Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur)
- Foil, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cabo Pulmo is a remote, conservation-focused destination centered on an exceptional, exceptionally clear marine environment within the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. The surf here is described as a quite exposed beach-reef-and-point break with pretty consistent surf, with strong seasonal influence from south swells. While the water is famously clear, that clarity also makes it easier to see and assess hazards like coral. For surfing specifically, conditions are most often tied to summer into September, with a best month cited as September. The break is described as exposed, and it can become heavier and more demanding on larger south swells due to currents. Surf quality is generally described as good, with a tendency toward peeling right-hand waves/reef-point character on the right day. Safety considerations are a major part of the local picture. Hazards listed include sharks, coral (including sharp coral and fire coral), and stingrays. Strong rip currents and strong currents during large south swells are also noted, plus the spot’s remoteness and lack of dedicated lifeguards/rescue services mean surfers should plan conservatively. Tips include doing morning sessions for improved visibility when it’s windy, shuffling feet when entering to reduce stingray risk, and being alert for fire coral stings. In terms of wind-driven sports, winter north winds and a thermal afternoon wind build can make conditions workable at certain times, while summer periods may be calmer. Reported wind for winter can be moderate with typical ranges around 15–25 knots, and offshore conditions are described for west/northwest wind directions. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling are described as advanced due to rocky/protected reef launch conditions, and local regulations within the marine park apply.
- Exposed but consistent beach-reef-and-point break surf
- Exceptional water clarity within a protected marine park
- Relatively few surfers even on good days
- South swells in summer into September are the key surfing window
- Exceptional water clarity and a protected marine environment.
- Consistent surf described for the exposed beach-reef/point setup.
- Generally very few surfers even on good days.
- Exposed conditions with reef hazards make it unsuitable for many beginners.
- Strong currents can occur during larger south swells.
- Marine-park protections impose strict behavior around the reef, and there are restrictions on some activities.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Offshore directions
- WNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal-style northerly winds noted for winter (El Norte), with calmer summer periods.
- Reliability
- Moderate during winter months; often calm in summer.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described, with mixed local areas also reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf described; surfing works best on south swells.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop described for the water.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy patches between rocky outcrops and reef sections.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can get busy with day-trippers during peak holidays and weekends.
Late August to early October is hurricane season; hurricane risk can extend into other late-summer/early-autumn periods.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Challenging launch due to protected reef and rocky shore; more commonly pursued by others nearby to avoid protected core zones.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Possible during winter north winds, but requires careful navigation due to rocky entrance and coral reef.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Clear water and swell can make it attractive; shallow reef sections and park-related rules should be considered.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foiling support is limited due to shallow reef/launch conditions.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Quite exposed beach-reef-and-point break with pretty consistent surf; a right-hand reef/point tendency is described. Works best on south swells in summer/autumn.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, SSW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore in West/Northwest winds; South winds can make it messy (wind can also be strong depending on conditions).
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well but becomes heavy with significant current; conditions can be more demanding.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Often described as consistent surf that can become more substantial on the right swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer long, peeling rides on the right day, connecting through multiple sections.
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling rides are possible on the right day; connects through multiple sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) in the full forecast view.
Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- NNE30°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 269 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.5 m10s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.6–1.5 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharks
- Coral
- Sharp coral
- Strong currents
- Stingrays
- Fire coral
- Coral heads, sharp rocks, and shallow reef sections
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated water-sports rescue services reported for the remote area; rescue availability indicated as no.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in San José del Cabo (about 2 hours away). National emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Located within the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park; strict regulations regarding reef contact and environmental protection apply. Motorized watercraft restrictions also apply.
- No fishing
- Strict environmental protection rules
- Motorized watercraft restrictions
- Reef contact restrictions
- Morning visits recommended for better visibility despite windy conditions.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays in the sand.
- Watch out for fire coral which can cause painful stings.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Jose del Cabo
- Nearest Town
- Cabo Pulmo
- Nearest Airport
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), about 95 km away
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the village and beach access points.
- Public Transport
- No public transportation to the region; travelers rely on car rentals
- Access
- Accessible via a long dirt road (Camino Cabo Este) from either the north or south; high-clearance vehicle recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Eco-bungalows, small hotels, and off-grid rentals in the village; primarily off-grid and eco-friendly stays with limited large hotels.
- Food & Drink
- Several small restaurants and bars serving local seafood and Mexican cuisine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Mostly diving and snorkeling gear; surfboards can occasionally be rented in the village. Specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling rentals may require arrangements.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage via local dive shops and some eco-lodges.
- Gear Repair
- None available; bring your own repair kits.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, remote destination where desert landscapes meet a protected marine sanctuary known for exceptional clarity and conservation-focused eco-tourism.
A protected marine sanctuary famous for its vibrant coral reef and massive schools of jack fish
A small community that transitioned from fishing to conservation-based tourism
Seasonal opportunities to dive with bull sharks in their natural habitat within the protected reef area
Sea kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling in translucent waters
A local staple offering traditional Mexican seafood and authentic regional dishes
Few local shops and restaurants; plan ahead
Seasonal boat tours to see humpback whales migrating through the Sea of Cortez from December to April
Safe snorkeling beaches and resident bull shark viewing
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur)?
The best overall months at Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur)?
Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) works with N, NE winds. Offshore directions are WNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) suitable for?
Cabo Pulmo (Baja Sur) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.