Boca Del Salado
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Quite reliable surf in the right season
- Exposed beach/reef variety can produce both beach and reef breaks
- Offshore northwest winds can groom waves
- 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
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
Generally low year-round due to remote access; can get busier on weekends.
August to October
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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)
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.
- Remote access: bring required supplies; there may be no immediate services.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The East Cape is an off-the-grid, rugged region where outdoor exploration and marine wildlife are common highlights.
Protected marine area featuring the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America.
Colonial town center with an 18th-century mission, art galleries, and traditional Mexican architecture.
Extensive dirt tracks and arroyos popular for desert exploration and off-road driving.
Farm-to-table dining and an organic farm in the Sierra de la Laguna foothills.
Seasonal boat tours to see Humpback and Gray whales migrating through the Sea of Cortez.
From riders who've been here
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.