain pollution)
  • strong currents (including occasional rip currents near the reef/river mouth)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsWetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site rescue services; expected to be self-sufficient.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in San José del Cabo (about 45–60 minutes away). General emergency number: 911.

Rules of the spot

General surfing etiquette applies; respect the remote nature of the area and hazards in/near the water.

Restrictions
  • Remote access: bring required supplies; there may be no immediate services.
Local Tips
  • Look out for urchins and rocks in the water.
  • Water conditions are more fickle than Pacific-side breaks due to Sea of Cortez location.
  • Be prepared to be self-sufficient with food and water due to limited services.
  • Use caution for pollution after heavy rains.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cabo San Lucas
Nearest Airport
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Parking
Unregulated roadside parking/parking along beach or dirt tracks; no formal lot indicated.
Public Transport
Public transportation to this coastal stretch is non-existent; a private vehicle (preferably high-clearance 4x4) is required for access.
Access
Accessible via the Camino Cabo Este (East Cape Road), a long unpaved dirt road; may require high-clearance 4WD and can involve hiking.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Immediate vicinity has limited off-grid options (camping and a few boutique eco-lodges); more options are in San José del Cabo or Los Barriles.
Food & Drink
No food or drink available at the spot; basic supplies are in small settlements further north or south.
Equipment Rental:
None available locally; equipment is typically rented in nearby towns.
Gear Storage
No public gear storage facilities are available in this remote area.
Gear Repair
Professional gear repair is available in nearby hubs (Los Barriles or La Ventana), but not on-site.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The East Cape is an off-the-grid, rugged region where outdoor exploration and marine wildlife are common highlights.

Best time to visit: December to April for a balance of wind sports and whale watching.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park30 km north

Protected marine area featuring the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America.

San José del Cabo Historic District45 km south

Colonial town center with an 18th-century mission, art galleries, and traditional Mexican architecture.

Off-Roading and ATV Tours0 km

Extensive dirt tracks and arroyos popular for desert exploration and off-road driving.

Flora Farms40 km south

Farm-to-table dining and an organic farm in the Sierra de la Laguna foothills.

Whale Watching45 km south

Seasonal boat tours to see Humpback and Gray whales migrating through the Sea of Cortez.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Boca Del Salado?

The best overall months at Boca Del Salado are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Boca Del Salado?

Boca Del Salado works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.

What skill level is Boca Del Salado suitable for?

Boca Del Salado suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.