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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
sometimes crowded, especially in summer
Late August through September is the peak hurricane/rainy window.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- sea urchins
- rip currents (reported during large swells)
- pollution after heavy rain
- crowds
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A high-end, international water-sports destination in the Los Cabos Corridor with strong access and a surf-centered scene.
Distinctive granite rock formation at the southern tip of the peninsula.
Historical center known for its Thursday night Art Walk and galleries.
Seasonal tours to see Humpback and Gray whales in the bay.
Iconic beachfront spot for watching the surf at Costa Azul.
Educational dolphin encounters and interactive programs.
From riders who've been here
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.