Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Costa Azul is an exposed stretch known for very reliable surfing conditions along the San José del Cabo area. The coastline is generally described as producing consistent waves, with typical preferences for south-to-southwest swell and offshore northwest winds that help groom the faces. The main surfing profile is built around peeling beach/reef breaks with moderate wave power. Conditions vary by section along the stretch: some sections provide faster, more demanding waves (including very fast/hollow behavior on bigger south pulses), while other areas are more approachable and can support longer, more forgiving rides. Safety is a key consideration. The area includes exposed rocks and sea urchins, and rip currents may develop during larger swells. Crowds can also become significant in peak season, particularly when competitive locals are out; standard surf etiquette applies and it’s important to be aware of others at the peak. For planning, the most favorable months for consistent conditions are typically late spring through summer into early fall (especially May to October). Water temperatures are reported as warm year-round and wetsuit needs vary by season; in winter, a 3/2 mm wetsuit is commonly recommended, while a rash guard or shorty may be sufficient in summer. Healthcare access is available nearby, and emergency number 911 is appropriate; maritime rescue is handled by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).

  • Very reliable, consistent surf for the region
  • Offshore northwest winds associated with better grooming
  • Hazards include rocks and sea urchins; booties recommended if you aren’t familiar
  • Peak crowds and competitive locals especially in summer
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Very reliable, consistent surf; generally good water quality.
  • Offshore northwest winds are associated with the best surf conditions.
  • Multiple break sections along the Costa Azul stretch support different styles of surfing.
  • Tourism infrastructure and access are straightforward from nearby towns.
Heads up
  • Exposed coastline with hazards including rocks and sea urchins.
  • Crowds can build during the summer; some sections are competitive.
  • Rescue availability is limited; rip currents can occur during large swells.
  • Pollution after heavy rain is a reported concern.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind regime described for Costa Azul; best conditions align with offshore northwest winds.
Reliability
high
Gust Factor
Steady — Reported as steady.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Shadow Zones
none reported

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Some sources describe the broader coastal areas as mixed with rocky/reef shelves.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Reported as small for Costa Azul in general descriptions; some sections can become faster/more intense on bigger south pulses.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch difficulty varies by section; one source describes easy access while another describes moderate difficulty overall.
Shore Break
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–29 °C
Water Temperature
18–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 3/2mmAug, Sep: 2mm
Crowds by Season

sometimes crowded, especially in summer

Storm/Rain Season

Late August through September is the peak hurricane/rainy window.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed Costa Azul stretch with very reliable surf and multiple breaks along the coastline. Works best with south-to-southwest swell on an offshore northwest wind.

Beach breakReef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
SSE, SSW, S, SW
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Optimal tide reported as mid.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed coastline with limited natural shelter.
Wind Effect
offshore-nw-best; offshore northwest winds groom the faces; onshore south winds can create chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well on the stretch; bigger south pulses can become very fast and hollow in the Zippers section.
Wave Quality
Good — Good to excellent quality depending on section and conditions.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate power; stays rideable.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Generally peeling; very fast/hollow behavior reported on bigger south pulses at the stretch.
Peel Speed
Medium — Consistent peeling.
Ride Length
Medium — Medium-length rides with consistent peeling; range reported up to longboard glides depending on the specific section.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Medium-length rides; consistent peeling. Ride lengths reported as ~50–150 meters depending on section.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) in the full forecast view.

Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
S175°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 289 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–2.0 m11s period
Temperature
25–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.1–2.0 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
  • sea urchins
  • rip currents (reported during large swells)
  • pollution after heavy rain
  • crowds
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHelmetImpact vestBootsGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; Zofemat lifeguards are present at major public beaches.
Emergency Info
Emergency number: 911. Major hospitals include H+ Hospital Los Cabos and BlueNet Hospitals. Maritime rescue handled by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).

Rules of the spot

Standard surf etiquette applies; yield to local riders at the peak.

Local Tips
  • Watch out for sea urchins on the reef/rock sections; wearing booties is a good idea if you aren't familiar with the spot.
  • Check conditions with local surf businesses before heading out.
  • Be aware of rocks and urchins when entering the water (shuffle feet to avoid stepping on urchins).

Getting there & access

Nearest City
San José del Cabo
Nearest Town
San José del Cabo
Nearest Airport
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (~25–30 km)
Parking
designated parking areas nearby the beach access point; limited public parking available along the road and near surf shops
Public Transport
Ruta del Desierto bus service runs frequently along the Transpeninsular Highway
Access
Accessible via Highway 1 from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo; turn onto Paseo San Jose. Direct access from the highway; walk down from the parking areas near the resorts.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous beachfront hotels and luxury resorts line the Costa Azul beach, with extensive accommodation options between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
Food & Drink
Nearby restaurants and bars located along/near the surf breaks.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboards and longboards are available for rent at shops located on the beach; equipment rental is available in the area.
Gear Storage
Limited storage available through local surf schools.
Gear Repair
Basic ding repair services are available in San José del Cabo; local surf shops provide board repairs.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A high-end, international water-sports destination in the Los Cabos Corridor with strong access and a surf-centered scene.

Best time to visit: May to June for ideal weather and consistent surf before the heat of late summer.
El Arco (The Arch)15-20 km

Distinctive granite rock formation at the southern tip of the peninsula.

San Jose del Cabo Art District5-10 km

Historical center known for its Thursday night Art Walk and galleries.

Whale WatchingLocal

Seasonal tours to see Humpback and Gray whales in the bay.

Zipper’s Bar & GrillLocal

Iconic beachfront spot for watching the surf at Costa Azul.

Cabo Dolphins10 km

Educational dolphin encounters and interactive programs.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers)?

The best overall months at Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) are May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers)?

Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) suitable for?

Costa Azul (The Rock / Acapulquito / Zippers) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.